Bathroom Designs Without Any Tiles

There are many material options for bathroom walls and floors. It is very common to use tiles in a bathroom, but you may want to deviate from the norm of tiling your bathroom walls.

There are several alternatives to bathroom tiles, including cementitious materials, waterproof plaster, and stone slabs. All of these finishes can create a beautiful aesthetic in a bathroom with a seamless design while providing sufficient durability and protection. 

I am Jorge Fontan, an architect in New York and the owner of Manhattan-based architecture and design firm Fontan Architecture. At our office, we work on various types of projects, including residential renovations and new home designs. While designing people’s homes, we often hear requests from our clients for bathrooms without any grout and tiles. Below are a few bathrooms we have created without using a single tile. 

 

Alternatives to Bathroom Tiles 

 

Tadelakt Waterproof Plaster 

Tadelakt is an ancient Moroccan waterproof plaster. This material is an excellent alternative for bathroom walls, including those in the shower. Tadelakt waterproof plaster is a manually applied technique that relies heavily on the individual’s craftsmanship in its installation.

Below, you can see a picture of a shower we designed using Tadelakt. There are no grout lines or tiles. The entire bathroom has a seamless look that combines texture and traditional value with a modern sensibility.

 

Limewash Bathroom

Limewash is another option that we have used, especially in powder rooms where there is less concern about water damage than in a full bathroom. Limewash is made from crushed limestone with added pigment. It creates a textured feel with a subtle rustication. This material is an excellent alternative specialty finish.

In the picture below, you can see a powder room we designed with Limewash walls. This bathroom has a unique look not only due to the green color but also from the wall texture the limewash creates.

 

Stone Slabs Bathroom

Stone slabs are the apex of luxury bathroom design. Natural stone has an unparalleled richness and intrinsic beauty. Instead of using marble tiles you can use entire slabs of marble or other stones for your bathroom. Installing slabs creates a truly luxurious bathroom with a seamless look and an awe-inspiring feel.

In the bathroom below, we used Travertine slabs for the walls, floors, and the custom sink. There are no tiles at all here. These are entire slabs of stone. This bathroom features a minimalistic design with few seams and luxurious material, resulting in a lavish and unique appearance.

 

Metal Paneling

You may not think of metal for your bathroom, but adding bathroom wall panels in metal or other materials can be a great alternative to tiles. We have used various metals in bathrooms. This option may be something to do sparingly to ensure good taste and avoid a gaudy appearance.

We designed this bathroom to have a slightly darker and moody look. The wall at the sink has a bronze paneling flanked by mirrors that all extend to the ceiling.

 

Wood Paneling

Another alternative to bathroom tile is wood paneling. There are many ways to accomplish this, but it’s essential to consider the location when installing wood panels in a bathroom. We typically only use wood panels in areas that will not get a great deal of water.

In the bathroom below, we used a combination of materials to create this bathroom without the use of tiles. You can see behind the sink we used wood panels and large mirrors. The wood matches the custom cabinets below creating a continuous feel. This design continuity, combined with a similar tone, creates a sleek and modern feel in this bathroom.

 

Making Bathrooms Without Tiles

As you can see, you don’t have to make your bathroom with tiles if you don’t want to. There are many materials that can be used besides tiles when designing a bathroom. As an architect, when choosing alternative materials for your bathroom, I would consider the materials based on your location and design intent. Not all materials are suitable for the shower, but they may be suitable for use elsewhere.

Bathroom design needs to be cohesive and thoughtful. Do not throw materials together. We always work out bathroom design as a whole entity, ensuring that every choice complements the others.

 

Thank You for Reading Our Blog Post on Bathroom Tile Alternatives.

I hope this was helpful. If you want to speak with an architect about a potential project, you can contact us at Fontan Architecture directly. 

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