9 Beadboard Bathroom Design Ideas [Horizontal Beadboard? Yes!] (2024)

If you’re looking for an easy way to add some character to your next bathroom renovation, one of these 9 ways to use beadboard in your bathroom may be the answer!

Beadboard will instantly transform your space, and it’s a nice alternative to tile that’s fairly inexpensive.

What is Beadboard?

Beadboard is a type of wainscoting. In fact, a lot of people will use the terms interchangeably. But while wainscoting often comes in the form of large inset panels, beadboard features small wood planks vertically lined.

Beadboard is traditionally used in bathrooms, but many people are also using beadboard on their ceilings!

You can find MDF beadboard, vinyl and solid-wood beadboard, too. We like it best used in the bathroom and have rounded up some of the most inspiring beadboard bathroom ideas we could find.

If you think beadboard bathrooms are purely traditional, think again. These bathroom designs run the gamut from coastal-inspired to retro vibes, too.

Here’s how to use beadboard in your next bathroom remodel project.

A Floor to Ceiling Beadboard Bathroom

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Why stop at using beadboard mid-wall? Consider taking it all the way up to the ceiling.

While these panels are often seen halfway up the walls, they can add plenty of impact when used on the entire wall and on the ceiling, too.

The vertical lines will also make small spaces appear taller and pops of color like in this bathroom make a bold statement.

A Coastal-Inspired Bathroom

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Beadboard is often seen in coastal styles and it’s easy to see why—it’s a perfect match! If you’ve got a beach house project or love a coastal feel, beadboard will perfectly complement the style.

Soft blue paint and beachy knickknacks complete this look.

Traditional Beadboard Powder Room

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For a timeless bathroom design that never goes out of style, consider beadboard paired with a classic penny tile. The black and white mosaic plays nicely with white beadboard and adds interest to the space without needing to tile the walls.

RELATED: Beautiful Black and White Bathrooms

French Country Bathroom Inspiration

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Beadboard is so versatile that you’ll see it in classic bathrooms, coastal bathrooms and even French Country! It’s all about what you pair it with.

When accompanied by a classic marble tile and baby blue paint, this bathroom design takes on a totally French country feel.

A Beadboard Bathroom with Wallpaper

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You might be tempted to keep it simple with your beadboard design, but you can absolutely mix patterns and pair your beadboard with wallpaper.

This traditional powder room with beadboard is easy to recreate and full of character.

Elegant Beadboard Bathrooms

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Beadboard can be casual since it’s often used in coastal spaces, but it can also take on a very luxurious feel like in this elegant bathroom design.

This all-white bathroom is classic, and the traditional finishes upgrade the look of this entire space.

RELATED: Stunning Bathroom Showers

Painted Beadboard

Who says beadboard has to be white? I love the idea of painting beadboard to bring some color into your bathroom, like this one.

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From grey and blues to even pink and hunter green, the sky is the limit on how to paint your beadboard bathroom.

Retro Modern Bathroom

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The beadboard almost makes it to the top of the ceiling, but stops just short! It’s paired with a dark and bold paint color to really make a statement.

Brass finishes round out the look giving it a vintage yet modern feel.

Horizontal Beadboard Bathrooms

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Put a twist on your beadboard and run it horizontally. It’s a completely different look!

Wide Plank Beadboard

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Wide plank beadboard looks less busy in large bathrooms and what an impact it can make. It’s the perfect backdrop for this retro tub!

FAQ’s

Where can you buy beadboard? You’ll find it at your local Hardware stores and Amazon. Bathroom beadboard should always be moisture-resistant to avoid any potential damage caused by humidity.

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Shop Beadboard Now @ Amazon

Does beadboard come in different widths?Beadboard is generally available in 1 1/2 to 3 inch widths.

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Shop Wide Plank Beadboard @ Home Depot

Can you run beadboard both horizontally & vertically in the same bathroom? The answer is yes!

Can you DIY beadboard bathrooms?Yes, beadboard comes in easy to install sheets.

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What do you think about beadboard used in the bathroom? Does this look inspire you?

Photo credits: Rooms for Rent Blog, The Ransom Company, Simplicity in the South, habitardesign.com, Tara Seawright Interior Design, Brennan + Company Architects, Anchor Builders, L.Thibeault & Assoc. LLC, Joy Martin Architecture

I am an expert in the topic of beadboard and its use in bathroom renovations. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this area, which I will demonstrate by providing detailed information about all the concepts mentioned in this article.

What is Beadboard?

Beadboard is a type of wainscoting that is commonly used in bathrooms. It consists of small wood planks that are vertically lined, giving it a distinctive look. Beadboard is often used as an alternative to tile because it is relatively inexpensive and can instantly transform a space.

Types of Beadboard

There are different types of beadboard available for use in bathrooms. Some common options include MDF beadboard, vinyl beadboard, and solid-wood beadboard. These materials offer different levels of durability and moisture resistance, so it's important to choose the right one for your specific bathroom needs.

Beadboard in Bathroom Design

Beadboard can be used in various ways to create different design styles in a bathroom. Here are some examples mentioned in the article:

  1. Floor to Ceiling Beadboard Bathroom: Instead of using beadboard only halfway up the walls, consider extending it all the way to the ceiling. This can create a dramatic impact and make small spaces appear taller.

  2. Coastal-Inspired Bathroom: Beadboard is often associated with coastal styles due to its classic and timeless look. It pairs well with soft blue paint and beachy decor, creating a perfect match for a beach house or coastal-themed bathroom.

  3. Traditional Beadboard Powder Room: For a timeless and classic bathroom design, beadboard can be paired with a classic penny tile. The black and white mosaic adds interest to the space without the need for tiling the walls.

  4. French Country Bathroom: Beadboard can also be used in French Country-inspired bathrooms. When accompanied by a classic marble tile and baby blue paint, it can create a totally French country feel.

  5. Beadboard Bathroom with Wallpaper: Beadboard can be mixed with wallpaper to add character and visual interest to the space. This combination creates a traditional and character-filled powder room.

  6. Elegant Beadboard Bathrooms: Beadboard doesn't have to be limited to casual coastal spaces. It can also be used to create an elegant and luxurious bathroom design. Pairing beadboard with traditional finishes, such as all-white color schemes, can upgrade the overall look of the space.

  7. Painted Beadboard: While beadboard is often associated with white, it can be painted in various colors to add a pop of color to the bathroom. From grey and blues to even pink and hunter green, the possibilities are endless .

  8. Retro Modern Bathroom: Beadboard can be used to create a retro-modern look in the bathroom. Pairing it with a dark and bold paint color, along with brass finishes, can give the space a vintage yet modern feel.

  9. Horizontal Beadboard Bathrooms: Instead of the traditional vertical installation, beadboard can also be installed horizontally to create a completely different look.

  10. Wide Plank Beadboard: Wide plank beadboard can be used in large bathrooms to create a less busy and more impactful look. It serves as the perfect backdrop for other design elements, such as a retro tub.

These are just a few examples of how beadboard can be used in bathroom design. The versatility of beadboard allows for a wide range of styles and possibilities.

Where to Buy Beadboard

Beadboard can be purchased at local hardware stores and online retailers like Amazon. When buying beadboard for a bathroom, it is important to choose a moisture-resistant option to avoid potential damage caused by humidity.

I hope this information helps you understand the concept of beadboard and its various applications in bathroom design. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!

9 Beadboard Bathroom Design Ideas [Horizontal Beadboard? Yes!] (2024)

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