Tips for Wallpapering Bathrooms

Transforming a bathroom with wallpaper can add personality and style to the space. However, wallpapering a bathroom presents unique challenges due to moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. But with the right techniques and materials, you can successfully wallpaper a bathroom and achieve long-lasting results.

Our guide covers essential tips, from selecting the right wallpaper to proper surface preparation and application techniques, ensuring a professional finish every time. You’ll also find a range of wallpaper design ideas for bathrooms to inspire your next project.

Can you wallpaper a bathroom?

Thanks to recent innovations in wallpaper design, you can wallpaper a bathroom without the risk of it peeling – if you use the right products. Our consumer decorating expert Mark Rigby shares their advice for applying wallpaper in bathrooms, including the best types to use:

“Standard untreated wallpaper is not suitable for bathrooms, as it will peel and stain when exposed to moisture and humidity. Instead, choose a moisture-resistant option, such as vinyl wallpaper. You can also apply a waterproof varnish to seal regular wallpaper, if you prefer a particular design.”

Can you wallpaper a bathroom ceiling?

Bathroom ceilings are subject to high humidity, as steam and moisture will rise through the air and collect here. While you can wallpaper your bathroom ceiling with vinyl or treated wallpaper, you should also ensure the room has sufficient ventilation to prevent condensation from collecting, as this may cause mould and mildew.

Why wallpaper works well in bathrooms

While your bathroom is likely one of the smallest rooms in the house, decorating it with wallpaper is a great way to add personality to the space. Plus, you don’t need lots of natural light for wallpaper to make an impact, meaning it’s a great choice for low-lit bathrooms.

Some of the benefits of using wallpaper for bathroom walls include:

• Versatility. You can create many different looks with bathroom wallpaper. It works well with other materials and finishes in a bathroom, including wood, metal and natural stone.

• Easy maintenance. Bathroom wallpaper is much easier to maintain than tiling. It will generally only ever require inexpensive minor repairs.

• Budget-friendly. Most bathroom wallpaper is inexpensive, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.

• Straightforward installation. Bathroom wallpaper is easy to apply. It’s also ideal for hiding any marks or imperfections on walls.

When not to use wallpaper in your bathroom

If your bathroom lacks ventilation, with no window or extractor fan, you shouldn’t use wallpaper. Instead, opt for mould-resistant paint like Dulux Trade Mouldshield Fungicidal Matt. Untreated paper wallpaper will peel quickly when exposed to humidity and moisture, so it should be varnished and sealed for best results. Avoid using wallpaper in areas that frequently get wet, like behind the sink, bathtub and shower enclosure – choose tiles or durable bathroom paint.

Which type of wallpaper should you use in a bathroom?

We recommend using treated wallpaper (finished with a clear varnish to seal it) or vinyl wallpaper to decorateyour bathroom. Both types are available in plenty of designs, with something to suit every space.

Vinyl wallpaper is the most durable option, especially in humid bathrooms, as it won’t absorb water. So, if you’re looking for a washable bathroom wallpaper, this is the best choice.

Things to keep in mind when wallpapering a bathroom

Some of the most important factors to consider before wallpapering a bathroom are:

• Preparation. Cleaning and prep work are essential to ensure long-lasting results when hanging bathroom wallpaper. We surveyed 79 professionals from the property and construction industry, and 15% said this was the most important tip for a successful bathroom wallpaper application.

• Materials. 13% of survey respondents said using waterproof materials should be your top priority to preserve the finish of your bathroom wallpaper. In addition to your chosen wallpaper, make sure to invest in some bathroom sealant before you start redecorating. Use it to fill the areas between your wallpaper and skirting boards, as bathroom sealant contains mould-resistant properties, helping to protect areas exposed to moisture.

• Maintenance. 20% of survey respondents said ventilation is key to maintaining your bathroom wallpaper’s appearance, while 18% said regular cleaning and 15% said keeping it dry. We recommend combining all of these maintenance tips for the best results.

Bathroom wallpaper ideas

Bold bathroom wallpaper

Printed wallpaper makes a bold statement in bathrooms, whether used on all the walls or as a feature wall. Take care when using bold wallpapers in small bathrooms, as they can overpower the space. From florals to geometrics, browse our range of patterned wallpapers to find the perfect design for your space.

In large bathrooms, bright wallpapers can help create zones, breaking up the space. We offer a range of statement wallpapers in various colours – explore the collection to find your favourites.

Neutral bathroom wallpaper

Neutral wallpaper can make small bathrooms look bigger, but it’s also a great way to add depth or create zones in larger bathrooms. Whether white, cream, beige or grey, neutral wallpaper helps open up the room and makes it feel light, airy and spacious.

Textured bathroom wallpaper

Textured wallpaper can add more dimension and interest to a bathroom than paint, whether in neutrals, prints or brights. You’ll also find a variety of textured wallpapers inspired by natural materials like wood and marble, allowing you to get the look of these materials for less. Our dedicated guide shows you how to style textured wallpaper around your home, including bathrooms.

Need more wallpapering tips? Check out our guide to removing wallpaper if you’re planning to switch up the existing design.