Looking for shiplap bathroom decor ideas? If you’re anything like me, then the bathroom represents the ideal place to test out decor ideas you aren’t 100% sure about.
So if you’ve been tempted to try using shiplap in your home but haven’t made the jump yet, your next bathroom remodel may be the perfect chance!
From vast masters to compact powder rooms, shiplap can be a great addition to bathrooms of any size or style. But going in with a well-researched design plan is the only way to guarantee you end up with the bathroom of your dreams.
Below you’ll find all of the inspiration you need to make your favorite shiplap bathroom ideas a reality!
Quick Look
- Basic Shiplap Wall
- Shiplap-Covered Alcove
- Ultra-Contemporary Shiplap
- Simple Shiplap Wainscoting
- Modern Shiplap Backsplash
- Dark Accent Wall
- Moody and Masculine
- Log Cabin-Style Shiplap
- Clean Farmhouse Shiplap
- Reclaimed Barnwood Shiplap
- Vertical Vanity Backsplash
- Scandinavian-Inspired Shiplap
- Warm Cherry Shiplap
- Unique Architecture with Shiplap
- Board and Batten with Shiplap
- Chevron Shiplap Vanity
- Modern Industrial Shiplap
- Unpainted Shiplap Wall
- Floral and Feminine
- Dramatic Black Shiplap
20 Shiplap Bathroom Ideas To Inspired Your Next Decor Project
1. Basic Shiplap Wall
Including shiplap in a bathroom design does not need to be a huge undertaking. It can be as simple as utilizing shiplap the way you would a coat of paint, wallpaper, or tile.
Applying a basic shiplap overlay to your bathroom walls can transform the space with minimal cost or labor. You can still hang decor on the walls, including towel hooks and other bathroom must-haves.
2. Shiplap-Covered Alcove
Every bathroom layout is unique, and a wall finish like shiplap can help make the more interesting areas of your bathroom or master suite stand out.
Shiplap panels can be installed behind a set of floating shelves or, as in this example, inside a storage alcove.
While shiplap offers enough texture that you can opt to paint it the same shade as the surrounding walls, you can also feel free to experiment with a more varied color palette.
3. Ultra-Contemporary Shiplap
If you’re tired of decor ideas that pigeonhole shiplap into exclusively rustic spaces, then this contemporary bathroom design will be a breath of fresh air.
In this particular bathroom, items like the light fixture and vanity bridge the gap between the space’s more rustic and contemporary elements. Without these details, the shiplap might look out of place as the only rustic material in the space!
And while there’s a lot of freedom in how you decorate a bathroom compared to the rest of your home, you can’t beat the true neutrality this room has to offer.
4. Simple Shiplap Wainscoting
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Wainscoting is a wonderful way to give any room a more professional touch. In a small space like a bathroom, wainscoting can also make vibrant colors and decor choices feel a bit more subdued.
If ornate wainscoting panels are not your cup of tea, then a modern shiplap version is a great alternative. The overall effect is the same but it’s accompanied by a more up-to-date aesthetic.
You could combine this white shiplap wainscoting with your favorite paint shade or bathroom-friendly wallpaper. If you want the shiplap to be the star of the show, however, stick to a neutral palette as seen here.
5. Modern Shiplap Backsplash
One of the quickest ways to make your shiplap bathroom appear overly trendy is to base the entire design around this one material.
For a space with maximum longevity, you’re much better off using shiplap as a backdrop (as seen in this gorgeous bathroom design).
While this bathroom boasts a very modern style overall, the shiplap lends warmth and texture to the space.
Again, notice how the light fixtures chosen for this room mirror share some of the shiplap’s rustic qualities, creating a more cohesive look.
6. Dark Accent Wall
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A dramatic accent wall is a great way to bring some energy to an all-white bathroom. In this example, the painted shiplap offers color, contrast, and texture.
We like the decision to paint the shiplap to match the vanity cabinet — it makes the space look and feel more cohesive. Meanwhile, the wall mirror opens up the accent wall and maximizes the light within this small half bath.
7. Moody and Masculine
No matter how much we love the material, there’s no denying that the home decor world is currently very, very saturated by shiplap. So it’s always exciting to see a design idea that utilizes shiplap in an unexpected way!
In this bathroom, the shiplap boards look much different than trendier examples. The end result is a bathroom that is modern, moody, and a bit more masculine than other shiplap-inspired designs.
At the same time, this space takes advantage of the shiplap’s innate rustic charm to create a slightly industrial atmosphere.
8. Log Cabin-Style Shiplap
Rustic shiplap can draw inspiration from more than just classic farmhouses. Just take a look at this stylish bathroom, which uses shiplap walls to evoke the vibe of a remote log cabin.
The log-style shiplap is definitely a bold statement. However, pairing it with light, modern finishes throughout the rest of the bathroom keeps this space from becoming too kitsch.
9. Clean Farmhouse Shiplap
Design experts love to talk about how classic shiplap is falling out of style. Meanwhile, bathrooms like this one prove that shiplap does not need to be reimagined to be an effective decor choice.
The designer of this space clearly drew inspiration from contemporary trends when selecting plumbing fixtures, lighting, and — of course — the wall finish. Despite this, everything is curated and balanced to maximize timelessness.
