Upgrade your small powder room with the charm of bathroom shiplap! As an interior designer, I’ve seen how this classic wall treatment can instantly elevate a powder room, making it feel more spacious, stylish, and full of character. Whether you’re aiming for a modern farmhouse look or a more traditional design, shiplap adds a perfect touch of texture and warmth. In this post, I’ll share expert design tips and creative ways to incorporate shiplap into your bathroom makeover.

how to do a bathroom Small bathroom featuring blue shiplap walls, a wooden vanity, and a rectangular mirror.

Craving more shiplap inspiration? Explore my expert guides on fireplace shiplap design ideas, creative vertical shiplap applications, and stylish basement shiplap walls to bring timeless charm to every corner of your home.

The Small Bathroom BEFORE The Makeover

My shiplap bathroom started with basic builder-grade finishes—plain walls, mismatched fixtures, and no real personality. While I love the original vanity and sink, which I stripped when I first built the house, the space felt uninspired. The small space lacked character, making it the perfect candidate for a transformation that would enhance its design while working within the existing plumbing.

outdated bathroom with mint green walls and a dresser made into a vainty

The Small Bathroom AFTER The Makeover

The addition of vertical shiplap instantly elevated the space, adding texture and making the small bathroom feel taller and more refined. Paired with a refinished Dark Walnut vanity, a sleek sink, and polished nickel hardware, the bathroom now exudes a sophisticated coastal charm—all while maintaining the original plumbing bones for an efficient and stylish makeover.

Vertical Bathroom shiplap painted blue with dark Walnut vanity, polished nickel hardware, and vertical shiplap

Small Bathroom Makeover Tips To Save

If you’re asking yourself ‘How can I update a bathroom cheaply?’ I have a few tried and tested tricks that are a bit softer on the pocketbook than starting from a completely blank slate for a small bathroom makeover.

Cozy bathroom with soft blue bathroom shiplap walls, a modern vanity, and a rectangle mirror

1: Shop Discount Stores, Flea Markets, And Clearance Sections

As a designer, I always encourage clients to mix high and low pieces. I suggest you take an inventory of your needs and keep a detailed shopping list on your phone to track needs and potential savings. This strategy helped us allocate more budget toward shiplap materials while finding deals on accessories and hardware.

original landscape artwork from Virginia of Fynes designs on a blue shiplap wall

2: Revive Your Outdated Vanity

The vanity is your bathroom’s focal point. In this makeover, we saved significantly by refinishing the existing vanity with Minwax Special Walnut stain and adding polished nickel cup pulls. This classic combination complements the shiplap beautifully while maintaining the budget for other elements.

Walnut vanity with polished nickel cup pulls. Cozy bathroom with soft blue bathroom shiplap walls.

3: Polish Your Fixtures and Add New Accessories

Professional tip: Before replacing fixtures, try deep cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend. This can revitalize existing pieces, allowing you to splurge on statement items like a new faucet or vanity light.

Moen widespread faucet with a white vessel sink

What Is Like Shiplap but Cheaper? Budget-Friendly Alternatives for a Shiplap Accent Wall

If you love the look of shiplap but need a more affordable option, several cost-effective materials can achieve a similar aesthetic. Whether your shiplap project is tackling a full walls or just a shiplap accent wall, consider these budget-friendly alternatives:

MDF shiplap – 1/2” MDF cut into planks (a go-to for many DIYers) . A more affordable option for vertical or horizontal board paneling.
Plywood ripped into strips – A great way to create a faux shiplap effect with a wood grain
Hardboard panels – An easy way to achieve a bathroom shiplap wall without as much work.
Beadboard panels – A classic choice that adds a classic look, texture and lots of character.
Peel-and-stick shiplap or beadboard-style wallpaper- For homeowners looking for and easy installation approach.

Bathroom Makeover with dark Walnut vanity, polished nickel hardware, and vertical shiplap

How I Mixed High and Low to Achieve This Bathroom Shiplap Look

One of the best ways to save on a bathroom makeover is by milling your own MDF shiplap boards and trim work. If you already own a table saw or track saw, you can create custom cuts for a fraction of the cost. If not, many building supply stores offer panel saw services for a small fee, making it an affordable way to achieve the look of shiplap boards or vertical paneling without breaking the budget.

