How to renovate the bathroom without removing the tiles: materials and ideas

If the idea of renovating your bathroom has been on your mind for too long, but you’re hesitant to take the step because you fear messy, disruptive construction work, it’s probably because you’re unaware of the possibilities available to renovate your bathroom without removing the tiles.

Yes, it’s true. Fortunately, there are coverings that allow you to give your bathroom a fresh new look quickly, affordably, and without construction work. No, you’re not dreaming. Gone are the excuses to keep putting off the renovation your bathroom has needed for so long.

In this article, we present 6 materials and 5 ideas to help you finally make your bathroom renovation a reality without removing the tiles. You’ll save money, avoid filling your home with dust and debris, and, most importantly, you’ll have a brand-new space in less than a week. Still don’t believe it? Keep reading and take note of these exceptional options.

6 Easy to apply materials to renovate the bathroom without removing the tiles

Unlike other parts of the house, the bathroom has specific requirements that must be considered. It’s a space constantly exposed to humidity, steam, dirt accumulation, and bacteria growth. For this reason, it’s crucial to choose a covering that’s resistant to running water and facilitates easy cleaning of walls and floors.

Below, we suggest 6 easy-to-apply materials for renovating the bathroom without removing the tiles. The final results will captivate you.

Adhesive and vinyl tiles: the latest bathroom renovation trend

If there’s a practical option for renovating the bathroom without tearing out the tiles, it’s covering them with adhesive tiles. This covering has become incredibly popular lately due to its low cost, ease of application, and the decorative design it offers. All you have to do is peel off the backing and stick it to the tiles like a giant sticker. Simple, right?

Additionally, since they’re available in endless sizes and finishes, they adapt perfectly to all types of tiles without requiring significant adjustments. This will save you time and money by avoiding mistakes when cutting them with a utility knife. For better adhesion, we recommend cleaning the tiles beforehand.

Vinyl floors: a definite yes for renovating the bathroom without removing the tiles

Vinyl floors are another highly popular alternative for replacing the old tiles in your bathroom, both on walls and floors. Among their key features, their durability and ability to provide thermal and acoustic insulation stand out.

At the same time, they are resistant to running water—an important factor if you’d like to install them in the shower area. These tiles often imitate ceramic or stone, while elongated planks mimic wooden laminate flooring. As a material for renovating the bathroom without removing tiles, vinyl adapts perfectly to virtually any decorative style.

They’re also available in countless colors, allowing you to combine them to create geometric patterns, mix solids with prints, or even define an accent wall with a bolder color. Installation is very quick and easy since you don’t have to remove the existing tiles. There are different types depending on the installation system: freestanding, click-lock, or self-adhesive.

Wallpaper: a favorite for renovating the bathroom without removing the tiles

Wallpaper is booming, and more and more homes are installing this covering in their rooms. But the million-dollar question is: can you apply wallpaper over tiles? Luckily for all of us, the answer is yes. You can use it to achieve a cozy and personal style while adding an original touch. Few people will have a bathroom quite like yours.

However, before applying it over tiles, you’ll need to prepare the surface to avoid imperfections. Smooth out the wall by filling the grout lines with putty and a spatula. Since wallpaper will be applied to a non-absorbent surface, you’ll need to use a specific adhesive unless it’s self-adhesive wallpaper. Cleaning it is incredibly easy—just a sponge and neutral soap will keep it looking brand new. That’s how simple it is!

Even for the Shower Area!

Until recently, decorating a bathroom with wallpaper seemed unthinkable. However, more and more waterproof and moisture-resistant designs are available for renovating bathrooms without removing tiles—even in areas like the shower or sink.

What’s the difference between standard wallpaper and waterproof wallpaper? Undoubtedly, its vinyl composition or, in some cases, its treatment with special products to make it resistant to moisture and temperature changes. Don’t worry too much, though—manufacturers clearly indicate this on the packaging.

Paint: a timeless classic for renovating the bathroom without removing tiles

If you like the shape, layout, and condition of your tiles but would prefer a different color or texture, you can always paint them. It’s an excellent solution to completely change the look of your bathroom without having to replace the tiles. This option offers significant savings since you can easily do it yourself.

The options for transforming your tiles with paint are endless—you can paint the entire bathroom one color, combine several shades, or even create freehand drawings for a 100% unique and personalized bathroom.

Moreover, applying paint is extremely quick, and its durability is exceptional, so you can confidently use it in the shower and sink areas. Are you worried it might peel off? It’s very unlikely, but you can apply a varnish for extra protection and, if you wish, change the finish to matte or satin.

