You’re about to discover why shiplap has become one of the most beloved wall treatments in bathroom design.
Whether you’re drawn to cozy farmhouse charm or sleek modern aesthetics, shiplap offers incredible versatility that works with virtually any style.
From bold painted accent walls to classic white horizontal planks, these 39 inspiring ideas will show you how to transform your bathroom into a space that feels both personal and polished.
01. Powder Room with Horizontal Planks
Credit: My 100 Year Old Home
You’ll love how horizontal shiplap instantly makes your narrow powder room feel wider and more inviting.
The wrap-around white planks create beautiful visual movement that tricks the eye into seeing more space than actually exists. This simple design choice transforms even the tiniest powder room into something that feels surprisingly open and airy.
02. Soft Sage Green Walls
Credit: Kate Marker Interiors
Transform your neutral powder room by painting shiplap in a gorgeous sage green shade that adds warmth without overwhelming the space.
You can pair this soft color with a farmhouse-style vanity featuring marble and wood elements, then finish with elegant gold accents. The combination creates a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that feels both timeless and fresh.
03. Dramatic Black Wall Panels
Credit: Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography
Create a moody, spa-like retreat in your bathroom with striking black vertical shiplap that commands attention.
You’ll want to contrast those dark walls with crisp white window trim and ceiling paint to keep things balanced. Mixed metal finishes on your sconces and fixtures add just the right amount of variation and visual interest to this bold design choice.
04. Vintage Furniture Pairings
Credit: Design byJersey Ice Cream Co./ Photo byNicole Franzen
If you’re living in an older home, white shiplap walls create the perfect authentic backdrop for showcasing your vintage treasures.
You can incorporate antique pieces like a mirror-front medicine cabinet, classic pedestal sink, and dark wood furniture that brings character to the space. This approach creates a bathroom that feels both nostalgic and beautifully timeless in all the right ways.
05. High-Contrast Black Details
Credit: Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography
You’ll achieve stunning visual impact by adding black accents throughout your white shiplap bathroom for crisp definition.
Think black sconces, towel rods, cabinet hardware, and framed mirrors that create graphic contrast against pristine white walls. These carefully chosen details transform a simple bathroom into something that feels polished, intentional, and undeniably stylish every single day.
06. Rustic Ceiling Treatment
Credit: Design byLeanne Ford Interiors/ Photo byTessa Neustadt
You don’t need to cover every surface to make shiplap shine in your cozy bathroom space.
Try installing shiplap on just the ceiling and pairing it with textured walls and natural stone floors for authentic rustic charm. Add a vintage sink and clawfoot tub to complete this compact, light-filled retreat that feels like a peaceful escape from everyday life.
07. Contemporary Lighting Mix
Credit: Michelle Berwick Design
Bring your primary bathroom into the modern era by pairing wide horizontal shiplap with sleek contemporary pendant lights.
You can add black-rimmed mirrors and a floating vanity to create beautiful texture without sacrificing clean lines. This combination proves that shiplap isn’t just for farmhouse style—it works brilliantly in modern spaces when styled with the right elements.
08. Warm Beige Envelope
Credit: Becca Interiors
Create an incredibly cozy, enveloping atmosphere by painting your shiplap walls and ceiling in the same warm beige tone.
You’ll love how this monochromatic approach wraps the entire room in soothing color that feels like a gentle hug. Finish with contrasting white window trim, a beautiful garden tub, and vintage-inspired lighting for a relaxing retreat you’ll never want to leave.
09. Wallpaper and Plank Combo
Credit: Kate Marker Interiors
Mix traditional horizontal shiplap with eye-catching patterned wallpaper to create layers of visual interest in your black-and-white bathroom.
This combination works beautifully as a backsplash treatment that adds personality without overwhelming the space. You’ll achieve a sophisticated look that feels both classic and fresh, with each element complementing rather than competing with the other for attention.
10. Gallery Wall on Planks
Credit: Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography
Don’t let anyone tell you that shiplap walls can’t handle artwork—you can absolutely hang your favorite pieces just like any other wall.
Try displaying vintage bird illustrations or family photos to add personality and history to your bathroom. The textured backdrop actually makes your artwork pop even more, creating a collected, curated look that feels intentional and beautifully personal.
