There are many reasons why people choose a half-tiled bathroom over a full-tiled bathroom. You’ll need fewer tiles for the job and installation is quicker, resulting in significant savings on materials and labour costs.
If the half-tiled approach is something you’re considering as part of your bathroom or wetroom renovation project, these half-tiled bathroom ideas will get you started.
Half-Tiled Bathroom Ideas: Key Considerations
When deciding between full and half tiles for your bathroom or wetroom, no option is better than the other, and it’s simply a matter of personal choice. Both are great ways to decorate your bathroom, and the most suitable method depends on several factors such as your budget and the space you have available.
If you’re installing a new bathroom or renovating an existing one, half-tiled walls offer plenty of room for creativity, and the choice of different materials, features, and designs is almost endless. Not only that but you’ll have total freedom to decorate the space above a half-tiled wall however you like; wallpaper, wooden cladding, or your favourite paint colour provide a striking combination when paired with your new wall tiles.
While cost is always a factor in any bathroom or wetroom installation or renovation work, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. In fact, modern half-tiled bathroom walls are the perfect excuse to splash out on more expensive materials and designs or invest in other features like a stylish doorless walk-in shower.
Just remember, if you intend to make a wetroom out of your half-tiled bathroom, you’ll need to apply a durable waterproofing membrane between the walls, floor, and floor covering to achieve a watertight, leak-free finish and prevent water damage.
What are the Benefits of a Half-Tiled Bathroom?
Half-tiled bathrooms offer a myriad of design options, and it’s an opportunity to let your imagination run wild. From granite and marble to ceramic and porcelain, combining tiles with other wall coverings allows you to keep different areas of your bathroom or wetroom separate from others and create a stylish focal point.
The benefits of half-tiled bathrooms include:
- Cost-effective: Decorating a bathroom or wetroom with half tiles is generally cheaper than using full tiles. With fewer materials and lower labour costs to consider, half-tiled bathrooms can deliver significant cost savings.
- Quicker installation: With fewer tiles to install, a half-tiled bathroom will take less time to complete than a full-tiled bathroom.
- More design options: You can let your creative juices flow with a half-tiled bathroom. The attractive combination of different paint colours, wallpaper patterns, and other cladding options such as waterproof shower panels provides limitless possibilities in design.
Half-Tiled Bathroom Ideas to Inspire You
Now that you’ve opted for a half-tiled bathroom, it’s time to start styling and decorating. Whether you have a large bathroom or a compact wetroom space, here are some exciting ideas.
1. Hang Wallpaper Above the Tile Line
Once you’ve tiled the lower section of your bathroom walls, you could wallpaper above the line of tiles and achieve a vivid contrast of textures and patterns. You’ll find wallpaper in a wide range of designs and colours to help you create the perfect, customised look for your bathroom space.
2. Paint Above the Tile Line
The most obvious way to complete your half-tiled bathroom is to paint the upper section. Go for colours that match the shade and pattern of your tiles and complement the theme of the room. Here, the light-grey painted walls are in perfect harmony with the grey tiles and the wooden features on display, creating a contemporary yet calming atmosphere. Not only that, but vanity units are also a great way to hide any waste or water pipes that could make your bathroom look messy and cluttered.
3. Put Up Shelves Above the Tile Line
Installing shelving in your half-tiled bathroom is a great way to add functionality and extra storage while breaking up the lines. Your shelves can hold anything from bathroom essentials and towels to decorations and scented candles. Alternatively, place a potted plant on a shelf to add an organic element to your bathroom, like the one in this picture.
4. Add a Rail or Skirt Above the Tile Line
Give your half-tiled bathroom a sophisticated and polished finish by adding a trim or skirt to the top of your tiles. Simply place your trim or skirt along the border where the tile meets the decorated or painted wall. Not only will this give your bathroom or wetroom a professional look, but the trim or skirt will protect the edges of the tiles and enhance their longevity. If space allows, you could even introduce a wide skirt on top of the tiles that doubles up as extra shelving.
5. Hang Pictures and Art Above the Tile Line
You don’t have to save your favourite artwork for the biggest room in the home. Rather, hanging artwork or frames photographs above the tile line like the ones in this image adds a splash of personality and creativity to your bathroom. Whether you use a bold or bright image as a key focal point of the room, or something smaller and more subtle, any type of artwork will make your bathroom more decorative and interesting.
6. Use Bold Tiles for Extra Impact
There’s no need to be conservative with your choice of tiles in a half-tiled bathroom. Selecting tiles in bold, bright colours, vivid patterns, and eye-catching designs like these mosaic tiles in various shades of green really liven up the room. Whether you go for vibrant reds, subtle pinks, or bold blues, the colour of your tiles on the lower section of your wall can be the main attraction and dictate the rest of your bathroom décor.
Are You in Need of Half-Tiled Bathroom Ideas for Your Next Project?
At CCL Wetrooms, we have more than 30 years of experience in bathroom and wetroom design and installation. Our experts will talk you through every stage of your next project, and support you with your half-tiled bathroom ideas. Contact us today.
