If you’re seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish option to upgrade your bathroom’s aesthetic, then porcelain slabs for shower walls are a great choice for you!
Other than being beautiful, these slabs are also easy to maintain. They resist water, stains, and scratches, making them ideal for shower walls, and they come in a range of designs.
So if you want to find design ideas for using porcelain slabs in your shower, you’re in luck.
This guide will help you select the perfect porcelain slab shower to enhance your home with minimal upkeep. So read on to learn more about integrating this durable and versatile material into your bathroom.
Key Takeaways
- Porcelain slabs for showers provide beauty, durability, and low-maintenance benefits.
- Always consider several factors, such as design options and installation, before choosing porcelain slabs for your shower.
- Proper care and maintenance are essential for preserving the longevity and appearance of porcelain slabs on shower walls.
Porcelain Slabs for Shower Ideas
Porcelain slabs are large-format tiles that have been gaining popularity in home design, especially for shower walls. They come in various sizes, thicknesses, colors, and patterns.
They can also mimic the look of natural stone or provide a clean, minimalist aesthetic, adding elegance and sophistication to any shower design.
Here are some design ideas you can use for inspiration:
1. All-Gray Porcelain Bathroom
Incorporate gray porcelain slabs into your bathroom to create an inviting ambiance.
Their sophisticated appearance not only enhances your shower area but also looks stunning when extended to the walls of the rest of your bathroom, offering a seamless look.
2. Deep Gray Porcelain Slabs and Wood Accents
This bathroom features a shower area boasting dark gray porcelain slabs, a light gray tub, and white shelves, which contrast with the warm and textured wooden stand.
This is the perfect combination of classic and contemporary.
3. White Slabs With a Subtle Gray Marble Pattern
With a subtle marble pattern featuring light gray veins, the white porcelain slabs here look bright yet cool, complemented by minimalistic fixtures.
4. Cool Gray and White Shower With Porcelain Slabs
The shower area is decorated with large, marble-patterned porcelain slabs in cool gray and white tones.
These stunning walls are complemented by a dark floating wood stand against the clear glass enclosure, which enhances the space’s luxurious vibe.
5. Cement-Style Porcelain Slabs
Opt for gray porcelain slabs that mimic the appearance of cement to infuse your bathroom with an industrial appearance.
When paired with wooden drawers, a large mirror, and warm lighting, these slabs contribute to a refined, somewhat edgy style that still manages to feel welcoming.
6. Black and White Bathroom
Nothing says modern like a black, white, and gray color palette. And this shower area proves just that by featuring large white porcelain slabs with subtle gray veining and sleek black fixtures.
Plus, the light wood cabinets infuse a hint of warmth into the space without compromising the overall crisp appearance.
7. Half Porcelain Slab Shower Wall
Contrasting patterns can give your shower walls as this bathroom does with gray porcelain slabs on half of the shower walls and vertical subway tiles with white grout on the other half.
The bathroom is accentuated by a black-framed circular mirror and matte black hardware.
8. Black and Gold Porcelain Slab Walls
The black-and-gold marble design of this shower’s porcelain slabs exudes elegance.
Paired with white porcelain slabs on the floor and the rest of the bathroom’s walls, the freestanding tub, and the matte black stand, it gives the bathroom a busy yet cohesive and polished look.
9. Dark Marble Porcelain Slabs
Dark, textured porcelain slabs in the shower contrast with the light marble tiles in other parts of the bathroom.
This design is the epitome of sleek sophistication.
10. Gray Walls and Dark Floors
Gray porcelain slabs on the walls and black marble floors add depth and dimension to this bathroom.
A wooden sink stand and green plants break up the gray and white hues, while the strategic use of numerous mirrors enhances the space’s light and spaciousness.
11. Compact Space With Gray Porcelain Slabs
To make the most of its compact space, this bathroom is designed with white porcelain slabs that deliver a clean and continuous aesthetic throughout the space.
The glass doors also make the room feel more spacious, reflecting light and preventing a walled-in look.
All these modern elements are balanced out by a rustic wooden vanity, a stone sink, and a round mirror.
12. White and Gold Porcelain Slab Walls With Light Teal
This appealing bathroom design features white porcelain slabs with gray- and nude-colored veins all over the bathroom.
These walls are accented with a sunken square centerpiece made up of black porcelain slabs with gold veins.
The light teal drawers and cabinets have yellow accents for a touch of fun and color.
13. White and Gray Bathroom
In this shower area, the walls are graced with white porcelain slabs, creating a bright and airy feel.
Meanwhile, the traditional white cabinetry and gray tones offer a classic, timeless look.
Pros of Porcelain Slabs for Shower Walls
Durable
Firstly, porcelain slabs are incredibly durable, which means they can withstand daily wear and tear.
Additionally, porcelain is less porous than ceramic or natural stone, so it doesn’t absorb moisture even in the wet and humid environment of a bathroom.