11. Farmhouse Half Wall
Credit: Liz Marie Blog
A shiplap half wall creates instant coziness in your farmhouse bathroom while keeping the space feeling open and airy.
You can decorate with an antique sink, triptych mirror, and vintage artwork that celebrates the charm of yesteryear. This approach gives you the texture and character of shiplap without the commitment of covering every wall from floor to ceiling.
12. Industrial Meets Country
Credit: Design byChango & Co./ Photo bySarah Elliott
White horizontal shiplap gives your industrial farmhouse bathroom a crisp, clean foundation that lets other elements shine.
Layer in gray and silver finishes with strategic black accents, then add unexpected pops of red for energy and warmth. This combination creates a space that feels both rugged and refined, perfectly balancing masculine industrial vibes with softer farmhouse touches throughout.
13. Rainbow Tile Accent
Credit: Design byChango & Co./ Photo by Chris Coe
Make your kids’ bathroom absolutely unforgettable by pairing classic white shiplap with vibrant rainbow-striped shower tiles.
The horizontal planks provide a calm backdrop that lets those colorful vertical tiles become the star of the show. This playful combination adds personality and joy to a small space while keeping things from feeling too busy or overwhelming for daily use.
14. Marble and Plank Luxury
Credit: Sissy + Marley Interior Design/ Photo byMarco Ricca Studio
Combine white shiplap with elegant white marble to create beautiful texture in your modern, light-filled bathroom.
Cover both walls and ceiling with shiplap, then add a stunning glass-walled shower with marble surfaces and matching floors. Black textiles and accessories provide sharp contrast that gives this spacious bathroom a sophisticated, contemporary edge that feels absolutely luxurious.
15. Vertical Accent Feature
Credit: Michelle Berwick Design
Install vertical shiplap on just one accent wall to add dimension while maintaining a neutral, cohesive look throughout your bathroom.
The vertical orientation draws your eye upward, making ceilings feel taller and small spaces feel more expansive. Add modern artwork and playful mosaic penny tile flooring for a warm, contemporary feel that welcomes you every time you walk in.
16. Timeless Two-Tone Design
Credit: Design byLeanne Ford Interiors/ Photo byAlexandra Ribar
You’ll create a bathroom that never goes out of style by combining white shiplap walls with dark flooring and mixed vintage-modern pieces.
An antique sink paired with a sleek modern soaking tub gives you the best of both worlds. This high-contrast black-and-white palette feels both timeless and relaxing, creating a peaceful retreat that will look beautiful for years to come.
17. Fresh Modern Envelope
Credit: Design byChango & Co./ Photo bySarah Elliott
Cover your entire bathroom in bright white shiplap from walls to ceiling for a clean, neutral envelope that feels incredibly fresh.
Contrast all that white with bold black floor tiles, modern accessories, and contemporary artwork that keeps things feeling current. This approach creates a space that feels updated and stylish while remaining calm and uncluttered—perfect for starting and ending your day.
18. Layered Wall Accent
Credit: Ashley Montgomery Design
Add serious character by installing dark olive green vertical shiplap about two-thirds up your bathroom walls with a clean horizontal border.
This layered approach works beautifully in narrow spaces, making them feel more open while adding rich color and texture. Pair with textured walls and ceilings above for a sophisticated look that feels both intentional and beautifully crafted throughout the entire space.
19. Luxury Primary Suite
Credit: Design byChango & Co./ Photo bySarah Elliott
Transform your spacious primary bathroom with all-over shiplap that creates a softer, more inviting atmosphere than plain drywall ever could.
This treatment lets your walk-in shower, soaking tub, and double vanity truly shine as the stars of the space. A whimsical bubble pendant light hanging over the tub adds an unexpected focal point that brings personality and charm to this luxurious retreat.
20. Subway Tile Partnership
Credit: Design byChango & Co./ Photo bySarah Elliott
Shiplap plays beautifully with other wall treatments, so don’t be afraid to mix textures in your spacious bathroom.
Pair a classic subway tile backsplash with vertical shiplap accent walls for a modern farmhouse look that feels layered and interesting. Rich wood elements and dark flooring add warmth and contrast, creating a space that feels both polished and welcoming every single day.
