Bathroom Wall Panels: The Complete Guide to the Kartell K-VIT Range

Tiles have ruled the bathroom for a century — but they're no longer the obvious choice. Waterproof wall panels give you the look of marble, concrete or polished stone with none of the grout lines, and in most cases they can go straight over your existing tiles in an afternoon. The Kartell K-VIT range is one of the most complete panel collections on the market, with 19 finishes plus all the trims and adhesive you need to fit them. Here's everything you need to know.

What are bathroom wall panels?

Bathroom wall panels are large, rigid, 100% waterproof boards that fix to your walls in place of tiles. The K-VIT panels measure 2.4m x 1m x 10mm and are made from a solid PVC core with a decorative, hard-wearing surface. Each panel has a tongue-and-groove edge, so the boards slot together into a smooth, continuous, grout-free wall.

One panel covers 2.4m² in a single piece, so a standard shower enclosure or bath surround is finished in a handful of boards rather than dozens of individual tiles.

Why choose panels over tiles?

• 100% waterproof — the panel itself is the waterproof layer, ideal for showers and wet rooms.
• No grout — nothing to discolour, crack or harbour mould, and far less cleaning.
• Fit over existing tiles — in most cases you can panel straight over old tiles, saving the mess and cost of ripping them off.
• Fast to install — a room that takes days to tile can be panelled in hours.
• Easy to clean — a quick wipe with a soft cloth, with no grout lines to scrub.
• Warm and hygienic — a seamless surface that's especially well suited to wet rooms and accessible bathrooms.

The Kartell K-VIT finishes

The range spans 19 finishes, so whether you're after something understated or a real statement wall, there's a match. Browse the full wall panel collection, or start with these families:

Marble effects

The most popular look by far. Choose from soft, bright greys and whites through to the showstopping Gilded Marble and the calm, low-sheen Timeless Marble Super Matt. Marble effects read high-end and suit almost any colour scheme.

Concrete & industrial

Concrete Grey, Concrete White and Concrete Beige bring a calm, contemporary, urban feel — pair them with black brassware for a striking modern look.

Quartz & matt

Grey Quartz Matt and Graphite Quartz Matt offer a subtle sparkle and a low-sheen finish that hides water marks beautifully.

Gloss & sparkle

White Gloss and Arctic Sparkle White bounce light around a room, which makes them a smart choice for smaller or darker bathrooms. Start with classic White Gloss.

Statement finishes

For a feature wall, look at Grey Onyx, Beige Slate, Silver Retro Metallic and the rich Carrera Bronze Super Matt.

How to choose the right finish

• Small bathroom? Lighter tones and gloss finishes reflect light and open the space up.
• Want a spa feel? Marble and matt stone effects read calm and luxurious.
• After a feature wall? Use a bold finish like Grey Onyx or Carrera Bronze on one wall and a plain finish on the rest.
• Matching fixtures — chrome taps pair with cooler greys and whites, while black brassware looks superb against concrete and onyx.

Trims & finishing touches

Neat edges are what separate a professional finish from a DIY one. The K-VIT trims come in chrome and black to match your fittings:

• Internal corner — where two walls meet on an inside corner.
• External corner — wraps neatly around a protruding corner.
• End cap — finishes an exposed panel edge.
• H-joint — joins two panels in a continuous run.

To fix everything in place you'll want Fix & Forget adhesive — a 280ml tube of high-grab adhesive and sealant designed for exactly this job. You'll find panels, trims and adhesive together here.

Installing K-VIT wall panels

Most competent DIYers can fit panels, though a full wet room is often best left to a fitter. The basics:

1. Make sure the wall is sound, dry and reasonably flat. You can usually panel over existing tiles.
2. Measure and cut panels to height with a fine-tooth saw or a sharp knife.
3. Apply Fix & Forget adhesive to the back in vertical beads, press the panel to the wall, and slot the tongue-and-groove joints together.
4. Add trims at corners, joints and edges, bedding them in as you go.
5. Seal around the bath, tray and fittings with a quality silicone.

Because there's no grout and no tile spacers, there's no waiting days for everything to set before the room can be used.

Looking after them

This is where panels really shine. Wipe down with warm water and a soft cloth or a non-abrasive cleaner — that's it. There's no grout to scrub, re-seal or watch turn black, which makes panels a genuinely low-maintenance choice for busy households and accessible bathrooms alike.

Quality & guarantee

Kartell K-VIT panels carry a Class 1 fire rating and a 10-year guarantee, so you're covered for the long term.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fit wall panels over existing tiles?

In most cases, yes — provided the tiles are firmly stuck down and the wall is sound. It's one of the biggest reasons people choose panels over re-tiling.

Are wall panels suitable for wet rooms and showers?

Yes. The panels are fully waterproof, which is exactly why they suit showers, wet rooms and accessible bathrooms so well.

How many panels do I need?

Each panel covers 2.4m x 1m. Measure the height and width of each wall, divide by the panel size and round up — and don't forget trims for the corners and edges.

Do they feel cold or slippery like tiles?

Panels are warmer to the touch than ceramic tiles, and as they're used on walls rather than floors, slip isn't a concern.

Can I cut them around a window or fittings?

Yes — they cut cleanly with standard tools, so cut-outs for windows, taps and shower valves are straightforward.

Related reading

• Bathroom wall panels vs tiles: which is right for you?
• How to fit bathroom wall panels: a step-by-step guide

Ready to start?

Have a browse through the complete Kartell K-VIT wall panel range — panels, trims and adhesive all in one place. If you're not sure which finish to go for or how much you need, get in touch and we'll happily talk it through.