Wainscoting adds architectural detail to plain bathroom walls.
Dress up bare bathroom walls with wainscoting in a range of styles and patterns. Whether you choose to paint the wainscoting in bright hues or a classic white, options are available to suit any style of bathroom. Wainscoting can be installed board by board, purchased in pre-cut panels or in kits that come with everything you will need. Work within your skill set or with a contractor for best results.
Types of Wainscoting
In essence, wainscoting is a collection of boards affixed to the wall in mostly symmetrical configurations. Whether you choose a flat paneled, raised paneled or wall paneled treatment depends largely on personal taste as well as available space. For instance, a wall paneled treatment can be purchased in large sheets and cut and installed to the size of the space. Flat and raised paneled looks can be achieved by installing boards to the wall in rectangular or square patterns.
Trim and Baseboards
To finish it you can top it with a chair rail and install baseboards. When shopping for supplies, assemble a mock-up of your chosen pieces to get an accurate depiction of what the design will look like once installed. If other architectural details are already in place, take a picture with you if you don't have a sample to work with. Mix and match pieces until you have a design that will work for your space. Look for decorative corner pieces to add a personalized touch to the design.
Height of Wainscoting
Wainscoting can be installed at a variety of different heights. Common heights include one-third of the way up the wall and two-thirds of the way up the wall. Consider the height of the fixed elements in the bathroom, such as the vanity, bathtub and any shelving in the room. The treatment you use for the rest of the wall can help dictate how high you affix the wainscoting. For instance, if you have chosen a wallpaper you love you will want to affix the wainscoting lower to showcase more of the print. Or, if you choose paint, the wainscoting may become the dominant feature.
Paint and Accessories
While bright white is the classic choice, you may choose to paint the wainscoting in any shade or hue that works with the overall design of the bathroom. Look to the existing decor of the room for ideas on what shade will work. Accessorize the wainscoting with a series of decorative hooks for hanging towels and bathrobes. If you choose a wide enough chair rail to top the wainscoting, you can display photos or artwork on the edge of it.
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