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Compared to tiles, wall panels are much more low maintenance. But that’s not all there is to wall panels. Thanks to their size, they allow you to cover a bigger area without any complications. On top of that, they’re extremely easy to install, whereas fitting in tiles can be an absolute pain.
So, it’s really no surprise that more and more people are starting to install wall panels in their bathrooms. But what kind of panelling can be used in a bathroom? Read on as we explore the different kinds of panelling – and whether they’re suitable for your bathroom.
Glass panels are a good option for homeowners who value having a well-lit room over practicality. They are often used in rooms without big windows in order to make the most out of the scarce daylight coming in.
No, they can’t. Glass panels are suitable for partition walls and even furniture – but never for a room as demanding as a bathroom. With the constant splashes and smears, it would be nigh-on impossible to keep your glass panels looking clean in your bathroom. Not to mention that you’d need a good wall covering behind them to complete the look.
Natural wood panels are a great option for homeowners looking to conjure a rustic atmosphere in their homes. They’re usually used in living rooms and dining rooms, usually accompanied by a good selection of house plants. If you want to transform your living room into a remote cabin, natural wood panels might be your best choice. But – will they do the trick as bathroom wall panels as well?
The answer is a clear “no”. Although many interior decoration retailers sell natural wood panels for bathrooms, the truth is that this is a recipe for disaster. Wood rots easily in the presence of moisture, so your bathroom wall panels would start falling down eventually.
MDF stands for medium density fibreboard, and it’s a wood-based material comprised of miniscule fibres jointed together by synthetic resin adhesive. Because they don’t require perfect cuts of natural hard or soft wood, MDF panels are a lot more affordable, which make them a great wall panelling option for families on a budget.
Unfortunately, no. MDF panels are still primarily made of wood, which doesn’t get on that well with water – particularly when it’s being constantly exposed to it. If you put MDF panels in your bathroom, it won’t take long for them to rot.
Sometimes called fabric panels, these kinds of panels can be made from many different materials – such as leather, velvet or even cotton. But here comes the caveat – fabric panels are actually wood panels covered with foam – which is in turn padded with fabric.
There’s a long list of reasons why fabric panels are unsuitable for your bathroom. Practically every element that makes them up – the fabric, foam and wood – would absorb water, creating the perfect environment for moisture and mould.
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and it’s a synthetic polymer of plastic. Thanks to its waterproof features, it’s used for pretty much everything these days – from cable insulation to car seat coverings. And that also includes wall panels. Back when they were first invented, PVC panels were fairly plain and unstylish. But thanks to the wonders of technology, these days you can buy PVC wall panels of all kinds of styles – such as faux wood and tile effects.
Yes! In fact, PVC panels are the best option available for bathroom wall coverings. Because they are completely waterproof, PVC panels will immediately repel any water droplets falling on their surface. On top of that, they’ll also avoid moisture from growing beneath them.
And there are even more reasons why you should install PVC panels in your bathroom. Here are a few of them.
Most PVC wall panels are tongue-and-groove – meaning they can be installed in a matter of minutes without grouting or drilling holes. In fact, plenty of retailers even offer PVC bathroom panels as part of a DIY kit so you can install them yourself.
Unlike tiles or other kinds of wall panels, PVC bathroom panels have a life expectancy of up to 20 years. This is partially thanks to their waterproof features, but also because of their hard-wearing and scratch-resistant surface. If you make the switch to PVC wall panels, you won’t have to redecorate your bathroom every few years.
If you’re a big interior design fan who needs every colour and shape in your home to match, you’ll be happy to learn that PVC wall panels aren’t just suitable for bathrooms. For example, they’re also often used in kitchens, as they tend to be humid spaces too.
And because PVC panels now come in a wide array of different styles, more and more homeowners are even decorating their living rooms and bedrooms with them.
Looking to design a stylish and modern bathroom that is also highly practical? Then look no further than PVC wall panels. As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of PVC panels, Igloo Surfaces offers top-of-the-range bathroom wall panels in various colours and designs. And all at an affordable price!
At Igloo Surfaces, we pride ourselves on helping our customers design the bathroom of their dreams. And that’s precisely why we’ve put together step-by-step wall panel installation guides to help you install your panels with minimal hassle.
If you have any questions regarding any of our products, please feel free to call our team on 01709 329117 or email us at [email protected].
