7 design ideas for walls that will completely transform your bathroom

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Off the wall? Here are 7 inspiring design ideas to add wow to your bathroom walls

View of a bathroom which features a marble architecture, bathroom, ceiling, daylighting, floor, home, interior design, plumbing fixture, real estate, room, tile, wall, gray

A floor-to-ceiling glass shower wall gives this bathroom bathroom, floor, home, interior design, property, room, tap, tile, white

Metal Backsplash - bathroom | floor | flooring bathroom, floor, flooring, interior design, room, tile, wall, window, brown

Stone tiles as seen by The Tile Depot bathroom, floor, flooring, interior design, room, tile, wall, gray

See more here architecture, bathroom, floor, home, interior design, real estate, room, tile, wall, white, gray

a mix of 28 different patterned tiles, randomly bathroom, ceramic, floor, flooring, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, tap, tile, wall, gray

The Pacifica leadlight window and pendant lighting in bathroom, bathroom accessory, countertop, floor, home, interior design, room, sink, window, gray

The detail of a shower with stone wall architecture, glass, house, plumbing fixture, wall, window, gray, black

Travertine Tiles - bathroom | floor | flooring bathroom, floor, flooring, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, tile, wall, brown, gray

To add interest to this new shower area, bathroom, floor, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, shower, tile, gray

Smooth, white Italian porcelain tiles with minimal grouting architecture, bathroom, black and white, interior design, monochrome, plumbing fixture, room, tile, gray, black

This shower area includes feature tile surfaces, built-in bathroom, ceramic, floor, flooring, home, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, tile, wall, gray

Several ancient civilizations like the Persians and Romans, took pride in building bathhouses and spas with elaborate wall mosaics.

But over the years, having a well-designed bathroom in the home took a backseat, with the focus mostly trained on the design of the more public living area.

Thankfully, that's changed in recent years and we've seen some stunning design concepts for bathrooms.

The largest element in your bathroom are the walls – but they don't always get the consideration they need.

We've got some great ideas for how to make your bathroom walls a stand-out feature.

1. Rock tile

The rock tiles adds a natural look to the bathroom. Pebbled or river-rock shower tiles are popular among homeowners who prefer adding a unique element to the shower. River-rock stone tiles usually come in two ways. They can be either single pieces that can mosaic together, or come in pre-cut sizes. The latter is always easier to assemble.

Stacked stone tiles – from The Tile Depot bathroom, floor, flooring, interior design, room, tile, wall, gray — Stacked stone tiles – from The Tile Depot

2. Marble tiles

Marble is the overwhelming favourite while doing your bathroom. Marble tiles have never been out of fashion. In fact the entire shower bathroom can be finished in marble – with Carrara marble being the most popular.

Marble-look tiles in a TIDA-award winning bathroom by bathroom, floor, home, interior design, property, room, tap, tile, white — Marble-look tiles in a TIDA-award winning bathroom by Leuschke Kahn Architects. See more

3. Mosaic

If you want to add some excitement to your shower tiles then mosaic is one of the best ways in this regard. These tiles can add a pop of colour, drama, shape, and shine to your shower, the backsplash, and the recessed shelf. A framed or a striped accent, or a full wall glass mosaic looks striking inside the bathroom. You can also create mosaics to create borders to add a personal statement to your shower area without breaching the budget. The biggest advantage of a border tile is that it can be changed in future according to the taste of the homeowner.

Design by Kira Grey. See more architecture, bathroom, floor, home, interior design, real estate, room, tile, wall, white, gray — Design by Kira Grey. See more

4. Wainscoting

This is a decorative wall covering which extends partly up the wall. It’s usually done in wood and in bigger spaces like the dining area. But it can also used in bathrooms to add character. Wainscoting is handy for those on a budget. You can tile or wood panel a section of wall from the floor up and then paint the rest with a glossy or semi-gloss paint.

Designed Leonie von Sturmer, this bathroom balances a bathroom, bathroom accessory, countertop, floor, home, interior design, room, sink, window, gray — Designed Leonie von Sturmer, this bathroom balances a traditional feel with modern accents. See more

5. Patterned tiles

Patterned tiles have always been a favourite with homeowners and apartment builders alike. The entire bathroom can be done with patterned tiles that will impress your guests. You can also have different patterns for the floor and the wall. With home sizes shrinking, it is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to give impact to a small bathroom.

Mix Cementine by The Tile Depot bathroom, ceramic, floor, flooring, interior design, plumbing fixture, room, tap, tile, wall, gray — Mix Cementine by The Tile Depot

6. Floral

Floral designs for tiles or wallpaper can lend a graceful look to your bathroom area. The entire space will look elegant if you use floral patterned tiles. Or you can use different patterns for the floor and walls.

7. Travertine tiles

These tiles have been traditionally used on bathroom floors but are now being used on the walls as well. Travertine tiles are timeless and fit into any style of bathroom – traditional or contemporary.