17 Small Bathroom Tile Wainscoting Ideas To Add Character And Charm

This post shows you the best Small Bathroom Tile Wainscoting Ideas to try today.

My mother is my greatest fan but also my greatest critic.

So, when she said that my small bathroom looked squeezed, cold, and uninviting, I knew I needed to style it up.

I decided to research how to add character and charm using tile wainscoting.

I discovered numerous ideas on how I can use tile wainscoting to transform a cold and uninviting bathroom into a chic retreat.

If you have a small bathroom that is boring and uninviting, try these tile wainscoting ideas to add character and elevate it into a stylish charm.

Pin it for later! ⤵️

Glossy black

Using black wainscoting gives your bathroom a bold character.

In this case, it provides a striking contrast between the lower and upper half of your bathroom, creating a pleasant sophistication.

The horizontal layout of the small rectangular tiles adds depth, making your small bathroom look spacious.   

White graph book

The white tiles with dark lines will turn your bathroom into a timeless and classic beauty.

Ensure the dark lines are bold as they are unique and attention-grabbing.

Additionally, the lines draw your eyes vertically and horizontally, creating an illusion of a bigger space.

Match the floor and wainscoting

If you want continuity and vibrance, this terrazzo-style tile wainscoting is your perfect solution.

The unevenly sized black and brown patches on a soft beige background create a busy atmosphere.

Matching the floor and the wainscoting adds character and creates continuity.

Teal green vintage charm

You will never go wrong with this elegant teal-green square tile wainscoting that adds a vintage charm to your bathroom.

The green color gives your bathroom a vibrant nature’s charm.

Also ensure that the color is bright to enhance your small bathroom’s illumination.

Light blue squares

If you love a clean and classic look, this light blue square tile wainscoting offers you this.

The color transforms your bathroom into a serene charm.

Their smooth reflective surface reflects light, enhancing the room’s openness thus making your small bathroom appear spacious.

White with blackboards

You can turn your bathroom into a timeless elegance with this white tile wainscoting with deep borders.

The deep borders play a significant role in giving your bathroom a character.

Their light color creates an open and airy feel

The pink charm

This pink tile wainscoting will give your bathroom a vintage and playful charm.

The long visible horizontal lines create a wide space illusion.

Using a white color above it exaggerates the height of the ceiling and gives your small bathroom an airy feel.

Light blue subway wainscoting

Although blue is common in bathrooms, this blue subway tile wainscoting is unique.

The varying blue shades will give your bathroom a serene classic charm.

Combining these tiles with bright floor tiles with geometric patterns, adds depth to your small bathroom, making it appear spacious.

White in the dark

You can bring out character with white tile wainscoting that is sandwiched between a dark upper wall and dark floor tiles.

These will give your bathroom an elegant and luxurious charm.

Their bright color and gloss reflective surface will make your small bathroom bright, giving it a calming feel

Large glossy tile wainscoting

The size of the tiles in your wainscoting can give you bathroom character.

For instance, these large grey tiles give your bathroom a subtle character with a luxury statement. 

Their glossy reflective surface and their large size, create an excellent feel of a luxurious bathroom.

Green magic wainscoting

The dark green tiles wainscoting with different shades provide a lively and wild charm.

These tiles bring out a natural vibe, enhancing your bathroom’s character.

Consider the stacked rectangular pattern to create depth, for a spacious feel. 

Sage green rectangular wainscoting

You can also have green wainscoting but with brick-like rectangular tiles for a modern and timeless charm.

Incorporating a wallpaper with large green trees, on the upper part of the wall, creates a wild charm.

Ensure that the white horizontal and vertical border lines are visible to enhance the look. 

Classic elegance

If you want a wainscoting that makes your bathroom feel simple but luxurious, try the large-sized soft grey tiles.

This wainscoting will transform your bathroom into a classic and luxury charm.

The large sizes of the tile give the illusion of a clean room

Wild green tile wainscoting

To add an elegant character, consider a stacked rectangular pattern and gloss texture.

A wainscoting with varying shades of green creates a lively wild charm.

It is crucial to paint a bright color above the tile wainscoting for an airy feel. 

Clean white

This grey tile wainscoting gives your bathroom a simple and clean charm.

The grey tiles placed against bright white tiles create a visual interest.

Additionally, the white tiles increase the brightness of the room making it appear spacious. 

Glossy dark grey

If you want to infuse a clean character into your bathroom, consider this glossy grey wainscoting.

The wainscoting gives your bathroom a clean and serene charm.

The geometric patterns on the tile create depth, hence enhancing your small bathroom’s serenity.

Simple sophistication  

If you would like to add a seemingly simple yet sophisticated charm, this horizontally layered, light beige tile wainscoting will do just that.

The horizontal layering of tiles gives a modern feel.

Additionally, its bright color and glossy finish reflect light and make your small bathroom feel spacious. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is tile wainscoting, and how can it enhance a small bathroom?

Tile wainscoting is a decorative wall treatment that involves installing tiles on the lower portion of the wall, typically up to about a third or half of the wall height.

In a small bathroom, this technique can create a sense of depth and add visual interest, making the space feel larger and more inviting.

Additionally, tile is water-resistant and easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms where moisture is a concern.

By incorporating wainscoting, you can elevate your bathroom’s overall aesthetic while protecting the walls from damage.

2. What types of tiles work best for wainscoting in small bathrooms?

When choosing tiles for wainscoting in small bathrooms, consider options that complement your overall design theme.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular choices due to their durability and moisture resistance.

Subway tiles offer a classic look and can be arranged in various patterns to add uniqueness, while patterned tiles can serve as a bold statement piece.

Consider using lighter colors to brighten up the space, or incorporate textured tiles to add depth and character.

3. How can I choose the right color for my tile wainscoting?

Selecting the right color for your tile wainscoting can significantly impact the overall ambiance of your small bathroom.

Lighter shades, such as whites, soft grays, or pastels, can make the space feel more open and airy.

If you prefer a bolder look, consider deep blues or greens to create a rich and inviting atmosphere.

Remember to consider the color of your fixtures and existing décor to ensure a cohesive look throughout the space.

4. Can I DIY my tile wainscoting project, or should I hire a professional?

While DIYing your tile wainscoting can be a rewarding project, it requires careful planning and execution to achieve professional results.

If you’re comfortable with basic tiling techniques and have the right tools, you can tackle this project yourself.

However, if you’re unsure or the space requires intricate designs, hiring a professional can save you time and ensure a flawless finish.

It ultimately depends on your skill level and the complexity of your design.

5. How do I maintain and clean tile wainscoting in my bathroom?

Maintaining tile wainscoting is relatively easy and can keep your bathroom looking fresh and charming.

Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water will prevent grime and mold build-up.

For stubborn stains, consider using a gentle scrub brush or sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the grout or tiles.

Additionally, resealing grout every couple of years will help maintain its appearance and prevent moisture from seeping behind the tiles.

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Bathroom” board.