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You might have noticed that more and more houses are being decorated with wall panels. Want to know why? They’re stylish, durable, easy to install, cost-effective – the list goes on. But are they suitable for your bathroom? In this post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of bathroom wall panels and whether they’re a practical option for your home.
The term ‘wall panel’ refers to a wide range of products that are used to cover walls. Wall panels are flat and can be cut into specific shapes – usually rectangles. Originally, wall panels were created to conceal construction flaws while providing insulation and protection from damp. However, it didn’t take long for interior designers to unveil the hidden decorative potential of wall panels.
Nowadays, wall panels have become a popular decorating alternative for homeowners all over the world. But with so many different types of wall panels, it can be hard to choose which one to go for. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together this list detailing the different types of wall panels currently available in the market. Let’s have a look…
Lightweight and easy to fit, natural wood panels can make any space feel warmer and classier. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. To start with, wood is not moisture-resistant – meaning it can lead to damp and mould growth. On top of that, natural wood is very expensive. If you’re on a budget, you might want to look elsewhere.
Medium density fibreboard (MDF) is a wood-based material where wood fibres are bonded with a synthetic resin adhesive. This makes MDF panels more stable and flexible than natural wood. Because MDF is very cheap to produce, MDF panels can be a good alternative for homeowners who can’t afford natural wood panels. The drawback? Just like the wood panels that it replicates, MDF panels will quickly rot in the presence of moisture.
Also known as fabric wall panels, upholstered panels come in different materials – from natural fabrics to leather and velvet. In a nutshell, they’re wood panels that are padded with foam and covered with fabric. While they allow you to choose from a wide range of different styles, upholstered panels are wood panels at their core – meaning they don’t cope very well with moisture.
If your main goal is to have a well-lit room, you might want to look into glass panels. There are many different types that you can choose from – from clear and stained glass to lacquered and frosted glass panels. But be careful – glass absorbs heat, so your living room could easily become a stuffy greenhouse in the summer months.
Last but not least, we’ve got PVC panels. In the past few years, PVC wall panels have become one of the most popular decorating options for homeowners all over the world. PVC (which stands for polyvinyl chloride) is a versatile synthetic polymer of plastic with wildly different applications – from water pipes and clothing to, of course, wall panels.
But why is PVC so widely used? In a nutshell, it’s because it is completely waterproof. Thanks to their waterproof features, PVC wall panels are extremely strong and durable – making them a great wall décor alternative for all kinds of homes.
Time to answer the question on everyone’s minds – “can you put wall panels in a bathroom?”. The short and sweet answer is yes – you can decorate your bathroom walls with wall panels as you would do with any other room. However, there are a few caveats that you need to contend with.
Basically, not all wall panels are suitable for bathrooms. This is because bathrooms are humid environments. As water droplets are constantly released into the air, moisture and condensation become a force to reckon with. And it’s not just about misty mirrors and limescale stains on walls. If not dealt with properly, moisture and condensation will inevitably lead to mouldy walls.
So, how can you make sure that your wall panels don’t attract moisture? By installing bathroom wall panels are made of the right material – and that is PVC. In fact, we’ll take it a step further. It’s not that you can put PVC wall panels in your bathroom – it’s that you should. Here’s why…
We could spend hours talking about the benefits that PVC wall panels can bring to your bathroom. But instead, we’ll keep it short – these are the three biggest benefits of having PVC bathroom wall panels.
As good-looking as tiles can be, they’re basically moisture magnets. And do you know what happens when moisture begins to accumulate behind tiles? That mould makes a surprise appearance. And because mould can grow inadvertently behind tiling, you won’t notice it’s there – until the smell penetrates the tiles and/or the tiles fall.
Sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, fortunately, it’s one that you don’t have to deal with if you put PVC wall panels instead. Because they’re completely waterproof, PVC panels repel moisture instead of attracting it.
“Stylish!? But I thought the biggest downside of wall panels is that they didn’t look as good as tiles?” Well, we urge you to think again. While it’s true that the first commercialised PVC bathroom wall panels weren’t particularly easy on the eye, things have changed greatly in recent years.
Nowadays, you can purchase PVC wall panels in an increasingly wide array of styles – from Greco-Roman classic marble panels that will make you feel like you’re inside a premium sauna to a metallic graphite panel with a more modern edge.
Unlike tiles, PVC wall panels don’t require any grouting when installed. In fact, bathroom wall panels are tongue and groove – just like a jigsaw puzzle, but bigger. Because PVC panels fit seamlessly with each other, there’s not enough space for dirt to accumulate between them.
Want to give your bathroom a makeover but don’t know where to begin? If you ask us, having fresh new walls is always a good starting point. And at Igloo Surfaces, we’ve got just the thing – a wide range of PVC bathroom wall panels that you can even fit on top of your current bathroom tiles.
Don’t worry if you’re not the best at DIY. Our panels are so easy to install they don’t even require professional installation. In fact, you can even purchase them as a kit that includes all the necessary materials – saving you time and money!
Want to know more? Just call our team on 01709 329117 or email us at [email protected]. Our expert team is always on hand to help!