These characteristics mean that porcelain slabs can resist the following:
- Scratches
- Temperature changes
- Stains
- Bacteria
- Odor
So with porcelain slabs, your shower walls will look brand new for years to come!
Groutless Option
Porcelain slabs allow for designs with grout or designs with seamless and groutless installation.
Not only does this improve the aesthetic of your bathroom, but it also makes cleaning much easier since there are no grout lines where dirt and grime can accumulate.
Ease of Maintenance
Porcelain’s low porosity makes it very easy to clean, allowing you to maintain its pristine beauty with minimal upkeep.
Also, you won’t have to worry about resealing or treating the surface as you might with natural stone.
Here are some general cleaning and maintenance guidelines for porcelain slabs:
- Regular cleaning (once a day) — Wipe the walls down with warm water and a clean cloth.
- Deep cleaning (once every few weeks) — Mix a mild cleaning solution with warm water and use it to give your bathroom walls a thorough clean.
- Stain cleaning — Address stains quickly with a mild porcelain-specific cleaner.
- Quality maintenance — Regularly check for chips or imperfections in your slabs. Seek professional advice for repairs if necessary.
Luxurious Aesthetic
In addition to the practical advantages, porcelain slabs can instantly elevate the look of your bathroom.
Some options even mimic the appearance of luxurious materials like marble, giving you a high-end look without the hefty price tag.
Versatile
Porcelain slabs are also available in a wide variety of designs, sizes, and finishes, allowing you to create a truly custom look for your shower walls.
This versatility gives you the freedom to create a shower space that reflects your unique style and goes with your home decor.
Cons of Porcelain Slabs for Shower Walls
Cost
A potential downside of porcelain slab showers is their cost. While they may be more affordable than natural stone alternatives, they can still be pricey, depending on the specific product and installation requirements.
It’s essential to consider this factor when planning your bathroom renovation budget.
Installation Challenges
Porcelain slabs can be heavy and difficult to work with, especially for inexperienced DIYers. Installation may require professionals, adding to the overall cost of your project.
Additionally, cutting and fitting the slabs around shower fixtures can be a complex task, making proper measurements and extensive planning crucial.
Visual Limitations
While porcelain slabs offer a wide range of design options, they may not have the same depth or variation found in natural stone materials.
This limitation may impact the overall aesthetic in specific designs or styles, depending on your preferences.
Designing With Porcelain Slabs
When designing your dream shower with porcelain slabs, the possibilities are endless.
But to ensure you choose the right design that goes best with your home’s unique style, here are some factors to consider:
- Color palette — Of course, it’s important that the color of your porcelain slabs matches the other elements in your bathroom and helps you achieve the aesthetic you’re gunning for.
For instance, white porcelain slabs with gray veining create a refined look. They can go with wood fixtures and bright, cool colors.
Meanwhile, beige porcelain slabs can be great for a boho or Mediterranean style.
- Pattern — Next, think about the patterns or designs of the porcelain slabs.
Marble designs are among the most common, but you can find glass-look, stone-like, metal-effect, and cement-style porcelain slabs.
These can help you create a focal point in your bathroom, drawing attention to your beautiful shower walls.
Top tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different patterns and colors! This will give your shower an incredibly unique and personalized look. Just make sure to maintain a sense of balance and harmony in your design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Slabs
Where Can I Buy Porcelain Slabs?
Porcelain slabs can be purchased at home improvement stores such as Floor & Decor, as well as through specialized retailers like TileBar and MarbleWarehouse.
Also, specialized companies provide a wide selection of porcelain slabs suitable for various home applications, with full-size displays and online inventories to help visualize the final look.
Are Porcelain Slabs Environmentally Friendly?
Yes, porcelain slabs are environmentally friendly because they are made from natural materials. They are also recyclable and energy-efficient to produce, which reduces their carbon footprint.
Are Porcelain Slabs Heat-Resistant?
Yes, porcelain slabs are heat-resistant and can withstand high temperatures without being damaged. This makes them an excellent choice for kitchen countertops and other surfaces that are exposed to heat.
What Is the Average Cost of Installing Porcelain Slabs in a Shower?
The cost of installing a porcelain slab in a shower varies, typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more.
Factors influencing the cost include the following:
- Quality and type of porcelain slab ($10 to $60 per square foot)
- Labor costs ($10 to $20 per square foot or more)
- Size of the shower area
- Additional considerations like location
It’s important to get multiple quotes for an accurate estimate specific to your project.
Try Porcelain Slabs for Your Bathroom
Luxurious and versatile, porcelain slabs can accommodate a range of styles and look beautiful in any bathroom.
So if you want to upgrade your shower walls with beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance porcelain slabs, go ahead! Just make sure to follow the guidelines we’ve provided to maximize their benefits.
Also, use the ideas we’ve listed above for inspiration! They’ll help you visualize how you want to incorporate porcelain slabs into your space and get your desired look.