12 Stylish Bathroom Beadboard Ideas

When it comes to home design, every room deserves its moment in the spotlight, and the bathroom is no exception. Beadboard, a classic and versatile material, has been making a comeback in interior design, especially in bathrooms. Its ability to add texture, character, and a touch of nostalgia to any space is unmatched.

Understanding Beadboard

Beadboard is a type of wall paneling that features narrow, vertical planks with a distinctive indentation, or “bead,” running along the length of each plank. This design element provides visual interest and a sense of depth to walls. Beadboard is often used to break up the monotony of traditional walls and to add a layer of elegance and warmth.

Beadboard vs. Wainscoting

It’s important to note the difference between beadboard and wainscoting. While both can enhance a room’s aesthetics, wainscoting typically refers to paneling that covers only a portion of the wall, usually the lower half, and is often capped with a decorative molding. Beadboard can be a type of wainscoting when applied in this manner, but it can also cover entire walls.

Why Beadboard is Perfect for Bathrooms

The allure of beadboard isn’t just about aesthetics; it also offers several practical advantages that make it an excellent choice for your homes bathroom design.

Moisture Resistance

Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, and beadboard, often made of wood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard), is coated with protective finishes that make it resistant to humidity and moisture-related damage. Which is great for bathrooms as they are rooms that are prone to moisture damage.

Easy to Care for

Bead board is easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for spaces prone to splashes and spills (like bathrooms). A simple wipe-down keeps it looking clean, fresh and inviting.

Texture and Depth

The vertical lines and bead detail on beadboard create an inviting texture that can make a bathroom feel cozier and more inviting.

Beauty and Appeal

Beadboard’s classic design ensures that it won’t go out of style. It adds character without being trendy, making it a great investment for your bathroom.

For all of these reasons using one of these beadboard ideas is a great way to add style and functionality to your homes bathrooms.

Beadboard Bathroom ideas

Take a look here for some of my favorite bathroom beadboard ideas. You’ll find everything you need to help make the best decor decision for your bathroom.

Placement of Beadboard Bathroom Ideas

Beadboard is traditionally placed on lower walls, but in the bathroom it can be used to great effect as either a partial or as a full-wall treatment. Here are some ideas of how you can use beadboard in your bathroom: 

Low Bathroom Beadboard

A popular way to use beadboard is to install it on the lower walls of your bathroom. This option goes even lower than tradition and gives you an interesting look, adding warmth and depth to the space. To maximize this effect, opt for a dark or contrasting beadboard color so that it stands out against the upper-wall paint or wallpaper. 

High Bathroom Beadboard

For a more contemporary look, consider placing beadboard on the upper walls of your bathroom. This creates an interesting visual effect and adds texture to the space while still keeping it modern. Choose a light-colored beadboard to make the walls feel even brighter and more open. 

Very High Bathroom Beadboard

If your bathroom has a very high ceiling, beadboard can be used to make the space feel more cozy and inviting. To create this effect, place beadboard all the way up near the ceiling but not quite touching the ceiling. This will give the walls tons of texture while also making the room feel cozier and more intimate. I would recommend to opt for a light color if using the very high option as a dark color can quickly over power the space.

Floor to Ceiling Bathroom Beadboard

For a unique look, use beadboard to cover the entire bathroom wall, from floor to ceiling. This classic choice adds a ton of visual interest and texture without overpowering the space. Choose a neutral shade for best results.

Painted Beadboard Bathroom Ideas 

If you want to add color and contrast to your beadboard, consider painting it. This is an especially great option if you already have neutrally toned tiles or walls.

Gray 

Gray is a classic and timeless choice for your bathrooms beadboard. It adds a bit of sophistication to the room while still looking modern and fresh. Choose a lighter shade of gray to make the space feel brighter, or opt for darker shades if you want a more dramatic or moody look in your homes bathroom.

A few gray colors that would look fabulous for this design include Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray and Sherwin Williams Passive.

Mint Green 

Mint green is a great (if not unique) choice for bathrooms because it adds a hint of color without being overpowering. Paired with neutral tiles or walls, mint green beadboard can make your bathroom feel fresh and inviting.

Periwinkle

Periwinkle is an excellent color choice for beadboard it adds sophistication and tons visual interest too. It’s perfect for modern bathrooms looking for an eye-catching pop of color. Pair it with white tiles or white walls if you truly want the beadboard to stand out. I get that this color might not be for everyone but it really is one of the more unique and beautiful beadboard bathroom ideas displayed here.

Beige 

Beige is another classic choice for beadboard, and it pairs well with almost any bathroom decor style. It’s neutral enough that it won’t distract from other features in the space but still adds a layer of texture and visual interest to the bathroom.

Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige and Benjamin Moore Pale Oak are two colors that would look absolutely fabulous when used with bathroom beadboard.

Navy Blue 

Now this is exactly something I would do in my own home. Navy blue is a classic color for beadboard, and it can easily transition from traditional to coastal to modern. This color option adds sophistication while still making a statement; consider pairing with white tiles or wallpaper to make the navy blue stand out even more. 

Sherwin Williams Naval would fantastic when used with your bathroom beadboard design.

Miscellaneous Beadboard Bathroom Ideas

Beadboard Bathroom Wallpaper

For a truly unique and beautiful design consider pairing your beadboard design with wallpaper. Wallpaper would look great on either of the beadboard spacings discussed earlier. For a design that stands out use paint on your beadboard and coordinate it with the wallpaper of your choice.

Beadboard Door

Short on wall space but still want to include beadboard into your bathroom design? Why not try and add breadboard to the other elements in the spaces much like this designer did with their linen closet door. It’s a really unique idea and definitely something sure to catch plenty of attention.

Beadboard with Hooks

Beadboard can also be used as a place to hang towels, robes or other bathroom essentials. Consider adding hooks along with your beadboard wall for a practical design element. This is great if you are in need of some extra storage but short on wall space or you don’t want to take away from the overall aesthetics of the room by adding in additional cabinets or bathroom shelving.

Bathroom Beadboard Ideas: Conclusion

Beadboard bathroom ideas are a wonderful way to infuse your space with charm, texture, and a touch of nostalgia. Its versatility, historical significance, and practical benefits make it a popular choice for contemporary bathroom designs. Whether you opt for an accent wall, half-wall treatment, full-wall coverage, or creative accents like ceiling beadboard. Beadboard has the power to transform your bathroom from plain to beautiful.

So, if you’re looking to embark on a bathroom renovation journey that combines tradition with innovation, consider using breadboard in your design.