Decorating a shower in a modern bathroom

At present, it is less and less common to find a bathroom in which there would be no shower. If the room for taking water procedures is very modest in size, then the owners will most likely refuse to install a bath than get rid of the shower. The dynamic rhythm of modern life pushes us to rather fast (but at the same time frequent) hygienic procedures, rather than a relaxed lying in the foam bath. The ideal option, of course, is the bathroom, which is able to fit the entire set of vital segments for water procedures and sanitary and hygienic actions.

When planning a repair or reconstruction in the bathroom, it is important to remember that the space near the shower needs special finish. This place is subject to increased exposure to moisture and temperature changes, it is the surface of the shower cubicle or compartment with a shower that you will have to wash more often than others. Based on this information and guided by personal preferences, financial capabilities and the size of the bathroom, you can choose the finish for repairs.

Talking about the variety of finishing materials, which are full of construction and hardware stores, today is pointless. Obviously, the assortment of materials for finishing the surfaces of the bathroom can satisfy homeowners with any wallet size and taste preferences. Let us examine in more detail the methods of lining the surfaces of bathrooms in general and shower spaces in particular.

One of the most popular, rational and practical ways of finishing surfaces in the bathroom, and especially the planes of showers, is ceramic tile lining.

Among the obvious advantages of this type of finishing materials are:

• strength;
• relative durability;
• high temperature resistance;
• moisture resistance;
• simplicity in leaving;
• inexpensive cost;
• wide range of color palette;
• the possibility of using material with a pattern, ornament;
• safety for humans and the environment;
• not prone to fading;
• calmly reacts to exposure to chemicals with a low content of acids or alkalis.

The following criteria can be added to the cons:

• the inability to quickly change the bathroom;
• complexity of installation (for a successful cladding, you need to contact a professional);
• the relative high cost of both the material itself and the services for its installation;
• suitable for facing not every surface;
• the joints between the tiles need special care for a long service without losing their original appearance;
• the interior of the bathroom may look cold if the surface finish is completely done with ceramic tiles.

One of the most popular types of ceramic finishing material that has already become traditional is the metro tile. Initially, rectangular dies were used for wall cladding of the subway (hence the name) and laid out in the form of brickwork. Over time, the fashion for “metro” tiles (and in our country the name “hog” is often found) has moved from public places to living quarters, and is strengthening its position to this day. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a matte or glossy type of tile, with a flat surface or a chamfered edge. Facing walls, you can use a grout to match the tiles or apply a contrast combination, arrange the tiles in the traditional way horizontally or apply vertical masonry, while the appearance of the room is very diverse.

Ceramic tiles can easily imitate wood or stone surfaces. You have the opportunity to choose a bathroom lining in any style, color and texture.

The bacteriological purity of ceramic tiles, which is used for wall cladding, is determined only by the degree of contamination of the surface itself and the frequency of cleaning the room. On ceramics, pathogenic bacteria and molds do not take root, they can be seen only in the presence of plaque or other extraneous contamination. To prevent such contamination, it is enough to simply wash the tiles with special detergents, of which there are enough on sale and their cost is low.

Unlike the ceramic tile material itself, the seams between the cladding elements are a favorite place to collect dust, dirt and moldy microbes. As a result, the grout between the tiles can change its color and appearance in literally 1.5-2 years. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically wash the grout and treat it with a special antiseptic.

Material for artistic images that came to us from ancient times has become an excellent way to decorate any surfaces of many utilitarian and residential premises. Ceramic, glass, plastic, mirror and metal mosaics can decorate the interior of any bathroom. The variety of colors. The size and shape makes it possible not only to finish complex surfaces, but also to express your own imagination in the framework of the bathroom or toilet.

In addition to all the positive qualities inherent in ceramic tiles, the mosaic has a number of special properties:

• the ability to create artistic images;
• great for decorating, decorating individual segments, zoning and edging space;
• facing surfaces of any complexity - convex and rounded shapes, niches, arches and all kinds of recesses;
• it can be glued to any surface - concrete, plaster, wood, metal, acrylic, ceramics;
• glass mosaics are much more durable than ordinary ceramic tiles.

Among a small number of negative qualities, it can be noted:

• high enough for the average Russian price;
• high cost of services of installation professionals.

A similar pattern of surface design using mosaic tiles is called pixel, it was loved by designers and homeowners around the world. Such installation does not require a clear picture, but it is an interesting way to integrate various colors of the same color into the lining of the bathroom planes.

Mirror, textured, mosaic, made in the technique of tiles - the range of finishing materials of modern building stores is full of all kinds of options, it all depends on your taste preferences and budget for repairing the bathroom.

A single-tone mosaic in the form of small square or rectangular chips looks great together with snow-white grout.

It is a ceramic tile, but with enhanced qualities of strength and durability. Typically, such decorative materials are used as flooring, but it is often possible to find a bathroom in which the walls of the shower or near the bathtub are faced with porcelain stoneware.

Porcelain tile has all the positive and negative qualities of ceramic tiles, but unlike wall material, you can drop heavy objects on it and not be afraid of cracks and chips.

Porcelain tile, like ceramic tile for wall cladding, is presented in a wide range of color schemes, is available with a pattern and ornament, can have a different texture, imitate stone or wooden surfaces.

