Bathroom Wallpaper: Waterproof and Stylish Wall Upgrade

The wallpaper is the best option if you want boldness and character to reach your bathroom space. Bathroom wallpaper has endless designs, for any taste, ranging from cottage core, bohemian, glam, and rustic. You might have looked at those very aesthetically pleasing accent walls and wanted to do it in your space, but you are not sure if wallpapers in your bathroom are a good idea, this guide will answer all your concerns. 

Can You Wallpaper a Bathroom?

The short answer is yes, but you need a specific type of wallpaper for the bathroom. Some people believe wallpaper in bathrooms is a bad option due to water and humidity. Although this is not entirely true, you must follow strict guidelines and choose the right type of wallpaper for your bathroom.

floral red wallpaper

Types of Bathroom Wallpaper:

To add wallpaper to your bathroom, ensure you purchase one of these options:

Waterproof Bathroom Wallpaper

Vinyl Wallpaper:

Vinyl wallpaper for bathrooms is the most common waterproof option used. It is ideal for bathrooms since it is washable and moist-resistant. It comes in various options like vinyl-coated, solid, and textured vinyl. Also, it can be found in different colors and textures and is resistant to mould and mildew, which makes it perfect for high-moisture areas in the bathroom.

Peel And Stick Wallpaper:

This is the easiest DIY option for upgrading your bathroom. Peel-and-stick wallpaper comes in different shapes, textures, and colors and is very easy to install without the need for adhesive.

Fiberglass Wallpaper:

This durable option is made of woven fiberglass strands, which makes it fire—and water-resistant. It is considered the most long-lasting and can even be painted over. Fiberglass wallpaper is best if you need a durable option for high-traffic bathrooms.

Non-Woven Wallpaper

Made of natural and synthetic fibers, non-woven wallpaper is breathable and water-resistant. It is easy to wash and reduces mold and mildew buildup, making it peel-resistant and easier to install and remove. This wallpaper requires well-ventilated bathrooms.

Traditional Wallpaper

There are various traditional wallpaper versions such as fabric-vinyl and grasscloth wallpapers. You can choose any texture or color you like. The only catch is that you should apply them in dry areas in well-ventilated or big powder rooms.

green bathroom wallpaper over sink

Functional Benefits:

Modern wallpaper is not just used for decor; it is also functional. Bathroom wallpapers offer options such as water resistance and durability, making them perfect for splash areas, too. 

Using wallpaper in your bathroom allows you to show your taste and style through a space used frequently and daily, turning a basic bathroom into a piece of art. Moreover, it lets you do your DIY project without worrying about the expenses of tiles or panels, thus you will have an upgrade on a budget!

How to Wallpaper a Wall:

Tools Required:

To install wallpaper in your bathroom, first, you need to have these necessary tools:

  • The proper wallpaper for the area you want covered.
  • Anti-fungal wall primer.
  • Wallpaper paste/adhesive.
  • Measuring tape and pencil.
  • A paintbrush and roller.
  • A roller tray.
  • Craft knife.
  • A wallpaper smoother.
  • Scissors.
choosing the type and color and prepping for installation

First Step: Prepping

As we learned in other installation guides, you always need to prep your bathroom before any project:

  • Before installation, ensure your bathroom is free from mould. Wallpaper cannot be applied to damaged or untreated walls. Proper remediation is essential for a long-lasting finish.
  • Meanwhile, empty your bathroom from all furniture.
  • Fill any holes or cracks in your bathroom walls, then sand them smooth.
  • Clean out all the walls in your bathroom with a damp microfiber cloth.
  • Above all, make sure the heat in your bathroom is turned off for this project.

Wallpaper Application

  • Measure the first wallpaper panel on a wall and draw the lines with a pencil, starting from the ceiling down.
  • Prime the wall you begin with to help the wallpaper adhere better.
  • Stick the first wallpaper according to the guidelines and smooth it out from air bubbles, start with a corner and go down reaching other corners.
  • Add the following wallpapers down and to the side making sure the patterns match. Use a brush to apply the adhesive to the wall corners.
  • After that, use a smoother to determine where the edge finishes and a craft knife to slide and cut the excess wallpaper.
  • Press down the seams well with a smoother in order to prevent them from being loose.
  • Measure the tighter spaces and cut the wallpaper to use accordingly.
  • Wipe down the wallpaper with a damp cloth from any remaining adhesive.
  • Finally, allow the bathroom to dry for 24-48 hours.

Bathroom Wallpaper Maintenance

These are tips to elongate the lifespan of your bathroom wallpaper:

Proper Ventilation and Less Humidity:

Your bathroom must be properly ventilated to prevent mould from developing on the wallpaper or walls. An extractor fan or windows must also be present to reduce humidity. If your bathroom is too cold and retains excess humidity, consider using a dehumidifier.

Washable Bathroom Wallpaper:

If you use waterproof wallpaper, such as vinyl or washable bathroom wallpaper, regularly clean it with a soapy sponge and dry it with a cloth to maintain its shine. In areas with traditional wallpaper, wipe down with a damp cloth.

cleaning the surfaces

Backsplash:

Avoid having water residue around sinks by wiping it down immediately. Seal around backsplash areas with a silicone ant-mold sealant.

Peeling and lifting:

If you notice a loose seam in the edges of your wallpaper, apply a decent amount of adhesive under it and firmly smooth it out. When you finish, wipe down the excess adhesive.

Bathroom Wallpaper Decorating Ideas:

Wallpapers will transform your bathroom space into an elegant and stylish haven. Here are some wallpaper design ideas for bathrooms:

Statement Walls

You can choose one wall as an accent wall, using bold colors or large floral, nautical, or coastal patterns. This option will be ideal for behind a bathtub or a vanity wall.

statement bathroom vintage wallpaper

Timeless Vintage Walls

Opt for classic Victorian, marble, or Art Deco patterns for added luxury and a vintage style.

floral vintage wallpaper

Funky Bathroom Wallpaper

Add a quirky touch to your bathroom by adding fun wallpapers like flamingos, swimmers, pineapples, or abstract art for a playful style that adds more depth even to small bathrooms.

funky leaf print wallpaper

Textured and Faux Finishes:

Faux bricks, marble, 3D tile, stone, or wood can add texture to your bathroom. Recently, green bathroom wallpaper has become common, and the faux, glossy tile effect adds a cottage-core vibe.

Ceiling Wallpaper:

Adding wallpaper to a bathroom ceiling can enhance the look and uniqueness of small bathrooms. Depending on the style, it can also work well in bathrooms with high ceilings or powder rooms.

 You can Transform your bathroom effortlessly with AV Modern Bathrooms expert renovation. Whether you’re updating with stylish wallpaper or planning a full makeover, our team ensures a seamless finish. Starting full renovations from £3600 only! Get your free quote today for an affordable and hassle-free bathroom renovation. You can also visit our showroom at 69-71 Higher Parr St, Saint Helens, WA9 1AD, to see our range of products and get expert craftsman advice. 

Ready To Start With AV Modern Bathroom?

Are you ready to transform your bathroom into a stunning, functional sanctuary? At AV Modern Bathroom, we specialize in creating beautiful, high-quality bathroom renovations tailored to your unique needs and style.