More Character Than Tile: The Eco-Friendly Material To Add To Your Bathroom

Renovating or designing a bathroom from scratch can be a fun and exciting process, but it can also be a stressful one. With so many decisions to be made on flooring, fixtures, and fittings, it can quite easily start to feel overwhelming. One bathroom trend predicted to take over in 2026 is to use secondhand or reclaimed materials. Not only does the uniqueness inherent in reclaimed materials bring bundles of character to a bathroom space, but it's also sustainable and environmentally friendly. So, if you're looking to add charm to bathroom walls, countertop, or floor, you may want to think about ditching the tiles and opt for reclaimed wood instead. 

A few things are worth considering before you commit to using reclaimed wood in a bathroom design. Water poses a risk to any type of wood, but reclaimed wood is often more worn and porous, so it's highly recommended to protect it with a waterproof sealant. Furthermore, wood of any kind is less durable in a bathroom than tiles, as there is risk of warping and movement. However, if you take the right precautions, such as using a bath mat on wooden flooring and promptly wiping up any major splashes, this shouldn't be an issue.

There are many gorgeous ways to bring natural wood into a bathroom that you may not have even considered. The special thing about reclaimed wood, in particular, is its rich patina developed over time that cannot be replicated. Of course, the obvious way to incorporate it into your bathroom is in flooring. Because the floor is most likely going to be exposed to water, regularly wipe down a reclaimed wood floor and reseal it at least once a year to properly maintain it and prevent damage.

Reclaimed wood also works well as wall paneling, a design trend from the '60s that's making a comeback. Unlike the '60s, cladding every wall may feel a bit much to you, but a paneled accent wall can feel cozy and rustic in a bathroom. Choose the wall behind your vanity unit to make a real style statement. Perhaps you'd prefer to test the trend without fully committing: a lovely way to do this is to use reclaimed wood for storage. Find a vintage wooden cabinet at a thrift store and proudly hang it on a plain bathroom wall to add character.