Microcement: a highly effective material to renovate the bathroom without removing tiles

To avoid tearing up bathroom tiles, an increasingly popular option is to apply microcement over them. This is a continuous coating with great adhesion that is resistant to wear from abrasion and running water. It can even be applied in the shower area and finished with a varnish for an anti-slip effect.

Floors, walls, sinks, bathtubs—everything can be coated with microcement, allowing you to create incredible combinations with all the elements while renovating your bathroom without removing the tiles. Additionally, since it creates a seamless surface, cleaning is much easier as it prevents the buildup of germs and bacteria (something quite common in grout lines).

Laminate flooring: a material to consider for renovating the bathroom without removing tiles

You may not have thought it possible, but laminate flooring is also an excellent alternative for renovating your bathroom without removing the tiles. Installed in planks with an interlocking system, you can easily install it yourself. However, you’ll need to apply a sealing system to prevent water infiltration because laminate flooring is not waterproof on its own.

Laminate flooring is very affordable and allows you to enjoy the warmth of wood without spending a fortune. And if wood isn’t your style, there are countless other versions that imitate hydraulic tiles, ceramics, or cement, with finishes and colors to suit every taste.

Additionally, the click-lock installation system prevents cracks and, therefore, dirt accumulation in the joints. Cleaning is very simple; all you need to do is vacuum and mop it as usual.

5 very useful Ideas to renovate the bathroom without removing tiles

If you’ve already renovated your bathroom without removing the tiles, perhaps it’s time to add a final touch with small changes that will make a big difference. Which idea will you choose?

Upgrade your faucets and choose more efficient ones

Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but how long has your sink or shower faucet been leaking? Be careful, because a single leaky faucet can waste up to 2,000 liters of water a year.

By replacing your faucets with more efficient models, you can save up to 50% on your potable water consumption. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of new, stylish faucets, the savings you’ll notice at the end of the month will be incredible.

It’s time to change your towels

How long has it been since you bought the set of towels that dominates your bathroom? If your towels are faded, stained, or their fibers are worn and no longer absorbent or soft, it’s time to replace your bathroom textiles.

If this is the case, invest in high-quality towels. Avoid polyester and opt for cotton or linen, which will add a more elegant and decorative touch, especially if they’re on display

Change the mirror: the final touch to a tile-free renovation

Mirrors play a key role in any bathroom, so now that you’ve decided to upgrade, choose designs that attract attention and steal the spotlight.

A great way to enhance the look of any mirror is to pair it with proper lighting that highlights its details and shapes. From spotlights above to LED backlighting behind the mirror, there are countless options to choose from.

Install a new shower screen

If you’ve been thinking about changing your shower screen but are afraid of drilling into the tiles and potentially breaking them, there’s a great alternative. You can find countless shower screen models that can be installed with adhesives or an interlocking system. You can finally have the transparent screen with nearly invisible framing that you’ve been dreaming of for years—plus, it will visually enlarge your shower space without requiring construction work.

Add storage space to avoid clutter

Now that your bathroom is your oasis, don’t let the peace it gives you be disrupted by beauty products, hairdryers, and other clutter. Opt for adding shelves below your sink if it lacks storage space or install adhesive wall shelves that don’t require drilling for installation. Now you can’t use the excuse of not having space when leaving things lying around!

Smartcret has everything you need to renovate the bathroom without removing tiles

With all the materials you’ve seen, you might even feel a little overwhelmed, but don’t worry. At Smartcret, you’ll find everything you need to renovate your bathroom without removing the tiles, all just a click away from your home. Let’s do this!

Smartcover Tiles: a water-resistant, primer-free tile paint

If refreshing the tiles is the best option for you, Smartcover Tiles won’t disappoint. This tile paint is resistant to running water, requires no primer, and dries in just 2 to 3 hours. You’ll achieve a professional finish for very little money. It’s a renovation essential due to its high resistance to abrasion and scratches. Plus, it’s washable!

Smartcret’s ready-to-use microcement makes It easy

Microcement is a fantastic ally for coating surfaces without the need to remove them first. So what better material for renovating your bathroom without removing tiles than Smartcret’s ready-to-use microcement?

Moreover, bathrooms, which often tend to be small, benefit greatly from microcement’s ability to reflect natural light, which enhances the feeling of spaciousness and brightness.

Applying it might seem complicated, but nothing could be further from the truth. With our microcement kits for non-absorbent surfaces, you’ll have everything you need to renovate your bathroom without removing tiles quickly and affordably. We’ve left you with no excuses, haven’t we?