Wall panels have become one of the most exciting alternatives to traditional tiles in modern interiors. Designers and homeowners alike are turning to SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) panels and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) panels for the seamless finish, easy installation, and wide range of styles.
Among these, two finishes stand out: matte SPC panels, chosen for that calming, spa-like appeal, and glossy PVC marble panels, known for timeless elegance. Both finishes bring unique advantages—and when used strategically, can transform ordinary bathrooms and living spaces into showpieces.
Why Matte Finishes Are Defining Modern Bathrooms
Matte finishes are reshaping bathroom design because a soft, velvety surface creates a sense of calm, texture, and quiet sophistication. Unlike reflective walls, a matte finish absorbs light, resulting in a grounded and serene atmosphere. This makes matte SPC panels especially effective in bathrooms designed for relaxation. Matte stone wall panels and slate wall panels pair beautifully with nature-inspired elements such as wooden cabinetry, bamboo accents, and greenery, reinforcing an organic and timeless quality.
One of the strongest applications of matte is in marble-effect SPC panels installed floor-to-ceiling in showers. The continuous surface eliminates visual clutter, producing a clean, spa-like enclosure. Without grout lines breaking up the flow, the overall design feels more minimal yet distinctly luxurious.
Matte SPC panels also respond well to fixture pairings. When combined with brushed brass hardware, the finish adds warmth and softness. When matched with matte black fittings, the result is bold and contemporary, often giving bathrooms an architectural edge. In both cases, the finish elevates simple layouts into carefully curated spaces.
For larger bathrooms, stone-look matte SPC panels introduce depth and interest without overwhelming the space. The subdued surface allows the natural textures and patterns to stand out in a way that feels organic rather than ornamental. This approach is especially effective in homes aiming for a balanced, natural aesthetic.
Matte finishes are also strongly associated with several interior design styles:
Scandinavian – Matte textures align with pale woods, soft textiles, and clean minimalism.
Japandi – A fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design, matte finishes highlight simplicity, natural materials, and serene balance.
Modern Minimalist – Matte surfaces complement pared-down forms and neutral color palettes.
Industrial Chic – Matte stone or slate SPC panels bring raw texture that contrasts beautifully with metal or concrete.
Organic Modern – Matte panels harmonize with natural finishes like wood and stone for a soft, timeless effect.
Matte SPC panels bring understated elegance and versatility to modern bathrooms, offering both style and practicality in equal measure.
Why Glossy Finishes Still Shine
Glossy finishes—most notably PVC marble wall panels—remain a cornerstone of interior design for clients who want light-reflective drama and a sense of luxury. The polished surface catches and amplifies light, making it an excellent choice for spaces that benefit from added brightness and glamour. In compact bathrooms or powder rooms, a glossy panel instantly opens up the space by reflecting both natural and artificial light. The effect not only enlarges the room visually but also brings a vibrant energy that matte finishes intentionally soften.
Glossy marble surfaces also coordinate seamlessly with glass, chrome, or crystal fixtures, creating a sleek, hotel-inspired atmosphere. The high-shine quality reinforces elegance while highlighting clean architectural lines. Another strategic use for glossy PVC panels is as feature walls behind vanities or freestanding tubs. By concentrating the reflective finish on one surface, the design achieves a focal point that feels both sophisticated and timeless.
Beyond bathrooms, glossy wall finishes align naturally with several interior design styles:
Victorian interiors – Intricate patterns, ornate details, and high-shine marble-effect panels fit seamlessly into decorative, historic-inspired schemes.
Classic English design – Glossy finishes pair beautifully with deep woods, crown moldings, and traditional hardware for a stately elegance.
Art Deco style – High gloss surfaces echo the drama and glamour of the 1920s, especially when paired with geometric accents and metallic trim.
Hollywood Regency – Glossy marble backdrops emphasize the bold, luxurious aesthetic of mirrored furniture and plush textiles.
Modern Luxe – In contemporary homes, glossy finishes add a polished edge that elevates minimalist forms with subtle glamour.
Glossy finishes continue to hold their place in design not only for bathrooms, but also for classic and opulent interiors, where brightness, refinement, and timeless appeal are priorities.
SPC Panels: Waterproof Strength with Designer Style
Bathrooms demand more than just good looks—they need materials that perform under daily exposure to moisture, steam, and constant use. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) panels meet these demands with ease. Constructed with a limestone and PVC composite core, SPC wall panels are engineered for strength, stability, and long-term durability.