21. Painted Trim and Planks
Credit: Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography
Create visual interest around your bathroom window by painting the shiplap half-wall and trim in matching color, then contrasting with different wall tones.
This technique adds architectural detail and depth to neutral bathrooms without requiring major renovations. You’ll love how this simple approach transforms ordinary walls into something that feels custom and thoughtfully designed, elevating your entire bathroom aesthetic beautifully.
22. Simple Vanity Backsplash
Credit: Becca Interiors
You don’t need to cover entire walls to enjoy shiplap’s charm—a short backsplash above your vanity makes a beautiful statement.
This approach adds definition and texture exactly where you need it without interrupting the flow of your farmhouse bathroom. It’s perfect if you want just a touch of shiplap character while keeping the rest of your space open and airy for a lighter overall feel.
23. Mixed Style Elements
Credit: Design byChango & Co./ Photo bySarah Elliott
Traditional white horizontal shiplap creates the perfect neutral backdrop for mixing vintage and modern elements in your farmhouse bathroom.
Layer in a vintage-style sink, rich dark wood finishes, and industrial green sconces for depth and character. Modern black-and-white checkered flooring ties everything together, creating a lively space that feels collected over time rather than decorated all at once.
24. Minimalist Warmth
Credit: Sissy + Marley Interior Design/ Photo byMarco Ricca Studio
If minimalism is your style, shiplap walls add essential warmth and texture that prevents your bathroom from feeling cold or sterile.
The subtle horizontal lines create visual interest without adding clutter or competing with your carefully curated minimal aesthetic. This timeless approach gives you a bathroom that feels inviting and human while maintaining the clean, uncluttered look you love so much.
25. Vintage High-Contrast Look
Credit: Design byLeanne Ford Interiors/ Photo byAlexandra Ribar
White shiplap walls provide beautiful texture in your vintage-style bathroom while keeping things feeling bright and open.
Add an antique three-faucet sink, dramatic black-paned arched doors, and dark flooring for striking contrast that feels intentional. A modern pendant light bridges old and new, creating a high-contrast look that celebrates vintage charm while feeling fresh and current for today’s lifestyle.
26. Graphic Tile Complement
Credit: Design byChango & Co./ Photo by Chris Coe
Let your bold patterned tiles take center stage by installing subtle shiplap on adjacent walls that won’t compete for attention.
This thoughtful approach adds texture throughout your bathroom while ensuring your graphic tiles remain the focal point. You’ll create a balanced space where every element has its moment to shine, resulting in a bathroom that feels cohesive, intentional, and beautifully designed from every angle.
27. Seamless Shower Niche
Credit: Chelius House of Design
Create a cohesive coastal farmhouse look by finishing your shower niche with the same shiplap that covers your bathroom walls.
This seamless approach makes your entire bathroom feel unified and thoughtfully designed from top to bottom. Add black plumbing fixtures along with warm wood and woven accents to complete this inviting space that feels like a relaxing beach house retreat every single day.
28. Original Floor Preservation
Credit: Design byJersey Ice Cream Co./ Photo byNicole Franzen
Keep your home’s beautiful original hardwood floors dark and dramatic while adding fresh white shiplap walls for an airy, updated feel.
Pair with a simple mirror and freestanding marble-and-wood vanity that respects your home’s history while bringing modern functionality. This combination honors your older home’s character while creating a bathroom that feels light, bright, and perfectly suited for contemporary living and daily use.
29. Built-In Tub Alcove
Credit: Ashley Montgomery Design
Use shiplap to define and beautify a bathroom nook or built-in bathtub alcove from walls to ceiling for a cohesive, enveloping feel.
Paint everything in soft beige tones and add delicate half curtains for a relaxing oasis atmosphere. This approach transforms a simple alcove into a special retreat within your bathroom, creating a dedicated space that feels like your personal spa for unwinding after long days.
30. Breezy Modern Simplicity
Credit: Desiree Burns Interiors
Vertical white shiplap walls paired with simple modern decor create an effortlessly breezy atmosphere in your bathroom.
Layer in light wood elements, woven textures, and gold-toned metallic accents for warmth without heaviness. This combination gives you a space that feels fresh and current while remaining calm and uncluttered—perfect for creating a peaceful morning routine that sets a positive tone for your entire day.
