39 Shiplap Bathroom Ideas For Traditional Farmhouse Fans to Modern Design Lovers

You can design a shiplap bathroom to look rustic and homey, or clean and modern depending on the style of your interiors and the mood you want to create.

Shiplap wood paneling fits together neatly thanks to the rabbeted groves that create its signature appearance. A versatile material that will make a modern farmhouse bathroom easy to spot, shiplap can also be used in more minimalist spaces to add texture while retaining a streamlined neutral feel that pairs easily with other finishes.

You can embrace a traditional look with horizontal shiplap, or modernize it with a vertical layout. Paint shiplap white, black, or any other color of your choosing, or leave it plain to show off natural wood tones. Cover walls and ceiling in shiplap for a cohesive feel, install a shiplap accent wall, or pair a shiplap half wall with tile, paint, wallpaper, or textured finishes for a custom look.

Check out these shiplap bathroom ideas in a range of styles, sizes, and settings for inspiration. 

Modern Shiplap Bathroom

Cover the walls and ceiling with shiplap to create a neutral envelope for a modern space.

This bathroom from Chango & Co. contrasts bright white painted shiplap with black floor tiles and accessories and modern artwork to create a neutral space that feels updated, current, and fresh.

Natural Shiplap Bathroom

Natural shiplap can add warmth to a spacious modern bathroom. Erin Williamson Design installed a horizontal shiplap backsplash above the double sink vanity in this Texas primary bathroom that complements the pale wood cabinetry.

The large horizontal boards make the space feel wider, while the natural wood adds contrast with white countertops and walls and black accents.

Sage Green Shiplap

Paint shiplap in a soft shade of sage green to add warmth and a touch of color to an otherwise neutral powder room.

This space from Kate Marker Interiors is finished with a marble-and-wood farmhouse sink vanity and gold accents.

Black Shiplap Bathroom

Add a moody and relaxing feel to your bathroom with black shiplap walls. Jessica Nelson Design contrasted black vertical shiplap wall panels with crisp white window trim and ceiling paint.

The black-and-white space is finished with mixed metal finishes on the wall sconces and plumbing fixtures and accessories to add variation.

Shiplap Bathtub Niche

Use shiplap to add definition to a bathroom nook or niche. This built-in bathtub niche from Ashley Montgomery Design is covered in shiplap, from the walls to the built-in shelving, bathtub front, and slightly arched ceiling. Soft beige paint and half curtains add softness for a relaxing oasis feel.

Colorful Shiplap Bathroom

Pair white shiplap with colorful shower tile for a modern look. This kids' bathroom from Chango & Co. is finished with horizontal shiplap boards and vertical rainbow-striped tiles that add color and personality to the small space.

Shiplap and Marble Bathroom

Pair white shiplap with white marble to add texture to a modern bathroom. Sissy + Marley Interior Design clad the walls and ceiling of this spacious bathroom lit by skylights with white shiplap.

A large glass-walled shower with marble shower walls and a matching floor and black textiles add a sharp modern edge.

Shiplap Half Wall

A shiplap half-wall wraps three walls of this long galley-style bathroom from Becca Interiors.

The shiplap and wall above are painted in the same warm beige tone to make the space feel larger and create a cohesive, low-contrast feel.

Earthy olive green paint on the bathtub base, a natural wood vanity, and gray flooring add warmth.

Modern Shiplap Bathroom

Pair vertical white shiplap walls with simple modern decor and finishes for a breezy feel.

This shiplap bathroom from Desiree Burns Interiors is decorated with light wood, woven, and gold-tone metallic accents for an effortless feel.

Luxury Shiplap Bathroom

All-over shiplap walls give this bright and spacious luxury primary bathroom from Chango & Co. a slightly softer and more inviting feel that allows elements like a walk-in glass shower, a large soaking tub, and a spacious vanity to shine.

A whimsical bubble pendant light hangs from the tall ceiling over the bathtub to create a focal point.