One of the greatest advantages of SPC panels is their ease of installation. Panels can be mounted directly over existing walls, eliminating the mess and cost of demolition. Because no grout is required, there is no risk of mold or mildew in joints, and the overall look remains seamless and hygienic. The installation process is clean, fast, and requires only adhesive and basic tools.
For most applications, SPC panels can be used immediately after installation. However, when panels are installed inside a shower enclosure, the adhesive requires 24 hours to cure fully before the walls are exposed to running water. This ensures maximum bond strength and long-term performance.
SPC and PVC panels share the same thickness and similar cost, keeping both options affordable compared to ceramic or stone tiles. The primary distinction lies in the finish: SPC panels are primarily available in matte stone, slate, and marble designs, while PVC panels feature high-gloss marble looks. Each finish serves a different design purpose, giving homeowners flexibility in style.
Why SPC panels excel in bathrooms:
100% waterproof, built to withstand daily humidity and direct water exposure.
Grout-free installation, ensuring a clean, seamless finish.
Applied directly over existing walls, and floors* no demolition required.
Scratch- and impact-resistant, ideal for family homes and high-use bathrooms.
Available in matte finishes (stone, slate, and marble looks) for modern, spa-like interiors.
For clients seeking a seamless, architectural look, certain SPC product lines can be installed on both walls and floors. This allows for floor-to-ceiling coverage in a single finish, creating bold monolithic designs that feel modern, cohesive, and high-end. PVC wall panels, by contrast, are strictly decorative wall applications and not intended for flooring. SPC panels combine practical performance with versatile design, making them a trusted solution for bathrooms, kitchens, and any high-moisture space.
PVC vs SPC Panels: Side-by-Side Breakdown
PVC Wall Panels | SPC Wall Panels | |
Material | Lightweight, flexible plastic | Rigid limestone + PVC composite |
Durability | Suitable for decorative use | Strong, stable, scratch- and impact-resistant |
Water Resistance | Water-resistant | 100% waterproof, stable in high-moisture areas |
Finish Options | High-gloss marble and polished designs | Matte stone, slate, and marble looks |
Thickness | Slim, easy to handle | Same as PVC, easy to handle |
Cost | Budget-friendly | Comparable to PVC, both cost-effective |
Installation | Easy adhesive application, no grout, no mess | Easy adhesive application, no grout, no mess |
Shower Use | Suitable for bathrooms; adhesive must cure before heavy exposure | Ideal for shower enclosures; requires 24 hours of adhesive curing before panels are exposed to water |
Applications | Walls only | Walls, and in some product lines, floors for continuous floor-to-ceiling coverage |
Best Use Cases | Accent walls, living rooms, decorative backdrops, TV Walls | Bathrooms, kitchens, shower enclosures, high-traffic interiors, and integrated wall-to-floor designs |
Reliable Style, Built to Last
Both matte SPC panels and glossy PVC marble panels contribute unique strengths to modern interiors. Matte finishes bring serenity, texture, and a contemporary feel that works beautifully in bathrooms, kitchens, and spaces where calm sophistication is desired. Glossy finishes, on the other hand, add brightness, luxury, and timeless elegance—ideal for powder rooms, accent walls, and interiors that call for a sense of drama.
Individually, each option delivers lasting style and functionality. Combined within a single project, matte and glossy panels create a layered, designer-quality interior that feels intentional and complete. With the added benefits of easy installation, no grout, no demolition, and minimal maintenance, SPC and PVC wall panels represent one of the most efficient ways to update a space.
For more than a decade, Dundee Deco has been a trusted name in wall finishing materials across North America. We continually update our collections by sourcing cutting-edge technology, premium materials, and fresh design inspiration from around the world.
This year, our newest collection features advanced SPC wall panels crafted in Turkey—celebrated for their quality, durability, and contemporary finishes. Designed with the latest European style influences, these panels deliver modern aesthetics while meeting the performance standards of North American homes and businesses.
We ship quickly across the U.S. from our New York warehouse, making it easy for customers to get panels when they need them. We take pride in seeing our products come to life—recent projects in New York and Florida show how our SPC and PVC panels transform bathrooms, kitchens, and feature walls.
Our mission is to provide wall finishing solutions where design meets reliability—fast to install, easy to maintain, professional grade, and affordable. Explore SPC and PVC panels today and see how they can transform your space.