In a space like this, keep in mind that smaller details like vanity hardware and textiles can be easily updated to keep the more permanent elements looking fresh.
There’s tons of potential in this stylish bathroom, even as the trends continue to change!
10. Reclaimed Barnwood Shiplap
Vintage or not, this shiplap wall expertly resembles the color and texture of reclaimed barnwood. Even the inclusion of visible nail holes and imperfect spacing between the boards elevates the aesthetic rather than taking away from it.
This style of shiplap definitely isn’t right for all bathrooms. You’ll want to utilize minimal, high-end fixtures throughout the rest of the space to contrast with the rustic wood finish.
11. Vertical Vanity Backsplash
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Painting shiplap black is a dramatic choice all on its own. Hanging those same shiplap panels vertically takes things to a whole new level.
The black finish on this shiplap wall is ideal for creating a contrasting accent wall in a bright and neutral bathroom space.
Those who are maximalists at heart may roll their eyes at calling this particular bathroom idea dramatic or daring. You can easily ramp up the impact of this black shiplap design by pairing it with bold wallpaper or out-of-the-box fixtures.
12. Scandinavian-Inspired Shiplap
Natural lumber can infuse a dose of subtle color to a space that’s otherwise draped in white and other neutrals. In this bathroom, the paneled wall may be in sharp contrast to the white fixtures but it matches perfectly with the room’s other wood elements.
While this wall overlay is not shiplap in the strictest sense, it would be very easy to recreate using authentic shiplap boards. You could also shrink down this design concept to create a smaller accent wall or bathroom vanity surround.
13. Warm Cherry Shiplap
The lush cherry wood is a rather unexpected finish for a shiplap design. Yet it boasts the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern luxury in a single material.
Part of what makes this bathroom look so sleek and modern are the ultra-contemporary fixtures. Combine this shiplap idea with more traditional fixtures, and you’d have yourself a very warm and cozy bathroom design.
14. Unique Architecture with Shiplap
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We frequently see shiplap used in place of built-in architecture and other design elements. So this combination of shiplap paneling with a bathroom alcove is a very pleasant surprise.
Paired with a different material, this bathroom space would feel lofty and a bit cold. The shiplap helps bring it back down to earth without overshadowing the stunning architecture inside.
The minimalist color palette is another reason this bathroom design comes across so beautifully. There’s a lot going on here already. Anything else color-wise would be overkill.
15. Board and Batten with Shiplap
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Here is another beautiful bathroom design where shiplap is a small yet crucial part of the look as a whole. In this case, it’s been installed alongside another rustic favorite: board and batten.
Keeping the board and batten and shiplap the same color ensures that the two don’t clash against one another. Meanwhile, the exposed ceiling beams add warmth and dimension.
If you enjoy the look of full-coverage wood paneling, a combination such as this is a wonderful way to avoid over-relying on a single texture. Just be sure to choose paneling styles that belong to the same general aesthetic.
16. Chevron Shiplap Vanity
This is one of the most unique shiplap-inspired bathrooms we’ve seen. And it incorporates the warmth and texture of natural wood in more ways than one.
The wooden wall overlay is actually just an extension of the floor. In your own bathroom, you could flip this concept by extending your shiplap vanity surround up to cover the ceiling.
Organic light fixtures, floating shelves, live-edge counters, and a wooden bathtub surround ensure that the vanity is not the only texture in the room. But these elements could easily be removed for a more curated and compact space.
17. Modern Industrial Shiplap
Shiplap tends to go hand in hand with feminine-leaning home design. There’s nothing wrong with that. But assuming that shiplap cannot also give off a masculine vibe would mean missing out on stunning designs like this one.
In this bathroom, shiplap’s rustic nature is put aside in favor of its sleek lines and angles. Its texture pairs wonderfully with the geometric vanities and modern shower stall.
While this bathroom isn’t something you’d find in the average home, it offers tons of inspiration for how you can use shiplap in your own living space.
18. Unpainted Shiplap Wall
We’ve offered many examples of how shiplap can be used without emphasizing its rustic appeal. So it’s only fair to highlight some bathroom designs that really lean into the material’s history.
This bathroom makes no effort to hide the natural color or texture of its wall-to-wall shiplap. Even the ceiling is covered with the material.
The dark flooring and fixtures pictured here create a more industrial aesthetic. However, you could easily use this finish alongside a light and airy color palette for a Bohemian-style space.
19. Floral and Feminine
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Looking for a shiplap bathroom design that takes full advantage of color? Then this example is sure to grab your attention!
This design is classic and feminine while still appealing to a more minimalist design inclination. The sleek and simple decor and fixtures help accomplish this.
It’s obvious that the shiplap paint color was carefully coordinated with the floral wallpaper. And the end result couldn’t be more perfect. If you choose to draw inspiration from this bathroom when designing your own, be sure to choose your color palette with equal care.
20. Dramatic Black Shiplap
Painting a small room almost entirely black is something few homeowners have the guts for. Still, this stylish powder room may convince you to take a chance on going dark!
The walls in this bathroom are finished with classic vertical shiplap — there’s nothing special about the material itself. But the matte black paint job takes this space to a whole new level.
If you’re going to adapt this idea to your own bathroom design, be sure to include plenty of contrast with white fixtures. Hanging a large mirror will also make the room feel lighter and brighter.