Half-Tile Bathrooms Are The Budget-Friendly Trend Worth Trying

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If you're planning a bathroom remodel, you have probably already read so many bathroom renovation tips — especially about tile. It's no secret that using ceramic or porcelain is a smart choice, especially since they help avoid costly future repairs by protecting your walls from moisture damage. There's so much to think about when choosing what works best for your bathroom, but there's a design trend out there you may not have considered yet: half-tiled walls. A half-tiled bathroom gives you the opportunity to customize your space while ensuring it meets all of your time, budget, functionality, and design needs.

Even though the amount of materials needed for a bathroom is far less than most areas of your home, you're likely to save even more money with this trend. Using half the tile and taking less time to complete the job will definitely reduce labor and material costs. It is also worth noting that the un-tiled area of your wall left exposed after tiling will only need a coat of paint or wallpaper, both easy DIY projects that will save further on hiring a professional. 

Even if a tight budget is not your main concern, this trend will allow you to prioritize well-made, durable materials. You can guiltlessly splurge on pricier tiles and wallpaper that would be far more costly to use in larger rooms of your home or the entire bathroom space, making this a trend that works well for everyone.

How high you tile a bathroom wall depends on both practicality and personal design style. The most common tiling height is 48 inches, or halfway up the wall for most standard-size bathrooms, though a little lower may work with some configurations. About 4 feet of tile will typically ensure all major splash zones in your bathroom are covered, which is the most important thing to consider. However, some modern designs will go as high up as 72 inches for aesthetic appeal or to protect extra-wet areas like the shower.

No matter what height you choose, you will definitely need to finish off the tile with some sort of trim. A popular choice is bullnose tile for a seamless look, an option that has smooth, rounded edges. You can also consider pencil trim, a narrow alternative that is particularly designed to create a frame or border around tiles.

One of the greatest benefits of a half-tile bathroom is the opportunity it gives you to experiment. You can incorporate bold patterns, colors, or designs that might be too overwhelming on the entire wall, especially in a small space. For a balanced approach, pair a busy wallpaper with a neutral tile or a subtle paint color with a bold tile, effectively softening the overall look. We love the idea of combining something like this boho botanical forest wallpaper with a sand-colored tile and gold fixtures, but the options are truly endless. With so many reasons why you may want to add wallpaper to your bathroom, the half-tile technique is a great place to start experimenting.