It may happen that the "classic of the genre" - the tile - is fed up, and you want to somehow change the design of the bathroom, to make it more original. Let's try to understand the essence of the matter and find out what finishing options can be selected and how to replace the tiles in the bathroom, so that the space of this room does not lose its beauty and functionality, but at the same time is completely transformed.
It is advisable to use materials that meet certain requirements dictated by the specifics of this room. First of all, it is moisture resistance, practicality and, of course, aesthetics.
You can create a cozy and comfortable bathroom interior using as decoration:
- waterproof wallpaper;
- paint;
- mirror and glass tiles;
- mosaic;
- wood;
- photo tile;
- fake diamond;
- the liquid wallpaper.
If you are looking for an acceptable replacement option for the floor, then laying artificial stone or self-leveling floors can be a good solution.
Self-leveling floors in the bathroom look interesting and unusual
Before replacing your bathroom tiles with any alternative, you should make sure that the material you choose will outperform, or at least be as good as, the tile you have proven over decades.
Plastic panels
The material is attractive for its practicality, uncomplicated installation technology and affordability. The variety of types of plastic panels, different in texture, shading solutions and sizes, is striking. They can have a glossy or matte finish. The most in demand are PVC panels in white, pastel colors and imitation of natural stone - onyx, marble, etc. You can purchase panels that are difficult to distinguish from tile cladding.
You can decorate the bathroom interior in a modern style with the help of plastic panels.
Such a bathroom finish does not require wall alignment, it is moisture resistant. It is advisable to use panels for the ceiling as well. The disadvantages of the material include not very high strength characteristics. If the careful sealing of the joints is neglected, mold may appear on the inner surface of the panels. The material is attached to the lathing.
Wallpaper in the bathroom - unusual, but quite possible
A good alternative to tiles in the bathroom is the use of wallpaper, which is recommended to be combined, for example, with tiles or decorative panels. The usual paper version is not suitable for a bathroom. You can only use products marked "three waves", indicating increased moisture resistance. The facing material is covered with a water-repellent layer, withstands temperature extremes and is impervious to the penetration of hot steam.
Vinyl or fiberglass moisture resistant wallpaper is an excellent replacement for boring tiles. But this option for changing the interior requires the use of a moisture-resistant primer, and the glue must contain antifungal components.
Vinyl wallpaper with 3d glitter will look very unusual on the bathroom walls.
Very practical in bathrooms - washable wallpaper. Their surface is covered with a protective film and is less exposed to the destructive effects of moisture.
Washable bathroom wallpaper
As an additional protection against moisture, the joints of the canvases are coated with silicone sealant. Wallpapers with bright, colorful patterns and designs are perfect. It should be borne in mind that the life of the wallpaper in the bathroom is quite short. This option will be interesting for those who like frequent changes.
Glass and mirror tiles
Glass tiles are an exquisite and original, but quite expensive way of finishing. The material is durable, does not deform, does not lose its attractiveness for a long time. A wide range of formats and colors allows you to realize almost any, even the most daring, design ideas. This surface is hygienic and safe. It is easy to care for with a glass cleaner.
Mirror tiles on the ceiling in the bathroom will visually expand the space.
An excellent choice for a bathroom can be tiles imitating granite, phosphorus, silver, or a material with the effect of an icy surface. For connoisseurs of original and elegant design, glass tiles open up truly unlimited possibilities. This cladding is suitable for both walls and floors.
Mirror tiles are a wonderful decoration for the bathroom
An excellent effect can be achieved by combining ceramic and glass tiles, especially since the same thickness of materials somewhat simplifies working with them. Calling on your imagination to help, you can create unique, inimitable compositions.
Bathroom interior combines glass and ceramic tiles
Often, glass decor is used to decorate a bathroom, which is produced in the form of tiles of different colors with a thickness of 4 mm. Their size is usually 100x100 or 65x65 mm. Such facing material is used to create decorative panels and mosaic patterns.
Mosaic panel on the bathroom wall
A great alternative to bathroom tiles is mirror tiles. The room, faced with such material, has an exclusive, stylish look. With the correct selection of adhesive mixtures, the tile is reliably adhered to the surface for a long time, it is not afraid of either heat or moisture. Mirror tiles visually enlarge the space of the room. Most often, the color of the reflective layer is silver, but it is possible to use other dyes (blue, golden, pale pink, etc.).
Plastic mirror panels are similar to tiles, but they are flexible materials that can be used on more than just flat surfaces. With large panels, finishing works are progressing faster. This is facilitated by the low weight of the sheets. The panel is a plastic base coated with a reflective film. It can be transparent or glossy, sometimes has a decorative pattern. It can be given any shape using an ordinary clerical knife.
Plastic mirror panels
It can take a long time to list all the ways to decorate a bathroom, especially when you consider the many different ways to combine materials. No one better than specialists who know all the intricacies of working with each specific finishing option will complete this task. Therefore, in the absence of practical skills and experience in this area, the most rational solution would be to turn to professionals.