3 Original Wainscoting Ideas for the Bathroom

If you want to create a unique bathroom, consider these wainscoting ideas. Wainscoting, the use of decorative material on the bottom portion of a wall, generally extends up about 3 feet from the floor. Common materials are wood or tile. If you want to do something different, try these alternate applications.

Bamboo and Grass Cloth

For an island or beach look, line the walls with grass cloth and trim them out with bamboo poles that have been split in half. Use finishing nails to attach the bamboo to the wall.

Cork

For an eco-chic look, take cork tiles and adhere them to the wall. You can easily cut them to size with a utility knife. You can line the top with tile or a wood chair rail. 

Fabric

If you want to add some color, use moisture-tolerant outdoor fabric to upholster the walls. Start by stapling upholstery batting to the wall. Next staple the fabric on top of the batting. Use a wood chair rail to hide the staples on the top. You can glue decorative trim to cover the staples on the bottom.

Using everyday materials in new and interesting ways is the key to creating a unique space. With a little imagination and creativity, you can also adapt other materials in similar ways for wainscoting.