How to Add Texture to a Bathroom

When designing or renovating a bathroom, homeowners focus on colour schemes and fixtures, often overlooking the importance of texture. Adding texture to your bathroom can transform it from a purely functional space into a rich, inviting sanctuary.

We understand the impact that thoughtful design elements can have on your bathing experience and have created this guide exploring various ways to incorporate texture into a bathroom to create depth and visual interest at the same time being practical.

Why Texture Matters in Bathroom Design

Texture adds visual depth and interest in bathroom design, thereby creating a sense of warmth, and comfort, and balancing the hard surfaces usually found in bathrooms. By carefully incorporating different textures, you can elevate your bathroom's aesthetic and create a more inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Texture can also serve practical purposes in a bathroom. For instance, textured flooring can provide better grip in wet areas, while textured walls can help hide imperfections and add character to the space.

What are Some Ways to Add Texture to Your Bathroom?

There are several ways to introduce texture into your bathroom design:

Textured Tiles

Consider options such as natural stone tiles with rough surfaces, textured porcelain tiles that mimic wood or fabric, three-dimensional tiles with raised patterns, or mosaic tiles for intricate textural details.

Wall Treatments

Beyond tiles, explore textured wallpaper designed for bathroom use, wooden panelling or shiplap for a rustic touch, Venetian plaster for a smooth yet subtly textured finish, or exposed brick or stone feature walls.

Fabric Elements

Introduce soft textures through plush bath mats and rugs, textured shower curtains, woven baskets for storage, and fluffy towels displayed on open shelving.

Natural Elements

Bring nature indoors with wooden vanities or shelving, plants that thrive in humid environments, pebble flooring in shower areas, and bamboo accessories or accents.

Textured Glass

Use textured glass for shower enclosures, cabinet fronts, or privacy windows to add visual interest while maintaining light flow and a sense of openness.

Strategic Lighting

Enhance existing textures and create new ones with wall sconces casting interesting shadows, pendant lights with textured shades, backlit mirrors highlighting wall textures, and recessed lighting to accentuate tile patterns.

Balancing Textures in Your Bathroom

While adding texture is essential, maintaining balance is equally important. Here are some tips for achieving a balanced textured bathroom design:

• Mix smooth and rough textures for contrast and visual interest

• Consider the overall colour palette when selecting textures to ensure cohesion

• Ensure practical surfaces are in high-use areas, such as non-slip textures near the shower

• Balance hard and soft textures to create a welcoming atmosphere

Remember, the goal is to create a space that's both visually appealing and functional. Too much texture can overwhelm the senses, while too little can leave the bathroom feeling sterile.