Steph Harris, Product Manager at Showerwall, discusses how bathroom wall panelling can help create stylish bathrooms faster and more cost-effectively.
Bathroom wall panelling has become a popular solution for modern bathrooms due to rising awareness of its many benefits, making it one of the fastest growing markets in home interiors. The sector has seen estimated growth of 25% year-on-year for the past six years.
Panelling has started to take share away from the tile market, with householders opting for this grout-free solution to create high-impact designs that are easier to fit and clean. The growth of this market has also been driven by the rise in popularity of statement-making wet rooms and walk-in showers where the space can accommodate bolder designs, as well as demand for more premium bathrooms that add value to a property.
In addition, busier lifestyles, an ageing population and the rise in multi-generational living have all created a need for hygienic, low-maintenance and durable bathroom fittings. Together, these trends are accelerating demand for bathroom interior solutions like wall panelling, which are design-led and easy to install, clean and maintain.
Trend-led spaces
Housebuilders can capitalise on this trend for more trend-led spaces when planning and designing bathrooms, without necessarily incurring additional costs for labour and materials. Bathroom wall panelling is quicker and easier to install than tiles, saving time and money on developments and helping to keep projects on track.
In addition, specialist wet trades aren’t required to install bathroom panelling, which opens up the opportunity for various contractors to carry out the work.
Focal point
The versatility of wall panelling also allows developers to diversify their design offering. Wall panelling lends itself to creating a focal point and can feature intricate, high-definition and unique designs, often reminiscent of wallpaper or tiles, but without the humidity limitations of wallcoverings or the complexities that come with tiling.
It is estimated that bathroom wall panels can be fitted in less than half the time it would take to tile a like-for-like space and they can usually be installed in less than a day.
Housebuilders can utilise the different styles and materials available to create different specification tiers within their developments. Showerwall’s range includes its HPL collection, which offers more traditional patterns in modern neutrals and greys, with popular Showerwall styles including industrial Washed Charcoal and sophisticated Apollo Marble.
Bold designs
For developers looking to provide bolder and braver designs, Showerwall’s Acrylic and Custom Collections can help create feature walls to provide a premium offering. For a high-impact look, jewel and nature-inspired greens have been a key trend throughout home interiors, and Showerwall’s Emerald Subway decor has been a top-selling alternative to metro tiles. Botanical decors are popular for creating a nature-inspired sanctuary, whilst scalloped shapes can enhance a Mediterranean design.
This is especially true for small and compact bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms. These areas provide the perfect opportunity to create a focal point within the room and allow developers to be more daring with their designs to create standout properties.
Showerwall offers HPL panels as well as its Acrylic and Custom Collections, which are available in a range of designs. The full Showerwall collection offers over 80 decors, with panels available in sizes 600mm, 900mm and 1200 x 2440mm, backed by a guarantee of up to 15-years.
