Bathroom and kitchen walls are exposed to moisture more than any other walls in the home, requiring special attention to materials that can withstand humidity. Choosing the right wall finish for moisture-prone wall surfaces is important to prevent damage and ensure durability, even in the most well-ventilated interiors.
Table of Contents
Vinyl Wallpaper
Credit: Dustin Peck
Vinyl wallpaper is considered waterproof, functional, and one of the better options for bathrooms. Paper wallcoverings deteriorate quickly in moist environments. Modern vinyl wallpaper offers sophisticated patterns, styles, and colors.
However, it has its drawbacks, too. It is not as sticky as permanent wallpaper and will not stick to matte, flat, or rough walls. Also, most vinyl wallpapers work best when used at a distance from the shower stall or tub. The solution is to sample for your walls before committing.
Eggshell Paint Finish
Credit: JC Licht
Eggshell paint is a popular choice for high-moisture rooms, thanks to its durable, low-sheen finish that comes with a matte feel. Plus, it offers maximum protection against humidity, and is super easy to clean (aka the “wipe it and move on” finish).
Tip- Before you buy paint, make sure you’re not overbuying (or running out mid-wall). Use our Paint Coverage Calculator to estimate exactly how many gallons you’ll need for your bathroom or kitchen.
Bathroom Paint
Credit: Berkeley Place
Bathroom paint is particularly formulated for humid rooms. These premium paints offer mold-killing additives, and come in a variety of sheens for your bathroom. It’s affordable, but a little more expensive than regular latex interior paint.
PVC Wall Panels
Credit: Henley Stoves
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) panels sit perfectly in the kitchen and bathroom due to their waterproof nature and lightweight design. They’re 100% humidity-proof- do not absorb or retain moisture. The material is also mold- and mildew-resistant, plus so easy to clean (just a cloth and detergent needed). And since the installation is beginner-friendly, a weekend DIY is totally doable 😉
UV Marble Sheets
Credit: Aesth Edge Wall Panel
UV marble sheets create the same elegant look as real marble, with the added bonus of stain-resistant and waterproof technology. It’s also stain- and scratch-resistant, a smart pick for high-traffic areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Even better, eco-friendly options are available too, so you can get that luxe marble look while making a more planet-friendly choice.
Ceramic Tile
Credit: Houzz
Ceramic tile is a classic choice for humid spaces. When properly installed (+ maintained), moisture will never be a problem. You can also opt for a colored grout to add style to the tile.
A bathroom will usually have partially tiled walls that extend up to 36 inches from the floor. The rest is either painted or wallpapered. For the kitchen, it’s a fun idea to opt for statement ceramic tile as the backsplash for a stunning design feature.
Tileboard
Credit: The Spruce
At first glance, tileboard resembles ceramic tile. It comes in large, ready-to-install panels that cover up to 32 square feet at once, giving you a tile-look wall in minutes with way less effort.
Better tileboard looks more like real ceramic tile, and the surface is coated, so it resists moisture. Easy to install and economical, tileboard fixes wall problems quickly, but adds very little value to your home, unlike tile.
Tileboard can rapidly swell and will not return to its original dimensions if water reaches the back of the board. Dodge this problem by sealing all edges and seams with good-quality, bathroom-grade silicone caulk.
Beadboard
Credit: Jessica Nelson Design
Beadboard provides partial coverage only for the lower half of the bathroom wall. Glossy paint or semi-gloss protects the beadboard from moisture damage.
For simpler installation, consider beadboard panels that are 4 feet high and 8 feet long. Installed lengthwise, these longer boards lay down quickly with construction glue + finish nails. For a more historically accurate and refined look, opt for individual beadboard planks.
Microcement (Seamless + Modern)
Credit: Smart Cret
Microcement gives you that smooth, high-end “spa wall” look with no grout lines to trap moisture. It’s water-resistant when sealed properly, and it works beautifully on full bathroom walls, shower zones, and even kitchen backsplashes. A particularly perfect option if you love a minimal, modern aesthetic and want something that feels custom.
Porcelain Tile (More Durable Than Ceramic)
Credit: Premier Porcelain
Porcelain tile is like ceramic’s tougher, more water-resistant cousin. It absorbs less moisture, holds up better over time, and works amazingly well in bathrooms that get steamy daily. It’s also a great choice for kitchens because it resists stains and heat better, especially behind cooktops.
Waterproof Shower Wall Panels
Credit: Victorian Plumbing
These are large wall panels made specifically for wet areas, so you can get a clean, modern look without the maintenance of grout. They’re a lifesaver if you want something sleek & quick to install. Great for shower surrounds, but also works for full bathroom walls.
Glass Tile
Credit: Domino
Glass tile is fully waterproof and adds that glossy, light-bouncing finish that makes small bathrooms feel bigger. Use the material as a backsplash, a shower accent wall, or a niche detail. Bonus: it doesn’t stain easily, so it stays looking fresh.
Final Words
Humidity doesn’t have to limit your style. It just means you need finishes that can actually keep up with real life… steamy showers, splashes behind the sink, and all the daily wear that happens in kitchens and bathrooms.
Pick the finish that works hard and looks good doing it. Your walls will thank you later.