No problem cleaning/wiping paint -- no special formula, just an eggshell, low sheen.

i suppose it matters how obsessive you are, how hard you scrub, and with what kind of cleansers. if you apply a lot of elbow grease, frequently, you might be happier with tile.

i like tile, and i dislike painting behind toilets.

We did use a special paint from BM specifically formulated for bath and spa. The formulation allows for more cleaning before paint is destroyed and allows for steams to move off and not absorb as I understand it. Painted all bathrooms a year ago and so far no cleaning issues. FYI our color is BM distant grey.

I used semi-gloss paint in my bathrooms, since it provides protection from humidity and moisture that leads to staining, chipping and peeling. It's durable, washable and mildew-resistant. Like flat, eggshell is good for places without moisture. Satin has a bit of a gloss and is good if you don't like the appearance of semi-gloss, but I would only use it in low moisture bathrooms. I recently had my half-bath painted in my over 100-year-old renovated home. The painter talked me into using eggshell paint as it would show flaws in the sheetrock wall less than the semi-gloss paint I'd used in there about 12 years ago. The ceiling also dipped a bit over the lone bathroom window and he told me ceiling paint would make that dip just about disappear, which it did. The bathroom looks much better in eggshell but I wouldn't have used it in either of our full bathrooms due to the daily moisture in those bathrooms. Unless, of course, you don't mind painting often, which I'd imagine would make it okay. Hope this helps!

acm--LOL "wild animals," or under-10 year-old grandsons!!

ACM, you cracked me up. I agree with you about those areas normally not requiring obsessive cleaning. I think a more modern look in bathrooms is to use less tile and more paint in the bathroom proper, though tiling in the shower and/or tub has become more of a feature. But when I redo a room, or even just re-paint a room, I want it to last a while so I do think making the right choice in paint will lead to a bathroom that looks better longer.

We had 3 boys and my husband and after the kids were about 5 they either peed sitting down like their dad of they helped clean the bathroom. IMO there is no reason for men to pee standing up in a home with no urinal.As for cleaning I find it just as easy to wipe down a painted wall as a tile one

Hysterical, Patricia, especially from a pro! I have no kids so wasn't thinking about THAT though I guess estherliba was, given her grandsons. But I'd think that would be an even better reason to use semi-gloss or at least satin paint!

I just updated a small 3/4 bath from all painted walls to all tile (all the same tile including the shower). I love it! It looks and stays cleaner than painted walls and is so much more interesting. I don't know why you think that tiles are no longer in. My new bath looks very current. These are not old square bathroom tiles or boring subway tiles but large subtle patterned rectangular tiles from Porcelanosa. I can't take credit, this was my interior designer's idea. So go with what you love whether it's paint or tile, but I know from having both that paint is harder to keep clean.

Robbi, since I posted this, I've gotten similar feedback from friends and coworkers, so I'm with you...am going to half tile 3 walls and fully tile the bathtub enclosure.

Robbi, why don't you post a picture for us as I know I'd love to see it. And estherliba, glad you made a decision you can live with. It's been a fun discussion for sure.