Beige Painted Shiplap

Paint shiplap in a warm beige and use the same color on the ceiling to create an enveloping feel.

Becca Interiors finished this relaxing bathroom with contrasting window trim, a bateau-style garden tub, and vintage lighting.

Modern Shiplap Accent Wall

Accent the far wall of a bathroom to add some dimension while retaining a neutral look. This space from Michelle Berwick Design has white walls, modern artwork, and black accents including a cheeky mosaic penny tile greeting on the floor for a warm, modern feel. The vertical shiplap draws the eye upward, making the small space feel taller.

Shiplap and Geometric Tile

Modernize white shiplap walls with a multicolored geometric tile floor, like this vibrant space from Chango & Co.

The bathroom is finished with accents taken from the color palette of the tile, from the blue-and-orange wall art to the blue sink and waste basket.

Rustic Shiplap Ceiling

You don't have to go overboard to make an impact using shiplap in a small space. In this cozy bathroom in a 1906 cabin renovated by Leanne Ford Interiors, a shiplap ceiling is paired with textured walls and flagstone floors for a rustic look.

A vintage sink and bathtub add charm and authenticity to the compact, light-flooded space.

With Floating Shelves

Mix horizontal white shiplap boards with chunky natural wood shelving to add warm contrast in a small bathroom like this space from Rebecca Rollins Interiors.

The shelves are layered with woven textures, candles, and simple artwork for a decorated feel.

Simple Shiplap Bathroom

Maintain a simple feel in an all-white bathroom with shiplap walls to add warmth. The vertical shiplap in this bright bathroom from Mindy Gayer Design Co. emphasizes the tall ceilings, while a gold-toned pendant light above the bathtub adds a touch of glam.

Shiplap Powder Room

Horizontal stripes make a narrow room feel wider. My 100 Year Old Home applied the same principle in this small powder room by cladding the walls in wrap-around white shiplap that creates a sense of movement and makes the tight space feel more spacious.

Navy Shiplap Bathroom

Navy shiplap walls that complement the cabinetry and add contrast with white shower tile walls create a fresh feel in a modern bathroom, like this space from Jessica Nelson Design.

Shiplap and Wallpaper

Pair a traditional horizontal shiplap backsplash with patterned wallpaper to create interest in a black-and-white bathroom like this space from Kate Marker Interiors.

Shiplap With Artwork

Don't be afraid to hang artwork, mirrors, or other decor on shiplap walls in the same way that you would any wall.

Jessica Nelson Design hung a pair of vintage bird illustrations to the wall of this simple to add a sense of history to the space.

Shiplap Shower Niche

Finish walls and a bathtub or shower niche with the same shiplap for a seamless feel.

Chelius House of Design accented the white shiplap walls of this coastal farmhouse space with black plumbing fixtures and wood and woven accents.

Industrial Farmhouse Style

White horizontal shiplap walls give this industrial farmhouse bathroom from Chango & Co. a crisp backdrop that is complemented with gray and silver finishes, black accents, and pops of red to energize the space.

Shiplap With Black Accents

Black accents like sconces, towel rods, plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, or black-framed mirrors will add a graphic touch and some high-contrast definition to a white shiplap-walled bathroom like this space from Jessica Nelson Design.

Two-Thirds Shiplap Wall

Add character to the walls by layering on a decorative shiplap wall accent. Ashley Montgomery Design paired textured walls and ceilings with dark olive green vertical shiplap finished with a horizontal border for a clean look.

The boards stop about two-thirds up the side walls of the narrow space for a more open feel.

Paired With Dark Floors

Pair white shiplap walls with a simple mirror and a free-standing marble and wood vanity for an airy look in an older home, while keeping original hardwood flooring dark, like this space from Jersey Ice Cream Co.

Shiplap With Modern Accents

Pair wide horizontal shiplap walls with contemporary pendant lighting, black-rimmed mirrors, and a floating bathroom vanity to add texture to a modern space like this primary bathroom from Michelle Berwick Design.

