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Decoration

Tired of porcelain tiles? 6 alternative coverings for your bathroom

Choosing the right coatings goes far beyond aesthetics – they influence the durability, functionality, and comfort of the projects.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jul 18, 2025, 7:28 AM

08 min de leitura
The sintered stone Petra Taipa also covers the bathroom designed by Marina Linhares for the projects of Portinari.

The sintered stone Petra Taipa also covers the bathroom designed by Marina Linhares for the projects of Portinari. (Denilson Machado/MCA Estúdio)

The popularity of porcelain is undeniable — resistance, variety, and sophisticated appearance have made it a protagonist in bathroom projects. But there are those who wish to explore new paths and sensations in the intimate space of self-care. When we think of coverings, the range of possibilities goes far beyond the popular cold and polished plates.
Sheila Teodoro - Public Bath. CASACOR Goiás 2025 Project.

Sheila Teodoro - Banho Público. Inspirado na tranquilidade de um SPA e na conexão profunda com a natureza, o banheiro foi concebido como um espaço de pausa, contemplação e bem-estar em meio ao urbano. O revestimento de bambu natural evoca aconchego e frescor, enquanto a bancada em granito reforça o aspecto artesanal. Plantas naturais, iluminação suave e sons da natureza criam um refúgio urbano. Unindo estética, sustentabilidade e funcionalidade, o ambiente transcende sua função convencional e se torna um espaço de renovação, onde a natureza e o design dialogam para criar uma experiência única e memorável. (Edgard César/CASACOR)

If you seek a more sensory, affectionate, or artisanal language for the bathing area, exploring new materials can be the turning point. Below, we gathered creative alternatives for bathroom coverings that balance functionality, aesthetics, and personality.

1. Ceramic tiles: visual rhythm and versatility


The ceramic tiles are a charming and timeless option. Because they adapt well to curves, niches, and irregular surfaces, they work well in bathrooms with more architectural movement. Furthermore, they offer a wide range of colors and finishes, from matte to mirrored shine, and create an interesting visual texture even on compact surfaces.
Winter garden with checkered floor is the highlight of this apartment in Rio. Project by Fernanda Medeiros. In the photo, bathroom with bench in the box.

Projeto de Fernanda Medeiros. (Luiza Schreier/Divulgação)

2. Natural stone: texture, presence, and permanence


Materials like marble, granite, sandstone, or limestone bring elegance and durability to the bathroom. As coverings, they imprint an organic aesthetic that evokes calm and timelessness. Because they are porous, they require care with waterproofing, but provide an unparalleled aesthetic and tactile response.
larissa loh bathroom marble mirror curitiba

Projeto de Larissa Loh. (Eduardo Macarios/CASACOR)

3. Burnt cement: urban, minimalist, and cozy


The burnt cement is an increasingly common choice among those seeking a bathroom with a modern and cozy atmosphere. It can be applied directly to walls or in prefabricated plates. As a covering, it works well in both large bathrooms and compact lavatories, creating a neutral base for compositions.
Ramiro Mendes - Bathroom - Hotel Serendipity - CASACOR Ceará

Hotel Serendipity, por Ramiro Mendes. Projeto da CASACOR Ceará 2023. (Victor Eleutério/CASACOR)

4. Handmade tiles: identity and expression


The handmade tiles are coverings that value local production and handmade work. With individually painted designs, variations in shade, and imperfections that humanize the projects, this type of finish transforms the bathroom into an extension of the resident's personality. They are ideal for highlighting areas such as sink backsplashes or accent walls.
Fichberg Architecture and Interiors - Déjà Vu. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Fichberg Arquitetura e Interiores - Déjà Vu. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Bia Nauiack/CASACOR)

5. Natural or technified wood: visual warmth and sophistication


Although moisture can be a challenge, there are already solutions that allow for the use of wood as a covering in bathrooms. Technified versions, such as water-resistant laminates or treated wood panels, offer the warm aesthetic of the material without compromising durability. Applied to half walls or as details, wood softens and warms the projects.
Natália Medeiros - Couple's Bathroom. CASACOR Ceará 2021 Project.

Natália Medeiros - Banheiro do Casal. (Esdras Guimarães/CASACOR)

6. Vinyl wallpapers: lightness and creativity


Suitable for humid areas, vinyl wallpapers emerge as unusual alternative coverings for social bathrooms or lavatories. With patterns ranging from geometric to botanical, they impart personality without major renovations. They work well when applied in dry areas of the bathroom, such as above the sink or on walls opposite the box.
Adriana Farias - Hutukara. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2024.

Adriana Farias - Hutukara. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2024. (Israel Gollino/CASACOR)

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.