An interesting option for the interior of the bathroom with a shower can be a combination of finishing with light moisture-resistant plaster and dark porcelain stoneware (for planes with high humidity).

Caring for porcelain stoneware tiles is similar to cleaning ceramic tiles; you can use the same cleaning products for both finishes.

With porcelain stoneware, it is also necessary to be very attentive to the cleaning and processing of joints and grouting between tiles. Again, antiseptics will help you, which are used both for processing ceramic and mosaic surfaces with grout.

One of the strongest and most durable materials is natural stone. Of course, marble is a favorite among natural facing materials. This noble and beautiful stone is able to add luxury and elegance to any bathroom interior.

Among the obvious disadvantages of marble tiles, a very high price can be mentioned, especially if we talk about natural material, and not about its artificial counterpart. Work on surface finishing is also expensive, marble does not tolerate inaccuracies when cutting, special equipment and glue for stone plates are necessary. That is why when using marble tiles in the interior they try to apply in the most humid places - the surface of the shower, an apron over the sink and bath.

Due to the fact that marble is an incredibly strong and durable material, it is often used as a floor covering and for the manufacture of countertops for sinks. He is not afraid of falling sharp, heavy objects, but scratches can appear on marble. Someone like patina, which eventually forms on marble surfaces and gives the room a more noble appearance with a touch of antiquity. For some homeowners, such prints of time are unacceptable, and in this case, polishing marble and rubbing with special waxes and sprays can help. You can do these manipulations with marble surfaces yourself if there are no deep scratches or even cracks on the stone. Otherwise, you may need special equipment for polishing marble.

For some, the durability of marble cladding is an absolute plus, because such a repair is not just for years. It can pass from generation to generation (if the surfaces are properly cared for, of course). For other homeowners, the long depreciation period of natural stone can lead to the rejection of this material due to the inability to change the situation after 3-4 years. In this case, it makes sense to consider the option of using artificial stone, which externally perfectly imitates natural material, but inferior to it in strength and durability.

Marble “subway” tiles are as traditional as using stone wall cladding, a way to ennoble the entire bathroom or the space of the shower.

Thanks to the combination of different cladding materials, you can create a really interesting finish not only in the shower room, but in the entire bathroom.

With the help of bright mosaic tiles, you can create a spectacular edging of the perimeter of the shower room or the entire room, design niches or the space around the mirror. Against the background of light ceramic tiles, bright spots of the edging look most advantageous.

One of the most cost-effective and lightweight from the point of view of mounting materials for wall cladding in the bathroom or shower - plastic panels. Usually these are PVC panels with laminated surfaces.

You can make such a clad yourself, the tools that you will most likely need for every owner, and a little training will allow you to quickly get your hand in such a finish. Another plus of plastic panels is their unpretentiousness in care - cleaning with ordinary detergents.

The obvious advantage of plastic finishing is the wealth of color solutions, the ability to use material with a pattern and ornament.This is a great opportunity to bring brightness, personality and personalize the image of the room to the bathroom interior for small means.

Among the disadvantages of plastic coatings, I would like to note its non-environmental friendliness. Every year, manufacturers of PVC panels try to reduce the percentage of toxicity that almost all models of this finishing material possess.

Also, the disadvantages of this surface coating include the lack of air exchange, the walls, lined with plastic "do not breathe."

This is the rarest way to finish surfaces in a bathroom. It consists in covering all or only some of the walls with moisture resistant plaster.

Among the obvious advantages can be noted the ability to independently (in the presence of certain building skills) to finish. It is also pleasantly pleased with the low cost of such repairs and the possibility of a quick change of scenery, quick depreciation of the finishing material.

The disadvantages of finishing with decorative plaster include the fragility of the material, the dependence on temperature changes and the tendency to form condensate.

As for color solutions, wall decoration with textured plaster, as a rule, provides you with the opportunity to choose only in a plain version. In this bathroom, the game of color was achieved through the installation of LED backlight. Differences in shades can also be achieved with the help of deep surface reliefs.

Often, homeowners who have an asymmetric attic or attic space equip a bathroom with shower. In the case of a room with a strong bevel of the ceiling, it would be logical to place the shower in the place with the highest height of the room, the remaining space can be used to install a bath, toilet, bidet or low storage systems.

When decorating shower planes, it is better to use a combined lining. On smooth symmetrical surfaces put ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles, and in places with a strong bevel - a mosaic, in the same way you can save on material.

For small asymmetric attic rooms, of course, a light palette is preferable. The snow-white finish will visually expand the space and will not focus on the unevenness of the room.

In this spacious attic space, the shower column has become not only the geometric center, but also the focus of attention. The light finish of the bathroom contrasts with the dark shade of mosaic tiles.

The contrasting interior in black and white has become the highlight of this small bathroom, located in the attic. Trim with plastic panels and steel piping added an element of personality to the interior.

This, of course, is not an attic space, but, you must admit, is also an unusual place for arranging a shower room. Such design techniques are most often used in the loft style, when the general spacious room is not separated by walls, but only conditional zoning of the space occurs. But the modern style with its desire for practical, but original minimalism can be expressed in similar designs of shower mini-rooms, located right in the hallway.