Homeowners love the idea of giving their bathroom some extra charm—and wainscoting is one of those design features people ask me about all the time. But if you’re wondering whether it’s a good idea in the bathroom, here’s my answer: not really.
I’m Robbie Fraikin from Raakss Reno, and after renovating bathrooms all over Toronto and the GTA, I’ve learned that not every trend (especially older ones) belongs in your bathroom. Let’s break down why traditional wainscoting might not be the best fit for modern bathrooms, and what you can consider instead.
What is Wainscoting Anyway?
Wainscoting is a decorative half-wall treatment—often made of wood paneling or beadboard—that traditionally covers the lower 3–4 feet of an interior wall. You’ve probably seen it in older Victorian homes, formal dining rooms, or classic powder rooms.
In the bathroom, it’s sometimes used to give the space a more traditional, decorative touch. But is it worth it? In my experience—not really.
Moisture vs. Wainscoting: Why the Two Don’t Mix
Bathrooms are wet. There’s condensation, steam, splashes, and high humidity—especially in smaller or poorly ventilated bathrooms. The biggest issue with wainscoting is that it’s not typically designed to handle moisture.
Unless you’re using a 100% waterproof material, it won’t last. Traditional wainscoting made of MDF, wood, or laminate will start to swell, peel, or degrade quickly in a wet environment. That’s not something you want to deal with after you’ve just spent money renovating.
Even polymer-based or “moisture-resistant” versions can fail if they’re not sealed correctly—especially where air gaps exist between the wall and the paneling. That’s where condensation builds up. Over time, I’ve seen those small pockets harbor mold, mildew, and even insects.
The Clean, Modern Look Wins Today
Here’s the other reason I usually steer clients away from wainscoting in the bathroom: it’s outdated.
Today’s bathroom design is all about:
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Clean lines
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Large-format tiles with minimal grout
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Seamless finishes
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Hidden storage and floating vanities
The real “decoration” happens through your tilework in the shower, your mirror selection, or a beautiful shower column. Wainscoting adds busy lines to already limited wall space, which makes your bathroom feel more congested and visually noisy.
If you look at our recent projects on the Raakss Reno gallery, you’ll see what I mean—modern bathrooms are about simplicity, brightness, and functionality.
What If You Still Want That Half-Wall Look?
If you’re drawn to the idea of covering the bottom half of your bathroom wall, there are much better ways to do it.
Many of my clients opt for:
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Half-wall tile borders that wrap around the room
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Textured or decorative tiles to add dimension without adding bulk
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Modern feature walls in the vanity area or shower zone
The key difference? These materials are waterproof, easier to clean, and don’t leave air gaps that collect moisture. If you’re already interested in tile, check out our guide on the best bathroom tile ideas for 2025.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Let’s be real—every feature you add to your bathroom should serve either a functional purpose or a lasting visual impact. Wainscoting? It’s neither.
It doesn’t help with waterproofing. Today’s paints and drywall products are designed to withstand steam and moisture just fine. If you’re trying to “protect the walls,” you’re thinking in outdated terms.
In my opinion, the budget you’d spend on installing wainscoting would be better used on a vanity upgrade, a modern mirror, or better lighting—all things that impact how your bathroom looks and feels every single day.
If you’re planning your budget, I’d suggest reading our 2025 bathroom renovation budget tips first.
Can Wainscoting Be Waterproof?
Technically, yes. There are polymer-based beadboard products that claim to be waterproof. But even then, the installation has to be:
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Seamlessly sealed
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Fully caulked around the base
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Protected from direct water exposure
If moisture gets behind those panels, you’ve got a slow rot problem on your hands.
Just like I tell clients who ask about vinyl shower liners or “bath fitters” glued over tiles—layering over the walls doesn’t let them breathe. I’ve pulled those out only to find insects, mold, and mildew trapped between the layers.
So if you’re asking, “Can wainscoting be waterproof?”—yes, with the right product. But is it a good idea long-term? In most bathrooms, not really.
The Bottom Line: Keep It Simple
Bathrooms have limited space, and when you’re designing one, every decision should contribute to either:
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Function
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Longevity
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Cleanliness
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Modern aesthetics
Wainscoting, to me, doesn’t deliver on any of these. It’s a nostalgic feature that often creates more issues than it solves—and in today’s world of sleek, low-maintenance design, there are better ways to elevate your bathroom.
If you’re unsure what to focus on, our post on bathroom renovation ideas is a great place to start planning.
Final Thoughts from Me, Robbie
I love helping homeowners build bathrooms that actually work for their lifestyle—and wainscoting just doesn’t line up with how we live and build today.
If you’re renovating, focus on materials that work with moisture, not against it. Keep things light, minimal, and easy to clean. And trust me—your future self will thank you.
Want to chat about your bathroom project? Reach out to me and let’s build something modern, clean, and beautiful.