The bathroom is one of the most essential spaces in a home, and no question that its revamp needs special attention, both in functionality and aesthetics. Minute changes in bathrooms can yield big results. Often incorporating an accent wall can transform your small bathroom into a stunning retreat set perfectly per your taste and requirements. The right texture, color scheme, materials, and unique design of the accent wall make it shine in a small space and help highlight the other design elements already present.
Choosing reflective, bold, and intricate designs on the accent wall drives your focus away from the ordinary spots and focuses more on the creative patterns of the wall. Particularly for small bathroom spaces, it works wonders. Through the decorative walls, your space appears much more vibrant, colorful, and bright-adding charm and personality to the otherwise mundane ambiance.
This article will shed light on the benefits of having an accent wall and help you choose the right accent wall for your limited bathroom space, along with some important features for creating a stunning accent wall. We will also share 41 creative wall designs that will stand out from the rest and make your space much more pleasing and attractive. In the end, we have a frequently asked question and answer section to help you further on your bathroom remodeling journey.
The Benefit of Having an Accent Wall in a Small Bathroom
An accent wall can serve many benefits for a small bathroom. Here are some key benefits you should definitely look into.
Visual interest
The first thing that comes to our mind when we think of revamping our small space is nothing but visual interest. And this is true for a fact that the properly textured accent wall will draw the eyes towards the wall, which is the focal point in a small bathroom setup.
A spacious look
Thoughtfully assembled bathroom accent walls can give the illusion of space. It is just a matter of the suitable colors and patterns that can do the job for your small space. As it happens, vertical striped wall patterns, or perhaps shiplap accent wall, can elongate the room to give it a taller view.
Enhance the aesthetics
This is true for every renovation project, be it a bathroom, living room, or kitchen. Selecting the right colors, designs, and, most importantly, materials such as solid ceramic or porcelain tiles, natural stone, and brick-like or geometric patterned wallpapers can magically transform the ambiance into a spa-like retreat without much effort.
A means of personal expression and style
An accent wall is to you just like a canvas is for a painter. The painter throws all his creativity and personal style into the canvas, and the painting is a true depiction of his personality and interest. Similarly, a well-designed accent wall reflects one’s creativity and taste.
Enhances mood
According to the study findings of color psychology, certain colors are, in fact, mood lifters. Well-defined color shades help enhance the mood and bring energy, calmness, and refreshment to yourself.
Hiding all the existing imperfections
Suppose you have a worn-out wall in the bathroom. This imperfect wall will serve as a good foundation for an accent wall. By carefully planning the materials and colors, you can reimagine a beautiful wall, effectively covering up all imperfections.
How Should We Select the Appropriate Accent Wall in a Small Bathroom?
Choosing the right wall for the accent wall is what will make the difference. For your guide, here are some key points to remember.
Focal point
This is pretty easy and works well for most of the bathroom. The key idea is that upon entering the bathroom, the very first wall you see should be the accent wall. However, if you wish to accent any other wall, you may choose another depending on your personal choice. Because, in the end, that wall will look different from the others in design. To give you a rough idea, if you have a beautiful vanity, use that vanity wall to create an accent. It will draw eyes toward the vanity spot. You may also consider accenting the wall behind the bathtub, a bathroom window, or a shower for that dreamy bathroom makeover.
Put emphasis on the architectural features.
Every bathroom has some sort of architectural feature. For instance, a luxurious bathtub placed nicely in the center of the shower space, a vintage vanity with ring pull drawers, or an attractive window style that you think must be the bathroom highlight, bring them forward by accenting the nearby wall.
A wall behind major bathroom fixtures
The major fixtures include the bathtub, vanity, and shower fixtures. The wall behind these fixtures can be ideal for an accent wall and brings these elements into a spotlight. For shower niches, the accent wall should feature differently textured tiles like travertine, mosaic, and glass tiles. Simply painting the shower niche with bold colors can also look visually striking. Both options are there for you to choose from.
Go for the smallest wall.
Sometimes, choosing the smallest wall to act as the accent wall can unexpectedly yield good results. Especially if you choose expensive design elements or tiles for your bathroom wall, a small area becomes the need of the hour. Consequently, for that accent thing, it goes on amazingly-adding interest to the overall space.
Note These 4 Considerations When Creating an Accent Wall in a Small Bathroom
It might seem easy, but remember that creating an accent wall can be a challenge too. To put you at ease, we have got you covered with some of the important factors.
Color, material, and design
This is a starting point for every home designing project. Knowing the theme of your bathroom, you have the widest options available in terms of color, pattern, material, and design to choose from that will best suit the overall aesthetics, such as the bathroom flooring, light fixtures, vanity design, and colors. The point here is to make a perfect contrast with those elements. You may go for a clean white wall or a much more dramatic and bold black wall but do not ignore the vibrant wallpaper designs for an interesting appearance.