31. All-White with Texture
Credit: Mindy Gayer Design Co./ Photo by Lane Dittoe
Keep your all-white bathroom from feeling sterile by adding vertical shiplap walls that bring essential warmth and visual texture.
The vertical orientation emphasizes your tall ceilings, making the entire space feel more grand and expansive. Add a glamorous gold-toned pendant light above your bathtub for an unexpected touch of luxury that elevates this simple, bright bathroom into something truly special and spa-like.
32. Galley-Style Half Wall
Credit: Becca Interiors
Wrap a shiplap half-wall around three sides of your long galley bathroom, painting everything in warm beige for a cohesive, low-contrast feel.
This approach makes narrow spaces feel larger and more unified from end to end. Add earthy olive green paint on your bathtub base with natural wood vanity and gray flooring to bring in warmth and depth that makes the space feel grounded and inviting.
33. High-Gloss Drama
Credit: Emily Henderson Design/ Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Create an incredibly moody, dramatic bathroom by using charred wood shiplap in either matte or stunning high-gloss black finish.
This bold choice transforms your bathroom into a sophisticated retreat that feels both daring and luxurious. Contrast with crisp white elements to keep the space from feeling too dark, creating a black-and-white bathroom that makes a powerful statement while remaining functional and inviting for everyday use.
34. Natural Wood Backsplash
Credit: Erin Williamson Design
Add warmth to your spacious modern bathroom with a natural wood shiplap backsplash above your double vanity that complements pale wood cabinetry beautifully.
The large horizontal boards visually widen your space while the natural wood creates gorgeous contrast with white countertops and black accents. This Texas-sized primary bathroom proves that natural shiplap brings organic warmth that painted versions simply can’t match in modern spaces.
35. Fresh Navy Contrast
Credit: Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography
Navy shiplap walls that complement your cabinetry create stunning contrast with white shower tiles for a fresh, modern bathroom feel.
This bold color choice adds depth and sophistication while remaining surprisingly versatile and easy to style. You’ll love how navy brings richness to your space without feeling dark or heavy, especially when balanced with plenty of white elements that keep everything feeling bright and open.
36. Soothing Dark Green
Credit: Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography
Install vertical wide plank shiplap on the lower half of your powder room walls and paint it in a soothing dark green shade.
This approach adds definition and rich color exactly where it makes the most impact without overwhelming your small space. The vertical orientation draws eyes upward while the dark green creates a grounding, calming effect that makes your powder room feel like a sophisticated jewel box retreat.
37. Natural Wood Shelving
Credit: Rebecca Rollins Interiors
Mix horizontal white shiplap with chunky natural wood floating shelves for beautiful warm contrast in your small bathroom.
Style those shelves with woven textures, candles, and simple artwork to create a decorated, lived-in feel. This combination gives you practical storage while adding organic warmth that prevents all-white shiplap from feeling too stark or cold, creating a bathroom that feels both functional and beautifully styled.
38. Geometric Floor Pattern
Credit: Design byChango & Co./ Photo by Chris Coe
Modernize classic white shiplap walls with a vibrant multicolored geometric tile floor that brings energy and personality to your bathroom.
Pull accent colors from your floor tiles into your wall art, accessories, and fixtures for a cohesive look. This playful approach creates a space that feels joyful and collected, proving that shiplap works beautifully as a neutral backdrop for bold, colorful design choices that express your unique style.
39. Midnight Blue Depth
Credit: Michelle Berwick Design
Paint a shiplap accent wall in rich midnight blue to add depth and drama to your bathroom with cool white finishes.
Balance that bold color with a floating natural wood vanity, simple wall art, and organic touches like wheat stems in a vase. This combination creates a sophisticated space where the deep blue adds moodiness while natural wood elements prevent things from feeling too cold or austere for comfortable daily use.
Final Thoughts
Shiplap offers endless possibilities for transforming your bathroom into a space that truly reflects your personal style and needs.
Whether you choose classic white horizontal planks, bold painted colors, or natural wood tones, this versatile wall treatment adds texture and character that plain walls simply can’t match.
Start with just one accent wall or go all-in with floor-to-ceiling coverage—either way, you’ll create a bathroom that feels warm, inviting, and uniquely yours for years to come.