Minimalist Shiplap Bathroom

If you want to create a minimalist feel in your bathroom, shiplap walls can make the space feel warmer and more inviting, like this timeless space from Sissy + Marley Interior Design.

Shiplap Wall + Window Trim

Paint a shiplap half-wall around a window in the same color as the trim and contrast it with a lighter or darker color on the wall to add interest to a neutral bathroom like this space from Jessica Nelson Design.

Dark Green Shiplap Bathroom

Install a vertical wide plank shiplap wall to add definition to the lower half of a powder room wall, and paint it in a dark and soothing shade of green like this space from Jessica Nelson Design.

Vintage Shiplap Bathroom

White shiplap walls add texture to the walls of this vintage-style bathroom from Leanne Ford Interiors.

An antique three-faucet sink, black-paned arched double doors, dark flooring, and a modern pendant light complete the high-contrast look.

Shiplap Backsplash

A short shiplap backsplash adds definition above the vanity without interrupting the flow of this farmhouse bathroom from Becca Interiors.

Shiplap and Subway Tile

Shiplap is a versatile wall treatment that plays well with other finishes. In this spacious modern farmhouse bathroom from Chango & Co., a subway tile accent wall backsplash pairs seamlessly with a white vertical shiplap accent wall. Rich wood and dark flooring add contrast.

Vintage-Style Shiplap

Add a shiplap half wall to create a cozy feel in a farmhouse bathroom like this space from Liz Marie Blog which is decorated with an antique sink, triptych mirror, and vintage artwork.

Glossy Black Shiplap

If you want to create a moody and dramatic feel in your bathroom, consider using charred wood boards in either a matte or a high-gloss finish, like this black-and-white bathroom from Emily Henderson Design.

Paired With Antiques

Enhance the bones of an older or historic home with shiplap walls for an authentic feel.

Jersey Ice Cream Co. renovated this timeless bathroom with white shiplap walls and vintage and antique furniture and decor like a mirror-front medicine cabinet, a pedestal sink, and a dark wood side table that makes it feel both timeless and nostalgic.

Black-and-White Bathroom

White shiplap walls, dark flooring, an antique sink, and a modern soaking tub give this black-and-white bathroom from Leanne Ford Interiors a timeless and relaxing feel.

Shiplap Accent Wall

Complement a wall of graphic tiles with an adjacent wall covered in shiplap that will allow the pattern to be the focal point while adding some subtle texture, like this bathroom from Chango & Co.

Modern Farmhouse Bathroom

Traditional horizontal white shiplap walls create a clean backdrop for this modern farmhouse bathroom from Chango & Co.

A vintage-style sink, dark brown stained wood finishes, industrial sconce lighting in a forest green finish, and modern black-and-white check flooring give the space a lively feel.

Midnight Blue Shiplap

Paint a shiplap accent wall in midnight blue to add depth to a bathroom with cool white finishes, like this space from Michelle Berwick Design.

A floating natural wood vanity, simple wall art, and a vase of wheat adds a touch of warmth.

Is shiplap waterproof and safe to use in a bathroom?

Shiplap is traditionally made from wood and is therefore not waterproof. However, you can use shiplap in the bathroom by taking certain precautions.

Angi suggests that you avoid installing it in an area that will come into constant contact with water, like a shower wall or ceiling. For extra protection, finish bathroom shiplap with mold-and-mildew-resistant paint or a wood sealer for natural shiplap walls.

Be sure that your bathroom is sufficiently ventilated to keep shiplap safe and dry.

What kind of shiplap is best for bathrooms?

If you are concerned about water damage, mildew, or mold damaging wooden shiplap walls in your bathroom, HomeAdvisor suggests using shiplap with a waterproof or water-resistant coating of polyurethane or Polycrylic, or a coat of mildew-resistant paint to combat mold.

You can also choose faux shiplap made from PVC, which will be water-resistant but may not have the authentic look that you want. 

Read the original article on The Spruce.