Tiles are a classic, popular option for bathroom walls as they are relatively low-maintenance and incredibly durable. But if you are the kind who likes to take the road less travelled, there are plenty of alternatives available for bathroom tiles that are stylish, long-lasting and possibly more budget-friendly. From natural stone to wood, let’s take a look at some substitute materials for bathroom walls that transform this staid, functional space into a voguish area.

Acrylic panels

Similar to tiles, acrylic wall panels give your bathroom a watertight seal, leaving no room for mould to develop. The non-porous material is hard-wearing and reinforced with glass fibre, which makes it difficult to dent, scratch or crack the panels. These stain-resistant panels also have a non-stick surface that repels soap and calcium deposits, making cleaning a breeze.

Acrylic panels are much stronger than glass, yet much lighter in weight and very easy to install. It is a sleek way to set up an eye-catching feature wall.

Keep in mind: Acrylic looks a bit plasticky, which many homeowners might not find appealing.

Cost: Acrylic is less expensive than tiles.

PVC panels

Another clever substitute for tiled bathroom walls is PVC panels. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a strong, lightweight plastic material, which is hard-wearing and can be used as a decorative wall cladding instead of materials such as MDF or wallpaper. The highly waterproof material is great for damp areas such as bathrooms, minimising worries about the growth of mould or mildew. PVC requires minimal cleaning – just mop with soap and water and you are done! One can choose from a variety of designs, colours, sizes and lengths. In the displayed image, the decorative shower walls are made using a unique PVC-backed composite wallboard.
 

Keep in mind: Chlorine is an essential component of PVC products. Over time, some traces of the toxic chlorine gas could be released into the air, which is harmful for health.


Cost: PVC works out to be much cheaper than tiles

Exposed cement

Exposed cement is another cost-effective alternative to bathroom tiles. Durable and versatile, cement is made of clay, limestone and other materials. It is primarily a structural material – so you don’t have to actually install it. Concrete is porous, so it stains easily because it soaks up dirt and spills, and harbours mildew. Regular scrubbing helps minimise this problem. You can retain the steely grey hues for an au naturel feel or paint it in a colour of your choice.

Keep in mind: Exposed cement is a naturally colder material. During the winter months, it might make the bathroom uncomfortable.

Cost: A low-cost option when compared to tiles, especially as there is no installation involved.

 Natural stone

Stone walls are a more modest and rustic option to polished tiles as they are incredibly hard-wearing and rarely chip or crack. Stone is mould-resistant and gives the bathroom a cool yet understated feel. Replacing mainstream wall tiles with functional stones such as Kota – a fine-grained variety of limestone – lends a rough-hewn earthiness to the ambience. One can go for stone cladding, which adds irresistible character and weathered charm to the walls with its textured surface, shapes and colours.

Keep in mind: Cleaning stone walls with standard cleaning detergents leads to the gradual build up of a discolouring film, which can spoil the look of your interiors. So, look up the correct cleaning regime for the particular stone you choose.

Cost: Natural stone can cost more than tiles, depending on the variety you choose.

 Wood

Wet places and wood can be a match made in heaven! While conventional wisdom goes against using wood in bathrooms, it really depends on the type of wood you use. For example, teak, oak or bamboo are more water-resistant and, when coated with sealant, work very well for the wet zone. Versatile wood can create depth and warmth across different materials and styles.

In the displayed bathroom, the panelled wood in the shower area creates a seamless indoor–outdoor connect, while bringing in texture.

Keep in mind: Wood is high-maintenance. Cleaning wood requires special products and a little extra attention. For example, teak needs brushing to keep it intact.

Cost: Wood works out to be costlier than tiles.

 Exposed brick

Exposed brick walls can imbue the bathroom with oodles of personality. Natural brick adds warmth to a minimal space, along with giving it a loft-style edge. It brings in interesting texture without trying too hard. Brick walls are long lasting and when sealed correctly, they resist water exposure. When combined with wood, brick gives an industrial-meets-modern appeal. When paired with cement or concrete, brick exudes a touch of rustic charm.

Keep in mind: Long-term maintenance of brick walls in bathroom can be tough. You cannot fix gaps by putting some plaster on and this can lead to moisture retention or the crumbling of the brick, which eventually means costly repairs.

Cost: Exposed brick is less expensive than tiles.

Paint

An easy and reasonable alternative to bathroom wall tiles is paint. With moisture- and steam-resistant and wipeable paint options available, you are spoilt for choices. Plus, with paint, you can also get creative in the bathroom – think motifs or murals.

Good bathroom paint should have:

Mildew-inhibiting properties: These are anti-microbial additives that help prevent mildew or mould.

Washable finish: It should be slightly tougher and more resilient than other interior paints.

Tight structure: Paints with glossier sheens have a tighter molecular structure, making it tough for moisture to penetrate.

Keep in mind: With paint, water seepage near shower areas may occur. Also, paint attracts dirt and too much cleaning may lead to scraping.

Cost: Painting is an economical alternative to tiles.

Marble

Though marble is costlier than tiles, it is a show-stopping stone that works beautifully in both modern and traditional bathrooms. Marble can last a lifetime with hardly any scuffing, chipping, fading or scratching. It’s also very mould-resistant. Pair two different kinds of marble slabs to grab attention and give your bathroom a one-of-a-kind look.

Keep in mind: Clean marble only with cleansers meant for natural stone surfaces, as the ones with harsh chemicals stain or damage the marbles. Harsh materials can cause a stain.

Cost: Marble, especially slabs of it, are much more expensive than tiles.

Granite

Instead of tiles, a complete granite wall brings in luxury to your bathroom and adds to the aesthetics. Installing large slabs of granite on the wall also gives a grout-free, easy-to-maintain finish. The veining adds interest and drama and you have plenty of colours to choose from. Sturdy granite will keep your shower in pristine condition for years to come.

Keep in mind: Granite slabs are expensive and can dig a deep hole in your budget.

Cost: Granite is one of the most expensive bathroom wall materials around.