Are you tired of having to constantly clean your bathroom walls? There’s nothing fun about scrubbing tile grout only for it to get dirty again a few weeks later. If you’re looking to refresh your bathroom, shower panels offer a modern, practical alternative to tiles.
Aside from being sleek, easy to fit, and available in dozens of finishes, they’re also one of the quickest ways to modernise your bathroom without any hassle. So what makes them ideal for modern homes?
What are shower panels?
Shower panels, also known as bathroom wall panels or cladding, are large waterproof boards designed to cover your walls, usually around the shower or bath area. They’re made from waterproof materials such as PVC, acrylic, laminate, strong enough to stand the test of humid conditions.
Unlike tiling, panels don’t have grout lines, meaning low maintenance on your part. Usually, they just need a wipe down, as with any other type of laminate surface.
They can also come in a wide range of designs and sizes to fit your bathroom, no matter what-sized space you’re working with.
Why shower panels are a modern choice
Tiles have long been established as a timeless design option for bathrooms – that’s a given. Panels, instead, bring a smoother, more seamless finish that feels so much more modern. On top of that, there are the benefits of a quicker installation, which you can even do yourself.
As with tiles, there are lots of aspects that can cause you a headache. For starters, they often need to be installed by someone else, costing you money. There’s also the fact that grout lines are prone to dirt and mould build-up, which needs to be cleaned regularly.
Not only are shower panels easy to keep clean, but they’re also generally cheaper than tiling, especially with labour costs.
If you’re a busy professional, chances are you don’t want to be spending your free time cleaning, so shower panels are an effortless choice.
Design options
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a design for shower panels. Whether you want something that screams modern, or opt for a more traditional look, there is a choice for you.
Some of the popular styles include:
- Tile-effect panels – a modern twist on the classic tiled look.
- Marble & stone-effect panels – for a luxury spa feel.
- Gloss finishes – light and modern
- Matt finishes – understated and contemporary.
- Bold colours & patterns – for those who want a statement feature wall.
Modern bathrooms tend to incorporate colours such as sleek greys, crisp whites, and soft beiges. Each of these colours stands out due to its ability to create a calming environment, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
These shades also have the benefit of making spaces appear larger and more open. An ideal choice for small bathroom designs.
How panels can modernise different bathroom styles
One of the biggest advantages of shower panels is how versatile they are; they work just as well in a compact en-suite as they do in a large family bathroom. Even in the smallest of bathrooms, shower panels have the ability to help make the space feel bigger.
Because they’re seamless, without busy grout lines, they give a cleaner, more open look. If you choose a gloss finish, you’ll also get the added benefit of reflecting light and making the room feel brighter.
For family bathrooms, practicality is a key factor to consider. With panels, you don’t have to worry about the grout lines attracting dirt or mould, a huge bonus when you’ve already got enough cleaning to do. A quick wipe down is usually all that’s needed to keep them looking fresh.
Installation & maintenance
If the thought of a long, messy renovation puts you off updating your bathroom, panels could be the answer. In many cases, you can fit them straight over existing tiles, which means you don’t have to rip everything out first.
Unlike tiling, which can take days of work and a fair bit of mess, panels can often be fitted in a matter of hours.
Many come with a click-lock system, making them simple to line up and install, even if you’re not the most confident at DIY.
They’re stain-resistant, waterproof, and designed to handle the daily humidity of a bathroom. And with no grout lines to worry about, there’s nowhere for dirt and mould to cling to.
What to keep in mind
Like any bathroom product, panels have a few things to think about before you buy.
Premium designs, such as marble-effect panels or custom finishes, can cost a little more, so if you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth comparing your options.
You’ll also want to make sure the panels are properly sealed around the edges to stop water from getting in behind them.
Other than that, there’s not much to trip you up; they’re designed to be straightforward and long-lasting.
Keep your bathroom looking stylish
We use the bathroom every day, so why not make it a room you can enjoy and relax in? This doesn’t have to mean weeks of disruption or sky-high costs.
Shower panels are a simple way to bring the space up to date while keeping things practical and easy to look after.
With the right style, you can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom in just a short time. Panels give you that balance of style and convenience, making them a smart choice for almost any home. Start shopping to find your favourite designs.