Pattern and scale
For a real artist, it is never difficult to create new designs and patterns, each with a distinct impact on the wall. Determine the wall area, and choose the size, shape, and layout for the tile that will fit perfectly into the wall. You can create different visual effects by using different panels and shapes. And this isn’t difficult at all. Large format tiles with fewer grout lines can make the room appear spacious, while the tiles with visible darker grouts arranged in herringbone or chevron style can add a sense of movement to the walls.
Lighting
Once you have prepared the accent wall, make sure it gets noticed. Feature the accent wall using light sconces, and install them anywhere on the wall to make sure it gets proper lighting. Natural light beaming in through the windows can also serve the purpose.
Maintenance
A space like a bathroom requires more upkeep due to a mixture of factors involved. Dialing, washing and bathing make the area more prone to mildew attack and fungal growth. To keep the tiles clean, use regular cleaners, and for long-lasting shine, choose tiles that are durable and easier to clean than others.
This looks rather like a fun-looking accent wall. A modern, clean look with pops of pattern. The glass wall accent is a beautiful choice in this bathroom and ties in all of the colors used in the porcelain wall and floor tile in the rest of the bathroom. All of the materials used in this design are easy to clean and maintain!
Check out this ultra pink, ultra cute, ultra perfect bathroom with his and her vanity. We are dying over the Riad tile Zellige behind the vanity. The bathroom has all the potential to glow up, and it is all about brave choices here- white vanity with a white quartz top and brass faucets. Those pendant lights are a little drop of design.
That little spot in the bathroom is love! Calacatta Scallop splashback blends the beauty and timeless appeal of marble with the dark green painted wall above it. This is a small bubbly backsplash accent wall created by thinking creatively. This is where bold meets bright. With brassy accents, it further lifts the space.
As warm as the patina of worn leather, the backsplash of this bathroom antique handsomely showcases the glaze’s artisanal color variation that adds a sense of rustic elegance to the bathroom space. Note the satin finishes with a light sheen. The placement around the faucet and the sweet Bijou Double Sconce are pure luxury.
Refresh a plain white bathroom with a beautiful blue backsplash for that exotic spa feeling! We love how this has turned out in this bathroom. Pretty tile decals have covered up the accent wall-all that is required is to stick it to the surface. Blue is, for sure, a calming color to be used in the bathroom.
A look that is as luxurious as it is versatile, the Rabat Designer Diamond Mosaic features a porcelain tile pattern with a timeless graphic quality. This design works beautifully as a backdrop for this large bathroom with an extended vanity. Pairing it up with a wooden countertop, ceramic sink bowl, and nichrome tapware has given this space an instant boost.
Never underestimate the power of good design and quality craftsmanship! We transformed this bathroom backsplash with white and gray hexagon tiles and loved the results. The pivoted mirrors, brass accents, painted bathroom cabinets, and the lit wall sconce have completely dramatized this spot. Kick back and enjoy the relaxing ambiance.
This elongated hex tile is the perfect choice for this dramatic powder room. Using texture is a great way to bring interest to a space. In this bathroom, the designer mixed several textures- white hexagons, a gravel gray painted wall with an abstract painted canvas, and wood flooring, making a unique look that is sure to stand out from the neighbors.
This bathroom features energetic blue tiles arranged in a herringbone layout. This vibrant color transforms the bathroom from mundane to unique! Porcelain floor tiles and white oak vanity with a white quartz countertop are well paired for a combination of vintage elegance and dark sophistication- all perfectly suiting the overall aesthetics here.
This green bathroom backsplash tile in a herringbone layout showcases the creativity and brings some fun elements into the whole space with a new color. And there is no doubt about that! The cabinet stain leaps here. We can’t be wronged about this bathroom being one of our favorites on the list.
Steam and splash resistant, these Mexican Medley decals are an easy way to makeover your shower space in less than a day! Simply peel and stick for a quick modern wall transformation and add some fun color! This pattern keeps the spark alive in a boring space like the small bathroom. So please don’t take it lightly.
The crushed gray marble random mosaic feature wall takes center stage here. Today’s ceramic wall tile backsplash and accent walls can transform bathrooms that typically lack design appeal into spaces with many styles. The antique style of the mirror and the stone sink with a complementary faucet creates an attractive spectacle.
Modern farmhouse meets marble artistry in this bathroom design featuring the Parma mosaic tile in style! Pretty little details and the gray tones have worked together nicely in the space. Do you happen to notice the shelving in the mirrors? Quite unique in style and is, in fact, a practical mirror design for the walnut bathroom vanity.
This design of the Edirne tile by “Tile in Style” combines the charm of the chevron pattern with a touch of modernity in the white ceramic bathtub, all creating a captivating visual spectacle that enhances the space. For this luxurious bathroom design, this gray chevron brings sophistication and refinement to your bathroom.
