Our bathrooms have the potential to be a luxurious retreat with the addition of bathroom wall paneling. A tradition dating back to the 15th century in Europe, bathroom panels made from fabric or other luxurious materials were used to add style and elegance to the bathroom, while providing insulation and soundproofing.
As with Europeans of the Middle Ages, today’s bathroom owners have a need for a comfortable and relaxing place to retreat to. Adding curtain panels or wooden paneling to bathroom walls will accomplish this with overwhelming effect.
Today, common fabrics and materials used for bathroom panels include:
-Treated oak, teak wood, or cedar. These are typically installed vertically.
-MDF paneling. Waterproof and resistant to rot, MDF panels are high quality manufactured materials not prone to cracking or warping over time.
-Various fabrics for curtain paneling, laminated between clear acrylic and polyester resin.
By far the most common reason for using bathroom paneling is the transformation it brings to the room. Paneling also protects walls, however, and when properly installed, provides additional protection against moisture build-up.
In a home where a common theme needs to be carried out, wooden bathroom panels in the tradition of Georgian or Victorian homes offer a more integrated appearance than antique fixtures alone.
To accomplish the installation of curtain panels in a bathroom and prevent mold and mildew growth, the option of decorative fabric look-alike panels is available. A fabric is sandwiched between laminate and acrylic to protect it from the humidity of the bathroom, and these panels are cut to size from large manufactured sheets.
Of course, if the bathroom is large enough to have a sitting area closed off from the shower and bath, real fabric panels made with a polyester or microfiber blend can be safely tacked onto MDF or real wood panels for a richly appointed look.