Natural Stone Bathroom Designs

The idea of a stone wall in the bathroom is nothing new in itself and has obviously been around for ages. But the last few decades have seen homeowners move from more modest and rustic alternatives to stylish and polished options that ooze an air of opulence. While the 90s saw design and decorating trends shift towards simplicity, clean straight lines, muted colors such as beige, and a look that fits in with the idea of modernity, that has drastically changed with the turn of the millennium. Sleek, spa-inspired bathrooms are still sought-after, but today's consumer wants a blend of the contemporary and the classic – a combination that has revived the popularity of the stone wall.

When it comes to stone walls in the bathroom, few come close to the timeless allure and sheer elegance of marble. But today we take a look at inspirations beyond marble that range from the downright rustic to those that find space even in the most modern bathrooms. Organic, beautiful and unique, the stone wall in the bathroom is a showstopper in every sense of the word.

Cozy, Rustic Bathrooms

Stone walls and rustic bathrooms are almost inseparable, and they definitely bring an air of authenticity and the charm of the countryside along with them. Coupled with heavy wooden beams on the ceiling, the stone wall is often a staple in such settings, and you have a wide range of natural stones to pick from as well. Your choice of stone for the rustic bathroom wall depends on the color scheme of the bathroom, the level of maintenance that you wish to take on, and of course the budget at your disposal. Natural stone that is available locally is often the best option, as it is far more affordable, easy to acquire, and gives your rustic bathroom a truly unique, indigenous look.

Rustic bathroom in stone and wood with a snug corner bench [Design: Pearson Design Group]

Ski lodge-inspired rustic bathroom with a stone wall and sheer curtains

Rustic bathroom with stone wall, vintage bathtub and antler chandelier [Design: JLF & Associates]

Trying to replicate the woodsy log cabin ambiance inside your bathroom? Or maybe you want a bathroom that has a relaxing and unassuming farmhouse style? Either way, the stone wall is a great fit for such spaces that aim to veer away from a polished, modern look. Throw in a custom copper or vintage bathtub, and you can spend those chilly winters taking a hot soak as you look at the snow-covered landscape outside – Who needs a trip to the nearest ski lodge with a bathroom like that at home?!

Bathroom inside 1800s Bourbon Distillery turned into a unique modern home [Design: Wilmes & Associates Architects]

Copper bathtub and Flagstone Slate create a fabulous, rustic bathroom [Design: High Camp Home]

Natural stone wall for the cabin style rustic bathroom [Design: Traditional Log Homes Ltd]

Rough cut stone wall and wooden ceiling beams create a cozy ambiance in the bathroom [Design: Eldorado Stone]

White standalone bathtub with Martini side table and a stone accent wall in the bathroom [From: JLF & Associates / Photography: Audrey Hall]

A Mesmerizing Blend of Styles

A balance between contrasting styles and textures is an approach that we absolutely love, as it showcases a hint of creativity and drives away any boredom from the bathroom design. Using a fabulous stone accent wall in the contemporary bathroom ushers in textural and visual contrast and gives the room a wonderful focal point. But think of styles beyond modern and rustic, as there is an endless world of possibilities when it comes to stone walls in the bathroom. The likes of sandstone and limestone are perfect for a Mediterranean-style bathroom, while natural fieldstone works well in modern bathrooms with rustic, farmhouse or craftsman flair.

Opulent bathroom with a sunken Jacuzzi and a curved stone wall [Design: Lisa Stevens & Company]

Color and texture of the stone give the bathroom a Mediterranean vibe [Design: Gordon Gibson Construction]

Waterfall shower head is a perfect fit for the fabulous stone wall in the bathroom [Design: Tyner Construction]

Luxurious master bathroom brings the comfort of spa home [Design: Eldorado Stone]

The likes of river rocks, polished pebble tiles, dark granite and lava rocks are great for the tropical bathroom, and while they might be hard to get ahold of in some parts of the world, it is still worth the effort. Keeping the stone wall in the bathroom or shower clean does take some effort, especially when you use a finish like split-face. While rough-faced stone walls add more texture to the bathroom, they often require more maintenance as well.

A wonderful blend of modern and traditional styles in the bathroom with stone wall [Design: Decorating Den Interiors- Corporate Headquarters]

Exposed stone inside the renovated bathroom adds old world charm [Design: POC+P architects]

Natural stone and pebbles create an exotic, tropical style bathroom [Design: Henarise Pty Ltd / Photography: Cameron Ramsay]

Small bathroom idea with coral stone veneer on the wall [Design: Gary J Ahern, AIA - Focal Point Design] — Small bathroom idea with coral stone veneer on the wall [Design: Gary J Ahern, AIA – Focal Point Design]

Split face stone in the shower for the elegant, traditional bathroom [Design: Stonewood]

Turn the stone wall in the bathroom into an absolute showstopper [Design: Moger Mehrhof Architects]

Stone Walls for the Modern Bathroom

Can a more modern bathroom set in a contemporary home play host to a fabulous stone wall, even if it is just an accent feature? Absolutely, as the many inspirations below showcase! The gorgeous wall in natural stone offers an exceptional backdrop that is still neutral and yet adds textural brilliance that more polished contemporary surfaces can ever manage to deliver. You can use natural stone for either that accent wall right behind the freestanding bathtub, or you can create a beautiful shower wall that is both captivating and resilient.

Skylights give the bathroom dramatic visual appeal [Design: VELUX]

Contemporary bathroom combines glass tile with the classic stone wall [Design: studio bracket]

Half wall in natural stone and pebbles on the floor turn the the small bathroom into a relaxing hub [Design: Sam Davison Interiors]

Irish green marble creates a vivacious accent wall in the contemporary bathroom [Design: Domb architects]

When it comes to a stone wall in the bathroom, size is not always a big constraint. Even the tiniest of modern bathrooms can feature an accent stone wall, and you can top off this exotic look with some pebbles and river stones around the bathtub to create a luxurious vibe. Irrespective of the stone, finish and size of the accent wall, you can rest assured that this will be the defining feature of your small, comfy bathroom.