Interior Brick Wall Design: Ideas for Showers and Beyond

Brick works inside a shower when the wall is waterproofed properly, the finish is sealed or glazed, and the rest of the room stays light and simple. Keep the fixtures sleek, use one metal finish, and let the brick's texture do the decorating.

If you're not ready for real masonry in a wet zone, brick-look porcelain tile gives you the same pattern with far less upkeep. Below are the interior brick wall design ideas I'd consider first, with a bathroom focus.

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Which type of brick suits a shower?

You have four realistic options, and they behave very differently around water.

• Reclaimed or exposed brick: the most character, but porous. It needs a breathable sealer and a waterproof build-up behind it.
• Thin brick veneer: real brick slices that take up little depth, which helps in a compact bathroom.
• Glazed brick: the surface repels water and wipes clean.
• Brick-look porcelain tile: the lowest maintenance and the easiest choice for a renter-friendly or budget project.

As an architect, I'd pick glazed brick or porcelain inside the spray zone and keep raw brick for the dry wall next to it. You get the texture without asking porous masonry to survive daily steam.

How do you keep brick waterproof in a shower?

Waterproofing goes behind the brick, not on top of it. A proper membrane, a sloped floor to the drain and good ventilation matter more than the brick itself. Have a licensed contractor handle the waterproofing and any structural changes.

If your brick wall is an existing exterior or party wall, insulation matters too. The National Laboratory of the Rockies has a measure guideline on insulating the interior of existing brick walls with extruded polystyrene board, and it outlines step-by-step procedures along with the tradeoffs. Cold masonry plus a hot shower is a recipe for condensation, so it's worth reading before you finish the surface.

Seal exposed brick with a breathable masonry sealer made for wet areas, and consider epoxy grout or mortar repairs where water hits most.

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What looks good on an interior brick wall?

Brick already has texture and color, so the best companions are smooth and quiet.

• Frameless clear glass, which lets the wall read as a backdrop.
• Matte black, brass or brushed nickel fixtures. Choose one family and repeat it.
• Warm wood on a vanity or shelf, sealed for humidity.
• Plain linen or cotton towels and a woven bath mat.

Glossy surfaces bounce light and sharpen shadows, while brick absorbs it and softens them. Putting the two side by side is why a polished faucet looks so good against a rough wall.

How do you make a brick wall more attractive?

Light it from above or the side

Grazing light from a wall-washer, a dimmable downlight or an LED strip in a niche brings out every ridge in the brick. Use warm bulbs, and test them at night, since artificial light changes how brick color reads.

Choose the grout on purpose

Grout that matches the brick calms the pattern. A contrasting grout draws the grid forward, which suits a modern look. Either works, but decide before you buy the tile or start repointing.

Add one or two living things

Ferns and pothos like humidity, if your bathroom has enough daylight. If you share your home with a dog or cat, check any plant with your vet before placing it where a pet can reach it.

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Painted brick and modern brick wall design indoors

Whitewashed or painted brick reflects more light and makes a small bathroom feel bigger. Desaturated whites and soft greys age better than a stark bright white. For a modern brick wall design indoor, try a stacked (straight-joint) pattern instead of the running bond, which looks more graphic and less rustic.

Scale matters. In a small room, thin veneer or larger brick-look tile avoids a heavy, busy wall. In a large bathroom, full-size brick can anchor the shower or sit behind a freestanding tub. For more ideas beyond the bathroom, see our roundup of modern brick wall design ideas for every space.

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Faux brick and other interior brick wall covering options

Brick-look porcelain is the safest interior brick wall covering in wet areas. Outside the shower, brick-pattern wallpaper and lightweight panels are fine on dry walls, and they're easy to remove if you rent. Test a sample next to your own lighting, because printed brick can look flat in cool light.

Where does brick fit in the style of your home?

Brick pairs with period styles too. The National Park Service notes that the Italianate style was most prevalent in America between the 1850s and the 1880s, and many homes from that era have masonry worth showing off. Exposed brick in an older house reads as original rather than trendy, so I'd keep the surrounding finishes simple and let it lead.

If you like a softer, collected look, you might also enjoy our take on shabby chic, which handles worn textures well. For another bold wall treatment, see color block walls.

Planning a full wet room? Our steam shower design tips cover the moisture side in more detail.

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Quick checklist before you commit

1. Decide real brick, veneer, glazed or tile based on how close it is to the water.
2. Plan the waterproof layer and ventilation first.
3. Pick one metal finish and one grout approach.
4. Add dimmable accent light aimed at the wall.
5. Test samples in your own bathroom at different times of day.

Frequently asked questions