A statement wall can completely transform the look and feel of a bathroom. With the right wallpaper, tile, paint color or texture, you can create a gorgeous focal point that makes a major style statement. A statement wall wakes up tired, boring bathroom decor and helps reflect your personal taste and aesthetic.
Choose the Right Wall
When selecting a wall to treat as your statement wall, consider which one will have the biggest impact. The wall behind the vanity is an obvious choice since that area is a main focus. Walls adjacent to bathtubs and showers work well too. Make sure you pick a wall that is not broken up too much by windows, doors or other elements. The statement treatment will have the best effect on a large, empty canvas.
Wallpaper Makes a Bold Statement
One of the easiest ways to create a dramatic focal point is by applying wallpaper. Choose a pattern or print that excites you and reflect your style. Florals, geometrics and abstract designs all pop. Standout wallpaper ideas include:
- Black and white graphic print wallpaper
- Metallic or foiled wallpaper for serious glam
- Wallpaper with Moroccan or art deco inspired patterns
- Nature themes like jungle floral wallpaper
- Distressed or mural wallpaper for an artsy look
- Retro inspired wallpaper with bold colors and fun motifs
Make sure the wallpaper is suitable for bathrooms in terms of durability and moisture-resistance. Install on the largest, least interrupted wall for biggest impact.
Specialty Paint Creates an Alluring Effect
Another way to make a statement is with specialty interior paint techniques and finishes. Consider painting your focal wall with:
Faux Finishes
Faux finishes can create almost any look imaginable. Options for statement walls include:
- Metallic paint like copper or silver for an industrial vibe
- Lustrous textures like Venetian plaster for elegance
- Trompe l’oeil paint techniques that fool the eye
- Faux crocodile and snake skins for exotic flair
- Paint that looks like real wood for organic warmth
- Faux marble painting for natural depth and movement
Hire a professional painter to get the full effect of specialty faux treatments.
Ombre Paint
Ombre painting involves blending two colors, one into the other to create a gradient effect. It provides soft, dreamy dimension to walls. The most popular ombre style transitions from dark on the bottom to light at top, evoking sunrise or sunset. But you can reverse the gradient or use bolder color combinations.
Hand-Painted Artwork
If you have artistic talent, consider a DIY hand-painted mural. Florals, landscapes and abstract geometric shapes work well. Factor in the wall size and your skill level when deciding on a design. Hire a muralist to paint something more intricate.
High-Gloss Paint
For reflective shine, high-gloss paint adds major glamour to a bathroom statement wall. The ultra-polished finish catches the light beautifully. High-gloss feels sleek, clean and contemporary. Black is a go-to choice but go bold with a saturated hue like emerald green or sapphire blue.
Textured Paint
For tactile appeal, textured paint imparts depth and dimension. Some ideas:
- Aggregate paint with mixed-in chips of stone or shell
- Metallic glaze paint for shimmery radiance
- Crackled paint for an antiqued look
- Stucco paint to emulate a Venetian plaster effect
Distressed Paint
Distressed paint intentionally shows signs of wear, tear and aging. Think peeled paint, water stains, uneven color. A professional painter can recreate these effects to add vintage character to a bathroom’s statement wall.
Tile Makes a Strong Style Statement
Tile is a top choice for creating a bathroom statement wall. From porcelain to glass and stone, it makes a spectacular impact. Consider large format tiles or intricate patterns. Standout tile ideas for statement walls include:
- Oversize subway tiles
- Moroccan fish scale tiles
- Geometric mosaic tiles
- Hand-painted Spanish tiles
- Metallic and iridescent glass tiles
- Textured 3-D tiles
- Faux tin ceiling tiles
Place tile on the wall around a bathtub or behind a double vanity to maximize the effect. Contrast with more neutral tile in other parts of the bath.
Create Depth With Wood Paneling
For wonderful warmth and texture, wood paneling on a statement wall imparts rustic, organic style. Options include:
- Reclaimed barn wood
- Salvaged shiplap
- New beadboard
- Wide planks with interesting grain patterns
- Rich wood veneers like walnut or ebony
Line an entire wall or just do wainscoting for a paneled effect. Whitewash, grey wash or natural wood finishes will show off the beauty of the grain.
Get Creative With Other Materials
Statement walls offer the perfect opportunity to get creative with unique finishes and materials rarely used elsewhere. Possibilities include:
- Tin ceiling tiles as mentioned above
- Faux animal hides like cow, ostrich or snakeskin
- Corrugated metal sheets for industrial edge
- Weathered barn wood
- Columns or beams for architectural detail
- A living wall with mounted plants and greenery
- Fieldstone or stacked stone for organic texture
- Penny tile inserts to spell words or names
Many of these options require professional installation but create strong visual impact when executed well.
Paint with Perfection
Whatever paint treatment you choose for your statement wall, proper prep and application is key. Take steps to ensure your paint job comes out flawless:
- Fill any holes or imperfections with spackle and sand smooth.
