Tub surrounds are an essential part of bathroom design, not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for their functional role in ensuring water doesn’t seep behind your tub, causing potential water damage. But once the tub surround is in place, many homeowners and designers are left wondering, “What do I put behind a tub surround?” The space behind a tub is often neglected and can become a drab, unappealing area. However, with the right combination of functionality, aesthetics, and innovation, you can turn that often overlooked space into a feature that adds value and appeal to your bathroom.
Behind a tub surround, you could install a variety of options, ranging from tile to paneling to shelving. Each option brings its own unique set of benefits, from enhancing safety and functionality to improving aesthetics and value. Let’s explore these options in detail and help you make an informed decision about what to put behind your tub surround.
Functional Considerations
Before delving into the various options, it’s crucial to consider the functional aspects of the space behind your tub surround. This area should be water-resistant, easy to clean, and safe. It should also complement your tub and enhance your bathroom’s functionality, not hinder it.
Depending on your tub type, you might have varying amounts of space to work with. Freestanding tubs, for instance, offer more flexibility as they typically have open space around and behind them. Conversely, alcove tubs might have less space, with walls on two or three sides.
Water-Resistance and Easy Clean-Up
Given its exposure to water, the area behind your tub should be water-resistant and easy to clean. Tiles, for instance, are a great choice due to their water-resistant nature and easy-to-clean surface. Grout, however, can be porous and may require more frequent cleaning and sealing.
Alternatively, you could use water-resistant materials like wood or plastic paneling. However, ensure these are sealed properly to prevent water absorption and subsequent warping or rot. Some options, like tongue-and-groove paneling, can also make cleaning easier as there are no horizontal seams for dirt to accumulate in.
Safety and Accessibility
Safety should also be a key consideration when deciding what to put behind your tub surround. Avoid slippery surfaces to minimize accident risks. If you choose to use tiles, ensure they have enough texture for grip. You could also consider using tile with linear or geometric patterns, which can help hide dirt and create visual interest behind your tub.
Furthermore, if someone in your household struggles with mobility, you might want to consider installing grab bars behind your tub. This not only provides safety but also enhances accessibility. Some designs integrate grab bars within shelving or other decorative features to maintain a seamless look.
Design Elements
Once you’ve tackled the functional aspects, you can turn your attention to the design elements. The space behind your tub surround can be used to extend your bathroom’s aesthetic, create a focal point, or add functionality with shelving or niche installation.
Aesthetics shouldn’t just be about visual appeal but should also complement your bathroom’s overall design scheme. The materials, colors, textures, and patterns you choose should tie in with your bathroom’s style, whether it’s modern, traditional, or something in between.
Extending Your Bathroom’s Aesthetic
For a harmonious look, consider using the same or complementary materials behind your tub surround as those used on your walls or flooring. This can create a sense of cohesion and continuity throughout your bathroom space.
Alternatively, you could use this area to introduce a contrasting element to add visual interest. This could be a different tile pattern, a bold color, or a unique texture. However, be mindful not to overwhelm or overshadow the rest of your bathroom’s aesthetic.
Creating a Focal Point
The area behind your tub can also serve as a focal point, drawing the eye in and making a statement. Tiles offer endless possibilities in this regard, from subway tiles in a herringbone pattern to intricate mosaics.
You could also consider using statement wall coverings like wallpaper or feature paneling. However, ensure these are sealed properly to withstand moisture and cleaning chemicals.
Adding Functionality with Shelves and Niches
Maximizing storage is always a plus in bathroom design. The space behind your tub can be used to add shelves or niches for storing toiletries, towels, or decorative items. This not only uses up often-wasted space but also keeps these items within easy reach during bathing.
You could use open shelving for easy access or enclosed cabinets with glass fronts to keep items hidden yet visible. Consider using materials and finishes that complement your bathroom’s aesthetic and overall design scheme.
Low-Maintenance Solutions
Low-maintenance solutions are ideal for busy homeowners or those who want to minimize the time spent on cleaning and upkeep. The materials and options discussed earlier can also be maintained with minimal effort.
The key is to choose materials that are easy to clean and resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew. Ceramic and porcelain tiles, for instance, are low-maintenance as they are non-porous and resistant to staining and scratches. Wood and plastic paneling can also be made low-maintenance by sealing them properly and using easy-to-clean finishes.
Easy-Clean Surfaces
Beyond choosing the right materials, the design and layout of your bathroom can also influence maintenance. For instance, seamless surfaces and fewer grout lines can make cleaning easier as there are fewer places for dirt and grime to accumulate.
Installing niche-esque shelving or using open shelving with narrow spacing between shelves can also minimize the buildup of dirt and soap scum. Moreover, positioning your tub away from plumbing fixtures can make the space behind your tub more accessible, thus easier to maintain.
Anti-Microbial and Mold-Resistant Treatments
Some materials come with built-in protection against mold, mildew, and bacteria. For instance, some tiles are infused with anti-microbial properties to inhibit the growth of these microorganisms. Other materials may require the application of special sealers or treatments to achieve the same effect.
Additionally, proper ventilation can significantly reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth. Installing an exhaust fan in your bathroom, for example, can help remove moisture from the air, thus discouraging the growth of these unwanted organisms.
In closing, the area behind a tub surround is not just a blank space to be ignored but a ripe opportunity to add function, style, and value to your bathroom. Whether you choose to extend your aesthetic, create a focal point, or enhance functionality, consider the materials, design, and maintenance requirements to ensure your choice is not just visually appealing but also practical and durable. So, go ahead, transform that often overlooked space into a feature that complements and enhances your bathroom’s overall design and functionality.
