Bathroom Renovation with Plastic Panels: Photo Examples of Design

The choice of texture and images is so vast that anyone can easily find panels to match their own interior style.

A little about the PVC material

PVC panels are a finishing material made from polyvinyl chloride. The material is used for cladding surfaces. Its low weight and non-toxicity for living organisms have made it quite popular in the market. Polyvinyl chloride is a polymer used in manufacturing many items: linoleum, water pipes, hoses. The surface is dense and non-porous. PVC panels are manufactured in a factory. Plastic mass that looks like dough is mixed and placed into an extruder – a special machine. The material cools down and acquires its desired shape at the final stage. Panel thickness is 5-10 mm. Standard length is 3 meters. A pattern is printed on the outer side.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bathroom Renovation with PVC Panels

Like any other material for cladding, polyvinyl chloride has its pros and cons. Let's take a closer look at them below.

Pros:

1. Budget savings. The average cost of a standard panel is 200 RUB. The price depends on the design and quality of the material;
   
2. Resistance to moisture and odors. The material can be used in rooms with high humidity levels;
   
3. Easy maintenance. Simply clean the surface with a damp cloth using ordinary soapy solution;
   
4. Ability to hide utility connections under panels;
   
5. Thermal and sound insulation;
   
6. Fire resistance. In bathrooms, short circuits may occur. The material does not contribute to fire spread in the room;
   
7. Easy installation by yourself. If you have minimal knowledge and experience, it is not difficult to handle the cladding on your own.
   

Design: TS Design Studio architects

Cons:

1. Low ecological quality. Cheaper materials emit phenol smell, which is undesirable for the human body;
   
2. Brittleness of PVC material. Cracks and dents appear when pressed hard or suddenly;
   
3. Visually reduces space due to panel thickness. Not recommended for small rooms;
   
4. Not as rich a design selection compared to ceramic tiles
   

Design: Anton Krylov, studio 'Arkhvizhny'

Material Selection

When choosing plastic PVC panels, you should follow some criteria for selecting quality material. First of all, pay attention to the thickness of the front surface. The resistance to mechanical damage is directly related to this point. If a crack appears, moisture will begin to seep through it. Accumulation of moisture leads to mold, mildew and other unpleasant consequences. The panel must be flat with no prints or dents. The number of ribs should be around 20. Then the panel is strong. Ribs must also have the same thickness and be perpendicular to the front surface. A high-quality product should contain very little lime. If you slightly bend a plate, you can determine the amount.

Design: Svetlana Yurkova

Style of Decoration

A bathroom can be decorated in various styles. Much depends on personal preferences, room size, and advice from professionals. Let's look at the most popular options for bathroom decoration.

Marine Style

In this design direction, designers recommend using panels in natural tones. Bathrooms look bright and full of details. Plastic panels alone won't suffice when creating this style. The entire interior is complemented by various elements. Paintings and images of the sea, coast, and stars fit perfectly into the bathroom decor. Large mirrors visually add volume to the space, while small shells, stones, and sand in vases harmonize with the overall picture.

Design: Sergey Ogurtsov

Modern Style

Modern style is characterized by open space and minimalism. All decor is creative, forming a well-zoned area. Walls and ceilings are installed at different levels. Many lights, lamps, and illuminated elements are incorporated. In modern bathroom design, PVC plastic panels in light tones are used.

Design: Anna Clark

Minimalism

Glass, metal, and minimalism – these are exactly what designers encourage when decorating a bathroom in this style. Plastic panels create the necessary color palette, atmosphere, and visually expand the space. Therefore, PVC material is actively used.

Countryside

Professional decorators recommend using imitation natural wood for implementing this style. Choosing PVC panels allows you to realize this idea with minimal time investment. Simple wooden furniture, a small chandelier without unnecessary decorations, and other elements complement the chosen style.

Provence

The Provence style easily fits into a bathroom. Using PVC panels in light pastel tones is appropriate. Simple accessories and light furniture should not overload the space. The bathroom can be enhanced with patterns, floral prints, and porcelain details.

Tips for Selecting Color Palette and Pattern

The wide choice of PVC panel colors implies a careful approach to its selection. One must carefully consider the proper decoration and styling of the bathroom. It is necessary to choose a color and pattern that will dominate in the setting. In an exclusive design project, it is possible to achieve a combination of several tones. This style gives the bathroom color, vibrancy, freshness, and novelty. However, it is only possible if there is enough square footage. If the room is small, lacks light, and has a small window, it is better to choose light, monochromatic motifs of plastic panels. Professionals also advise not forgetting about protruding decorative elements. In a small bathroom, it is better to avoid installing them.

Protruding patterns also require special attention in maintenance, as dirt, film, and bacteria accumulate quickly. You can follow decorators' advice: plastic panels in the bathroom work well with plaster or painting. Panels are installed up to the middle of the wall, and the upper part is painted. Color coordination is important. Another tip: contrasting colors. Alternating panels of different sizes will draw attention to such a bathroom. Modern technologies allow printing patterns of any complexity on the surface. Those who love tiles can realize their idea by creating a complex pattern that is hard to distinguish from real tiles with the naked eye.

Installation is a delicate process

Before installing the panels, you must prepare the bathroom walls. Leveling, drying, and treating with anti-mold agents will take some time. You should also plan in advance where electrical outlets, cabinets, and shelves will be located. It is recommended to buy the material with a surplus. Without these necessary steps, the quality of the work will lose its properties. There are two installation methods: using adhesive/screws or a frame. Liquid nails are used if the walls have a flat surface and the room dimensions are not very large. If there are irregularities, a frame is installed level, and then the panels are attached. For the frame, you can use wooden strips or plastic profiles. It should be noted that if the panels are mounted vertically, the frame is made horizontally. And vice versa. The distance between the frame strips should not exceed 40 cm. When dealing with uneven walls, the frame is installed with level control. Irregularities can be masked using plastic underlays. All elements of the cladding must be at the beginning and end of the surface being renovated. Following this principle, craftsmen ensure that panels do not deform. On the final stage, baseboards are installed. After installation work, joints between edges and angles must be sealed with special sealant.

Cladding with plastic panels competes with traditional methods. PVC materials barely lag behind in quality and installation speed. Installing panels is simple to execute. You can manage without professional help. If you have the necessary tools, the job will finish soon after it starts. This is the main difference between laying tiles and panels. Today, most people prefer to choose polyvinyl chloride rather than waste time on a long bathroom renovation process. The price accessibility also plays an important role. In home renovation, the budget is calculated based on priorities. PVC panels are a simplified and democratic option for bathroom decoration. Low cost compensates for the quality and practicality of the material.

Real project photos:

Design: Anna and Daniil Shepanovich, Subiq Studio

Bathroom Renovation with Plastic Panels. Decoration Ideas

On the cover of the design project by Evgenia Mikhailova.