Practical Considerations for Using Wallpaper in a Bathroom

Wallpaper is a beautiful way to add personality to a space, but bathrooms present unique conditions that influence how and where to use it. So, what should you know before incorporating wallpaper into your bathroom design?

Bathroom Moisture and Ventilation

Before selecting wallpaper for a bathroom, consider how often you use the space and whether it includes a shower or bathtub. Unlike a powder room, a frequently used bathroom experiences condensation which can cause wallpaper to peel or adhesives to weaken over time. If you are planning to use wallpaper in one of these spaces, proper ventilation is essential. An appropriately sized exhaust fan that vents outdoors helps to control moisture, while an operable window will provide fresh airflow.

Beyond managing humidity, consider where wallpaper may come into direct contact with water. For example, installing wallpaper above wainscoting or another durable lower-wall finish in a children’s bathroom will protect it from wear and tear. Similarly, keeping wallpaper away from areas surrounding showers and bathtubs that experience frequent splashing will help to prevent water damage.

Design: House Seven Design | Photographer: Joseph Bradshaw

Wallpaper Materials and Maintenance

Once you evaluate the moisture conditions of your bathroom, the next step is selecting a wallpaper material suited to the space. Vinyl and vinyl-coated wallpapers are popular because many offer washable surfaces and greater moisture resistance, while some non-woven and peel-and-stick products are also designed for use in humid environments. Because construction, backing, and adhesives vary between products, reviewing the manufacturer’s recommendations for moisture exposure and installation requirements ensures the wallpaper is appropriate for your bathroom.

Another important consideration is how you will maintain the wallpaper. Unlike wallpaper in a living space or bedroom, bathroom wallpaper requires frequent cleaning from activities like brushing teeth, washing hands, and applying skin care products. Choosing a material with cleaning requirements that fit your household makes long-term maintenance easier.

Design: Dabito

Wall Preparation and Installation

Choosing wallpaper for a bathroom involves understanding the practical considerations behind your selections to ensure it not only looks beautiful, but also ages well – and the same is true for so many of the decisions we make for our homes. If you have ever wanted to know more about how designers think, I would love to invite you to join our Notes on Home community where I share a weekly design lesson straight from my desk to help you understand the details behind creating a well-designed home – no degree required.