- Clean walls thoroughly and remove any soap scum or residue.
- Use painter’s tape for clean edges and minimal touch ups.
- Wipe sanded wall with tack cloth before painting.
- Apply specialty primer if indicated by paint type.
- Follow product instructions carefully including dry time.
- Use a mini paint roller and high-quality brushes.
- Maintain a wet edge while painting and work methodically.
- Use an angled brush to cut-in corners and edges cleanly.
- Work in the proper ventilation and lighting conditions.
- Allow at least 2 coats of paint for best coverage.
- Remove tape immediately after paint dries.
- Avoid shutting doors or windows until paint cures completely.
Taking your time leads to a polished, pro-looking statement wall.
Coordinate With Other Decor
After installing your statement wall, incorporate other elements that support the look. Change faucets, sconces, towels or shower curtains to match the color or theme of your new focal feature. The statement wall should drive the overall room decor.
Some coordinating ideas:
- For metallic wallpaper, choose chrome or gold bathroom hardware
- With black and white graphic print wallpaper, add similar patterns on towels, rugs and window treatments
- For faux wood paneling, select woven wood blinds and rustic fixtures
- With a hand-painted mural, display artwork and accessories with similar colors and motifs
- For high-gloss emerald paint, tie in emerald green towels, candles, soap dishes and more
Aim for a cohesive, pulled together aesthetic. The statement wall should be the highlight but not feel out of sync with its surroundings.
Light Properly to Set the Mood
Proper lighting showcases a statement wall to full effect. Use a mix of lighting sources for drama:
- Sconces flanking a bathroom mirror provide direct illumination.
- Overhead lighting like a statement chandelier or LED fixture gives ambient glow from above.
- Decorative pendant lights over bathtubs draw the eye.
- Dimmer switches allow modifying light levels.
- Night lights and vanity lighting add a soft accent.
- Natural light from windows floods the room with brightness.
Light your statement wall from multiple angles to create depth and dimension. Lighting helps display the colors, textures and details beautifully.
Maintain Your Statement Wall
A statement wall makes a bold first impression but you want it to wow long-term. Follow any manufacturer maintenance recommendations for wallpaper, tile, panels and paint.
Some general upkeep tips:
- Use mold/mildew resistant paint and primers in humid bathroom conditions.
- Re-caulk tile grout and trim seams seasonally to prevent moisture issues behind walls.
- Limit moisture contact on wallpaper by running bath fans during and after showering.
- Clean painted walls with gentler cleaners and avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Wipe spills and splatters quickly to limit stains.
- Use dehumidifiers to control moisture and condensation.
- Refresh caulk and grout around tile every one to two years.
With proper care, a statement wall will look freshly fabulous for many years.
Inspiring Statement Wall Ideas
For more inspiration, here are some gorgeous statement walls that could transform your bathroom’s style and decor:
Statement Wallpaper
- Black and white graphic print wallpaper for contemporary striking style
- Electric blue palm frond print wallpaper for bold tropical punch
- De Gournay hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper for serious luxury
- Murals Your Way custom map wallpaper featuring a favorite travel locale
Specialty Paint
- Feathered ombre paint blending from black on the bottom to gray at top
- Rustic whitewashed brick paint technique over 3D paneling
- Glossy red lacquer paint for a glamorous vintage Hollywood feel
- Heavy stucco texture paint in creamy neutral for organic depth
Gorgeous Tile
- Clusters of mother of pearl tile for gorgeous iridescent shimmer
- Contemporary extra-large grey marble subway tile laid in offset pattern
- Vintage-style mint green penny tile in geometric diamonds or herringbone pattern
- Mirrored tiles amp up the glitz for a super glossy statement
Fabulous Wood Paneling
- Wide unfinished reclaimed wood planks for tough, rugged texture
- Classic white beadboard wainscoting with chair rail and wood trim cap
- Ebony-stained wood veneer geometric panels, sleek and dramatic
Other Creative Materials
- Faux cowhide in muted cream and gray for organic warmth
- Aged tin ceiling tiles in antiqued silver for industrial edge
- Fieldstone bricks in contrasting natural hues for earthy flair
Make a Stunning Statement Today
Choose your favorite statement wall idea and run with it. A new wall covering or specialty paint technique instantly elevates your bathroom’s style factor. With so many options, you can easily create a look that showcases your personality – whether it’s glamorous, rustic, sleek, vintage or totally unique.
Transform that blank canvas into a gorgeous focal point that wows everyone who enters. A statement wall wakes up tired decor and serves as the bold backbone of your new bathroom design.
- What statement wall material most excites you – wallpaper, tile, shiplap?
- What overall style or feel do you hope to achieve?
- Will you DIY or hire a pro?
With thoughtful planning and expert execution, your statement wall will make an incredible impression. Just take it one step at a time for bathroom decor that’s fresh, fabulous and full of wow factor. A statement wall has the power to entirely change the look, feel and experience of your bathroom – so go for it!
