I spent most of my days admiring beautiful bathroom schemes, from traditional designs to more modern spaces. But if there's one style I'm seeing more often, it's plaster bathrooms. And they're fast becoming one of my favorite designs.
What's the appeal? Bathroom ideas can easily feel a little flat. There are lots of hard, cold surfaces that, without a keen eye for design, might feel somewhat uninteresting. But something as simple as a plaster wall finish can bring a bathroom to life.
And designers have a few different approaches they gravitate towards. From applications that prioritize texture to create your favorite design aesthetics, these plaster bathroom ideas have plenty to inspire.
5 plaster bathroom ideas to inspire
Whether you want to create a neutral bathroom with more interest or you love the organic bathroom look that plaster creates, there are so many beautiful ways to decorate with this underrated finish. From plaster-drenched schemes to textural vanity areas, here's how designers make it work.
1. Plaster-drench for an all-encompassing bathroom
Drenching trends are out in full force this year, and they're showing no signs of disappearing. There are certain styles that best suit the bathroom, from tile drenching to stone drenching, but a full room covered in plaster can be a showstopping choice.
'When making over my roommate's bathroom, I wanted to create a space that was more true to the Spanish Revival charm of the rest of the house. Instead of painting or installing new tile, I enveloped the entire bathroom in Meoded's Concretta plaster in Westwood Beige, a warm taupe reminiscent of authentic Venetian plaster,' explains Drew Michael Scott, of Lone Fox Home.
'This plaster is water-based, and once it’s dried down and sealed, it is completely waterproof. The result is a seamless, visually intriguing space that looks like it was carved out of one block, and a year later, still looks perfect!'
2. Layer plaster walls with other organic textures
We are often drawn to a plaster finish on bathroom walls for its quietly textural quality, so why not lean into this fully? Pairing plaster walls with other features with tactile qualities can create the most visually interesting space. And it's a truly timeless choice, too.
'Reminiscent of traditional Venetian bathrooms, the plaster-effect trend has remained a firm favourite for bathroom renovations years down the line,' says Leigh Price, co-director at Real Tiles & Bathrooms.
Textural interest is in abundance in this scheme. Plaster walls pair with a tactile stone statement sink and an organic cotton shower curtain. The combination of these pieces feels visually interesting and timeless.
3. Use plaster to create authentic Adobe style space
Some interior design styles feature plaster finishes as an integral part of their aesthetic. Adobe homes are one such style where plaster walls are crucial to their design, introducing texture, warmth, and a tactile quality.
'To introduce Adobe style into a space, focus on adding texture, warmth, and handcrafted elements. I usually start with the walls – plaster or limewash gives them that soft, earthy quality that instantly sets the tone,' says interior designer Sarah West.
In this organic neutral small bathroom remodel, designed by Sarah, light-toned plaster has been applied to the walls, ceilings, and vanity area, creating a soft, soothing scheme that feels authentic to the home's Adobe heritage.
4. Add texture with Tadelakt plaster
There are different types of plaster, but tadelakt plaster is among the favorites, rising to popularity in this trend's beginnings. And it's a stylish choice to give your bathroom walls a stylish upgrade.
A lime-based plaster that originates in Morocco, it's perfect for bathrooms, thanks to the fact that it's water resistant and looks utterly striking in a scheme. And this bathroom vanity area is all the proof you need.
The deeper tone used in this space creates a more moody feel, while the texture this heritage technique creates makes it one of the most visually appealing plasters you can use. This Vasari Lime Plaster & Paint comes highly rated and is offered in 14 colors. Durable and stylish, what more could you ask for?
5. Use plaster to create a Mediterranean bathroom
There's no denying that modern Mediterranean style is having a moment right now. Especially in bathrooms, where the aesthetic creates a warm, textural finish with timeless neutrals and natural materials.
And plaster ticks both the neutral and textural boxes, bringing instant warmth to a bathroom without overwhelming a scheme. This bathroom is a stylish example, where plaster walls, patterned wall tiles, and terracotta flooring combine.
The result? A space that feels tranquil, inviting, and utterly stylish. There's contrast and interest throughout the materials used, but they all come together to create a cohesive, harmonious scheme, thanks to the plaster walls that anchor the whole design.
If you can't plaster your walls, bring in the gorgeous texture with this mirror, which adds that organic look without redecorating.
These bathroom accessories really capture the organic form and subtle texture you get from plaster. It's a simple way to elevate your vanity.
An organic form, curved details, and soft edges – this vase is the perfect style to bring the essence of plaster into your bathroom.
There's a reason plaster bathrooms are trending – they're warm, organic in style, and full of beautiful texture. Remember to make sure the plaster you use is suitable for bathrooms, as not all types are water resistant. You don't just have to use plaster, either. Combine it with bathroom tiles for a more Mediterranean feel, or bring in contrasting bathroom colors for a bolder look.