In this beautiful bathroom, we have the presence of geometric tile in a square pattern giving it a true face of elegance and sophistication. This white and gold color tile creates a charming involvement through the colors of the elements on the project, transforming the environment into cozy and stunning. We love how it makes a statement, and taking the backsplash all the way up the wall is a great way to do it!
The Essence Whimsy Sapphire Art Glass w/ Calacatta (H) beautifully complements this stunning bathroom design. The giant frameless mirror in this main bathroom spans the entirety of the double vanity, adds drama, and allows light to bounce around in the land-locked bathroom! The way the marble frame pops against the tiles is a wow factor, function, and beauty.
We are sensing a pattern here, and it is none other than the Adventurist pattern in Balanced! Backsplashes are so versatile. Consider adding shape to your space and bathroom backsplash like the geometric patterned backsplash shown here. Shaped tile can bring visual texture to a room, breaking up the usual square or rectangle designs.
A guest bath is so convenient and definitely worth the little bit extra. Mounting the mirror with a natural wood frame, the peel-and-stick mosaic backsplash, and painting the cabinets with bright white paint from “beyond paint” has brought new life to the space. The backsplash looks so unique and goes perfectly with the mirror.
This geometry-tiled wall offers a relaxing sleek, symmetrical style with a lovely accent that sure is easy on the eyes! This bathroom is remodeled with a remarkable piece of artwork, an inset white bathtub, crisp white painted walls, and a perfect show off of the ceiling lights. We are smitten by the accent wall in this bathroom, though.
A successful and subtle combination of white light sconces, gold hardware, pink terracotta-honed hexagon tiles in elongated style, and the silver cork in the bathtub. This one is a beautiful use of a small space. The tiled exterior of the bathtub is a good pair up, and the contrasting rectangular tiles add height to the space.
This interior was supposed to be filled with visual attractions and surprises. The wonderful patterned Araldica Base Grigio tiles by Florim are just a stunning addition, and the rich pattern of the tiles reminds of rough waves. This is something exciting and new for the accent walls in a small bathroom space. Hats off to the design!
I love these tiles, and the effect they create is absolutely beyond imagination. They can be arranged in a regular pattern but also completely freely. The Noah Tanzania tiles are in Almond color with a 60×60 cm cut to make the accent wall behind the modern vanity. And the custom quartz countertop is a masterpiece.
The beautiful handmade Valencia tile encompasses the colors, tones, and mood. It ties in with the wooden vanity and the white-painted walls- drawing inspiration from the bright colors. A single statement wall creates a natural focal point in the bathroom’s vanity area. Lifting one wall in the right spot can do so much justice to your bathroom.
Make every inch count, and don’t forget to do it in style! This is subtle naturalness here. We like when the space has character but is not too flashy. In bathrooms, where white ceramics and black fittings are the standard, even a subtle color like a sage green herringbone wall behind the wall-mounted toilet will create the whole atmosphere of the interior.
All we see here are some beautiful details in the tiles. The bathroom features a mix of tiles-dark and light. The dark wall tiles include Napoli marine gloss tiles and Harrogate dark blue Matt tiles on the two surrounding walls and floor. Amien framed shower screen matt black clear glass 1080mm, and the Zane round shower head are a masterpiece.
Have gone for a bold color and pattern in the small bathroom with this Harlequin Melora wallpaper that packs quite the punch!! This colorful small space stole our hearts and made a vibrant impact here. This sure is a brilliant, striking color combination. And how about those gorgeous star-patterned cement floor tiles?
Now that looks great and individual with minimal details, light color tones, and the integration of masonry is what accents the wall niche of this small and cozy guest bathroom space. The old furniture complements the niche. And the solid dark gray floor is toned up with the white wall-mounted toilet seat and the sink vessel.
It’s like a full drama here. Dark accent walls like these black glossy hexagon tiles are probably the most amazing finishing touch we can implement into our designs, especially in minimalist spaces like this Ultra Modern bathroom. Lighting combined with intentional texture makes a one-color palette anything but boring.
What do you think about a tiled wall in your bathroom? Sometimes all you need is a beautiful tile pattern to transform your space. This almond cube diamond tile accent wall with white grouts pairs well with the black shower fittings, hardware, and black framed glass enclosure. This elegant and modern powder room gives 5-star luxury.
These bathroom tiles are a cute add-on to the modern small bathroom design. With the accent wall featuring the great diamond tile pattern that is in a white and black tone, the entire bathroom exudes cozy. A white quartz countertop lies between the sink and the bathroom vanity.
A dreamy powder room! This tranquil space is a contrasting composition of organic shapes and strong lines. The shelf basin on the white half-vertical tiled accent wall adds a subtle pop of powder blue to this contemporary powder room. This is sure the showstopper of this powder room- no matter how big or small.
