Sarah always loved the charm of a cozy, rustic space that felt like stepping into a storybook cottage. When she and her husband bought their first home, they had big plans to transform each room. However, the bathroom was a challenge. It was functional but bland, with a plain white wall and outdated tile that did not capture their desired warmth. After hours of scrolling through Pinterest and watching her favorite home renovation shows, she found a solution: shiplap. The clean lines and classic look would bring texture, warmth, and style to her bathroom. It was an idea that married old-world charm with modern elegance. Moreover, as she started her shiplap journey, Sarah joined thousands of homeowners embracing this beautiful, versatile material to turn their bathrooms into inviting sanctuaries.
Why Shiplap Is Trending in Bathrooms
Shiplap has existed for centuries, originally used in ships to create a watertight seal. However, it was not until recently that shiplap became a home design staple, thanks partly to shows like Fixer Upper, where Joanna Gaines popularized the look. Today, shiplap is loved for its rustic charm and ability to blend into various styles—from modern farmhouses to coastal, Scandinavian, and beyond.
According to Houzz’s U.S. Bathroom Trends Study in 2023, wood accents like shiplap are used in 20% of bathroom renovations (Houzz, 2023). Homeowners appreciate how shiplap can make a sterile space feel cozy and personalized and the visual interest it adds without overpowering the room. For many, it is the perfect way to bring character to a typically functional space, often overlooked in design.
Benefits of Shiplap in Bathrooms
Shiplap brings several unique benefits when used in a bathroom, making it an appealing choice for many homeowners:
- Aesthetic Versatility
- Shiplap comes in various finishes, from clean white paint to natural wood tones, allowing you to choose the perfect style for your space. White-painted shiplap brightens up small bathrooms and adds a classic touch, while natural wood shiplap gives a warm, rustic feel that’s ideal for creating a spa-like retreat.
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Shiplap bathroom is often more budget-friendly than fully tiling a bathroom wall. On average, installing shiplap costs between $2.50 to $7.00 per square foot for materials, while tile can range from $5 to $15 per square foot (HomeAdvisor, 2023). This makes shiplap an attractive option for a stylish, affordable update.
- Durability in Moist Environments
- Modern shiplap is designed to be more durable than traditional wood paneling. Engineered wood or PVC shiplap options are moisture-resistant, making them suitable for bathrooms with proper ventilation. According to HGTV, shiplap can last just as long as tile with appropriate care and ventilation, even in high-humidity environments like bathrooms (HGTV, 2022).
Things to Consider When Using Shiplap in a Bathroom
While shiplap can be a beautiful choice, there are some considerations specific to using it in a bathroom:
- Waterproofing and Maintenance
- Bathrooms are naturally humid, and untreated wood can warp or deteriorate over time. For bathroom installations, choose moisture-resistant options like PVC shiplap or treated wood. Adding a waterproof sealant to the shiplap boards can also help protect against moisture. Installing an exhaust fan is essential to keep humidity levels down, prolonging the life of the shiplap (This Old House, 2022).
- Cleaning and Upkeep
- Unlike tile, which has a smooth surface, shiplap has grooves that can collect dust and moisture. Regular cleaning with a microfiber cloth will help keep it looking fresh. For added protection, use mildew-resistant paint with a semi-gloss finish, which makes it easier to wipe down and resists moisture buildup.
Choosing the Right Shiplap Style for Your Bathroom
One of the great things about shiplap is its versatility. Here are a few styles that work beautifully in bathrooms:
- Classic Horizontal White Shiplap
- The quintessential modern farmhouse look, horizontal white shiplap, brings an airy feel to small bathrooms and pairs easily with a wide range of design elements, from rustic wooden accents to sleek, minimalist fixtures.
- Vertical Shiplap for a Contemporary Twist
- Vertical shiplap is becoming popular as a modern alternative to the traditional horizontal style. Vertical lines draw the eye upward, making the ceiling feel higher—a great trick for small bathrooms. Elle Decor reports that vertical shiplap is one of the biggest design trends 2023 as homeowners look to add subtle twists to classic materials (Elle Decor, 2023).
- Natural Wood Shiplap for a Warm, Organic Look
- Natural wood shiplap adds warmth and texture, creating a cozy, organic feel ideal for bathrooms with a spa-like atmosphere. Woods like cedar or pine work well in bathrooms when treated with a protective sealant. Better Homes & Gardens notes that natural wood finishes are especially popular in sustainable home design, as they bring an eco-friendly, earthy vibe to the room (Better Homes & Gardens, 2023).
A Case Study: Small Bathroom Transformation with Shiplap
A recent case study on The Spruce highlights a small bathroom makeover where the homeowner used vertical shiplap to add height and sophistication. In a tight 5×7-foot bathroom, a vertical shiplap painted a light, airy gray made the room feel more spacious. The simple lines created a sense of order and elegance, while the soft color kept the bathroom calm and inviting. The homeowner reported a 30% increase in perceived space, showing how strategic shiplap placement can transform even the smallest bathrooms (The Spruce, 2023).
How to Install Shiplap in a Bathroom: A DIY Guide
If you are feeling handy, shiplap is a relatively simple DIY project. Here is a basic guide to get you started:
- Prepare the Walls
- Clean and dry the walls thoroughly. Measure the dimensions of the wall to calculate how many boards you will need.
- Choose Moisture-Resistant Shiplap
- For bathrooms, choose PVC or treated wood for durability. You can find moisture-resistant shiplap panels at major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s for around $7 to $15 per board (Home Depot, 2023).
- Install the Boards
- Use a miter saw to cut boards to fit the wall. Start from the bottom and work your way up, securing each board with nails or adhesive. Use spacers to create even gaps for a more authentic shiplap look.
- Seal and Paint
- After installation, apply a waterproof sealant to protect the wood. If desired, paint the shiplap with a mildew-resistant, semi-gloss finish to prevent moisture damage.
Final Thoughts: Is Shiplap Right for Your Bathroom?
Shiplap has become a beloved design choice in modern bathrooms, offering a unique combination of charm, warmth, and texture. It is a flexible and affordable option for homeowners seeking a fresh, trendy, timeless look. Whether you prefer a crisp white shiplap for a farmhouse feel or a natural wood finish for a rustic vibe, shiplap can turn an ordinary bathroom into a stylish retreat.
Before committing, consider the specific needs of a bathroom space, such as moisture management and regular maintenance. With the right materials and proper care, shiplap can be a long-lasting and beautiful addition to your bathroom, transforming it into a place where rustic meets refined.
