Ideal for small spaces

With many homeowners looking to maximise every centimetre of their small bathroom design, bathroom installers can use bathroom wall panels to achieve a space which balances eye-catching aesthetics with full functionality. Keely Greenhalgh from Mermaid highlights the key benefits.

The prevalence of small bathrooms and the demand for refurbishing en suites and compact bathrooms are on the rise, driven by the need to optimise limited space while navigating the challenges of the current cost-of-living crisis. It therefore comes as no surprise that homeowners are seeking cost-effective solutions that make the most of every inch in their bathrooms.

With a growing interest in alternatives to traditional tiles, such as wall panels, installers can help their customers to transform small bathrooms into functional and visually appealing spaces without breaking the bank. So how exactly can the benefits of bathroom wall panels be leveraged for a smaller space?

Speedy solution

For those looking to replicate the look of a tiled surface, but with a quicker installation process, wall panelling represents an ideal solution. Finishes imitating stone and concrete tiles and various pattern options make simple or bold tile designs possible in a small bathroom. With no need for grout, homeowners are left with a space which is a lot easier to maintain once the installation is complete. It is also now perfectly viable to use panelling which comes in a variety of different sizes with postformed edges, which can be adapted for horizontal and vertical applications. This flexibility means bathroom fitters can implement various design applications such as vanity units which hide pipework, and even windowsills. In a compact space, this potential to use one material for a whole host of design features makes for a project which is both easy on the eye and budget-friendly too.

Letting the light in

When it comes to aesthetics, lighter colour palettes which maximise the use of natural light will always lend themselves best to bathrooms where space may be at a premium. Scandinavian design is therefore expected to remain a popular bathroom choice for the foreseeable future. Whites, light greys, and woods are popular choices in Scandi design, and the natural choice is to opt for matching tiling or panelling and cabinetry. Those keen to be a bit more experimental with their colour palette can choose panels that imitate wood for an alternative look which taps into the trend of ‘bringing the outside in’.

Regardless of the various wall panel ideas that will help to transform a small bathroom, one feature should remain commonplace – the need for a watertight finish. Wilsonart’s Elite range of bathroom wall panels brings with it a patented tongue and groove system, which creates a watertight join with no need for trims.

Easy maintenance

In a typical en suite, where there’s a pressing need to maximise every millimetre of space, being able to guarantee no water ingress that could lead to warping or corrosion can prove priceless. With the absence of grout, a bathroom wall panel already makes for a ‘wipe and go’ cleaning routine. Of course, that need for simple maintenance combined with the growth of multigenerational living means many will consider turning their en-suite into a wetroom. Again, the water-tight configuration of bathroom wall panels makes them just as suitable for customers looking to install a completely water-tight wetroom where the exact same surface is used throughout.

Good value

The reality is compact spaces will often mean a compact budget, especially in the current climate, so products which keep installation time to a minimum can really make a difference. It should also be noted that the wide choice of wall panel styles mean that a limited budget doesn’t have to mean limited design options.

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