The colors here are divine! This blue and pink decor is nothing but a mood lighter, lush, and a total game changer for a small bathroom space. The blue subway accent wall next to the bath-ready bathtub is in complete symmetry with the pink vanity. It doesn’t look overpowering and is a unique color combination to look forward to.
A bold and crazy pattern can take your bathroom out of anonymity! This unique cement design adds so much to the room. The bathroom wall looks just perfect with the copper sink and dark vanity. We can see the colors of the wall used elsewhere in the bathroom, which adds to the aesthetics of the space.
Do you have those slightly mad design ideas for your home? We all have a favorite wallpaper that is a little bit extra or a super-bold color combo. Well, a tiny space gives you the freedom to go all out, and this wallpapered wall justifies what’s said. Board and batten are made for a modern charm.
That’s what we call bathroom perfection! A cool juxtaposition of clean and white tile with warm wood. The white herringbone tiles with black grout on the accent wall in the shower room are a work of art. The glowing atmosphere with the light flashing in through the windows makes this space even more beautiful and bright.
Spice up your under-stair small bathroom with a statement-tiled wall! We love these “Moonbeam” mint green hexagonal wall tiles on the front wall and the warm chevron-style wood flooring. Both adorn the small bathroom in the best of ways. We love this on-trend tiny bathroom. Such a nice, cozy, small spot downstairs.
That looks ace! The clean lines, a calming, restorative family bathroom with a soothing color palette, and a minimalist aesthetic create an atmosphere of contemporary elegance. Incorporating skinny green tiles on the accent wall is a touch of luxury that never gets wasted. And the end result speaks for itself.
Sometimes we might feel limited by the amount of space we have, but simple storage, complementary tones, and minimal design go a long way. With white oak wood tones, matching hardware, earthy glazed zellige tile wall, and thoughtful details, even the tiniest bathroom can become a luxurious sanctuary that reflects your personal style.
The bathroom is designed with a neutral color scheme and use of natural wood elements. The white seamless herringbone and the powder blue color paint scream elegance. The wooden basin stand adds to the overall calming, homely ambiance. Pampa’s natural grass taupe looks good for a modern coastal bathroom. Every element in this room has been thoughtfully curated to provide a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance.
Another fun transformation for this tiny boring bathroom that is now ready to brighten every morning. The strands of patterned tiles in pink and white look awesome with the wooden vanity. Bask in the serene ambiance of this cozy living room, where neutral colors and an abundance of natural window light come together to create a haven of tranquility and style.
Touching white wall tiles from geometric patterns make the best accent wall for this bathroom. Get inspired by the endless possibilities for creating a functional and stylish white bathroom vanity, and let your creativity guide you on your journey to transform a small space into a stunning retreat.
FAQs
How Can an Accent Wall Make a Small Bathroom Appear Larger?
Accent walls with lighter, cooler colors can help in enlarging the space for a small bathroom. This is because they can recede visually, giving a feeling of a spacious room. Sometimes, it is a good option to opt for a vertical or horizontal strip pattern. These designs elongate or widen the space. Also, mirrors play a crucial role here. A large full-length mirror behind the vanity reflects the incoming light and visually doubles the space. Once decided, make sure that the accent wall creates a balanced and uncluttered look with the rest of the elements present.
What Is the Best Material for the Bathroom’s Accent Wall?
It all depends on the bathroom’s overall aesthetics, your budget, and some practical considerations for the space as to which material will best suit the accent wall. However, to be precise, some popular options include ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles available in different colors, cuts, trims, and designs. Stone (marble, quartzite), reclaimed wood, or even some bold and colorful wallpaper could serve as the best materials for the accent wall. It is to note that whatever material you choose, make sure it is durable, water resistant, easy to maintain, and complementary to the bathroom’s style.
What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Creating an Accent Wall in My Small Bathroom?
When missioned to create a stunning accent wall for the bathroom, make sure to avoid these small mistakes that can make a big difference out there.
- Do not use overpowering colors like bold reds and oranges. Such colors can make the space feel suffocated and tight.
- Using materials that are less water resistant. This will last for a few days, require more upkeep, and will lose its shine over time. Examples include solid wood and untreated metals.
- Poor lighting fails to highlight the accent wall and draws attention to the key feature o the bathroom.
- Ensure that the pattern is not overwhelming the space to avoid large and busy patterns. Be mindful of the scale and proportion just to be on the safe side.
How does lighting impact the look of the accent wall in the small bathroom?
Lighting is a key element for spotlighting the accent wall. The colors, textures, and patterns of the wall can only appear clear and concise if it has proper lighting. A good amount of lighting, be it through the wall-mounted fixtures or natural light, enhances the feel of the accent wall in the bathroom and creates depth and shadows, adding dimension to the accessorized wall. Also, lighting has something to do with the size of the bathroom. It makes it appear larger and roomy.