Walnut vanity, blue vertical paneling, pedestal plant stand

For this small half-bath makeover, I wanted to balance budget-friendly choices with a wow factor, so I splurged on architrave moulding for the header, which adds a classic and elevated feel compared to standard flat stock trim with a flat ledge. To further enhance the design, I added a door jamb piece to the baseboards, creating a more substantial and finished look with a low cost piece of trim.

Because I wanted the mirror to hang flush above the vanity, I installed a full wall of shiplap up to the ceiling behind it, while the rest of the bathroom features a 3/4-height shiplap. These thoughtful details make the space feel intentional, polished, and anything but basic.

Bathroom with blue shiplap walls and a woman in nvay pants and a polka dot shirt standing at the bathroom vanity

Adding Accents And Accessories For A Finished Look

To achieve a polished and cohesive bathroom design, incorporate carefully chosen accents and accessories that enhance the rest of the space. Start by styling shelves with a mix of functional and decorative pieces, such as textured Turkish towels, vintage-inspired artwork, and potted plants that bring in natural elements. Layering mixed metal finishes—like pairing polished nickel hardware and faucet with gold mirror and lighting which adds depth and interest to the decor. Thoughtfully selected lighting fixtures not only illuminate the interiors but also serve as stylish focal points, tying the entire bathroom design together.

Cozy bathroom with a walnut vanity, polished nickel cup pulls, and soft blue bathroom shiplap walls.

Choosing The Right Paint Or Stain Color For Shiplap

For this project, we created a custom color by mixing Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray with white for a softer, more atmospheric feel. When selecting shiplap colors, consider:

The size of your space (lighter colors expand, darker colors contract)
The room’s natural light
Your existing fixtures and finishes
The overall style (coastal, modern farmhouse, traditional)

Plant pedestal stand in a bathroom with blue vertical shiplap

How Long Does a Small Bathroom Remodel Take?

A bathroom makeover focusing on shiplap installation typically takes 1-4 weeks, depending on:

Additional updates (fixtures, vanity refinishing)
Scope of work
Material availability
DIY vs. professional installation

Bright bathroom featuring a blue shiplap accent wall, sleek vanity with chrome fixtures, and modern decor.

Our total makeover cost breakdown:

Shiplap materials (MDF sheets): $392.94
Hardware and fixtures: $360.37
Paint and supplies: $94.98
Lighting: $124.00
Accessories: $132.97
Additional materials: $69.92
Total: $1,175.18

a woman standing at a bathroom vainty with her refection in the mirror

FAQ

Should a small bathroom have vertical or horizontal shiplap?

-Vertical shiplap creates the illusion of height
-Horizontal installation can make a room feel wider
-Consider your bathroom’s dimensions when choosing

Is shiplap waterproof for a bathroom?

-Traditional wood shiplap isn’t naturally waterproof
-Proper sealing and painting are essential
-Consider vinyl options for high-moisture areas

Can you use shiplap in a bathroom?

Yes, you can use shiplap in a bathroom, but proper preparation is key. Since traditional wood shiplap isn’t naturally waterproof, it’s important to seal and paint it with mildew-resistant paint to protect against moisture. Installing proper ventilation helps prevent humidity buildup while using moisture-resistant materials in wet areas—such as vinyl shiplap—can be a smart alternative. That being said, a half or powder bath should present no issues with using shiplap where moisture is not an issue.

Bright bathroom featuring a blue shiplap accent wall, vintage vanity with polished nickel fixtures, and coastal decor.

n conclusion, incorporating shiplap into a small bathroom makeover can add texture, warmth, and character to the space. By following expert tips and utilizing budget-friendly alternatives, such as MDF shiplap or plywood strips, a stunning and sophisticated look can be achieved without breaking the bank. Careful attention to details, such as choosing the right paint or stain color and adding accents, can elevate the design further. With proper planning and material selection, shiplap can transform a small bathroom into a stylish and functional retreat.

Ready to tackle your next DIY project? Grab my free Home Makeover Project Planner to stay organized, set a budget, and bring your vision to life. Get full details on using this planner and creating the home you’ve been dreaming of!