When it comes to home design, wallpaper can add color, texture, and character to any space in your home. If you’ve ever wondered if you can put wallpaper in a bathroom, the short answer is yes – but with a few important considerations. With the right wallpaper and installation techniques, you can put wallpaper in bathrooms and transform these mundane rooms into stylish spaces. Keep reading for important factors to keep in mind when wallpapering your bathroom.

Choose the Right Wallpaper Material

(Shop this image: green farmhouse wallpaper, white bath towels, freestanding bathtubs, and green traditional vanities)

Not all wallpaper is created equal. Though this contributes to its versatility in home application, it can make finding the right wallpaper for your bathroom a little more complicated. Bathrooms are naturally humid environments where the wrong wallpaper might peel, bubble, or even develop mold. It’s important to find a wallpaper that can handle the humidity and moisture of a bathroom. So, what is the best type of wallpaper for bathrooms? Here are some materials and features to look for:

Vinyl Wallpaper: Vinyl wallpaper is a great choice for bathrooms because it is moisture-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. Vinyl stands up well to the humid environment of a bathroom and can even withstand splashes of water around showers and sinks.

Non-Woven Wallpaper: Non-woven wallpaper is typically made with a combination of natural and synthetic materials that makes it durable while being more breathable than vinyl wallpaper. This added breathability can help reduce the risk of mold in bathrooms.

Moisture-Resistant Wallpaper: Some wallpapers are specifically labeled as being moisture-resistant – making them one of the best wallpapers for bathrooms. Not only can this wallpaper handle the humidity of bathrooms, but it can be cleaned with a damp cloth for easy upkeep.

Tip!

For ideas to inspire your next bathroom makeover, read our guide on Powder Room Wallpaper Ideas That Will Freshen Up Your Home.

Consider Placement & Installation Methods

(Shop this image: black double vanities, blue bathroom floor tiles, gold wall mirrors, and green floral wallpaper)

When installing wallpaper, consider its placement to ensure the longest-lasting results. Some areas of your bathroom – such as directly beside your shower – tend to have higher humidity and will expose your wallpaper to more steam. It's common to see wallpaper on the upper half of bathroom walls and paired with wainscotting or tile on the lower half to provide more durable coverage. You may also consider placing wallpaper in spaces with less humidity like a powder room.

Regardless of where you place wallpaper in bathrooms, it’s important that the space has proper ventilation. Choose a bathroom with an effective exhaust fan to help air-out the room and let your wallpaper breathe. Different installation methods can also impact the longevity of your bathroom wallpaper. Here are the best types of wallpaper for a bathroom installation:

Non-Pasted Wallpaper: While non-pasted wallpaper can be tedious to install and remove, it typically produces the longest-lasting results because it requires the use of strong paste. This is as opposed to pre-pasted wallpaper, which simply requires the addition of water to activate the paste, so it can peel more easily when exposed to moisture in a humid place like a bathroom.

Self-Adhesive Wallpaper: Self-adhesive wallpaper is another option. Though it isn’t as strong as non-pasted wallpaper, it allows for simple installation and removal, making it great for temporary style choices or rental homes.

No matter your wallpaper choice, proper installation will help prolong its life in your bathroom. Limiting seams and air bubbles will prevent moisture from building up behind your wallpaper and causing mold. For extra protection, seal your wallpaper with a strong varnish to block out moisture.

Tip!

Looking for tips for a seamless wallpaper installation experience? Check out How to Measure for Wallpaper and How to Install Wallpaper to learn more.

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