Is wallpaper in a bathroom a bad idea?

Author: Marilou Konopelski  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

If you're intending to use regular wallpaper, then use it sparingly in your bathroom. Make sure that you apply the wallpaper to a very well prepared wall - your wallpaper is going to have to withstand a humid environment, so give it as good a foundation as you can. Don't use grasscloth wallpaper in a bathroom!

Is it okay to put wallpaper in a bathroom?

The answer to the question 'can a bathroom be wallpapered? ' is YES! There are special splash-proof wallpapers on the market, but the design choice is limited. The good news is that you can use any general wallpaper in a bathroom, but there are a few rules to avoid water and moisture ruining your paper.

Do people still wallpaper bathrooms?

Is Bathroom Wallpaper Still In Style? The simple answer is yes. In 2024, we're all craving rooms filled will with personality, and there is no bigger impact way to do that than with wallpaper. And design experts agree.

Is paint or wallpaper better for a bathroom?

If you're designing a bathroom and deciding between wallpaper and paint, in most cases, you should choose paint. We do not recommend installing grasscloth wallpaper in high-use bathroom areas that see steam and moisture.

Are there any rooms that you should not wallpaper?

High-moisture areas. Spaces with high or fluctuating levels of moisture, humidity, and potential water exposure aren't suitable for wallpaper since these factors can lead to peeling, water damage, and mold growth, undermining the aesthetic appeal of your wallpaper.

Is Wallpaper in A Bathroom A Good Idea? - Home remodeling in San Diego

What type of wallpaper is best for a bathroom?

Choose vinyl for the most durable bathroom wallpaper. Unlike conventional wallpaper, 100% vinyl wallpaper does not degrade over time or develop mold in high-moisture environments like bathrooms.

What are the downsides of wallpaper?

Maintenance: Requires careful cleaning, making maintenance a bit challenging. Cost: Typically more expensive due to its luxurious finish and intricate manufacturing process. Suitability: Not ideal for high-traffic or damp areas due to its delicate texture.

Does wallpaper peel off in bathrooms?

Potential Challenges with Bathroom Wallpaper

High moisture and humidity levels can cause wallpaper to peel, mold, and mildew if not properly selected and installed. It's crucial to choose moisture-resistant or waterproof varieties to mitigate these risks.

What is best to use on walls in bathroom?

Here are some of the top options for walls in the bathroom.
  • Bathroom Paint. Paint used in a bathroom is ideal if it is specified as bathroom paint. ...
  • Ceramic Tile. Ceramic (and glass) tile is a great option for the bathroom. ...
  • Vinyl Wallpaper or Planks. ...
  • Tileboard. ...
  • Bead board.

Does wallpaper make a bathroom look bigger?

Neutral wallpapers help to make a tiny bathroom feel larger by instantly creating a bright and airy feel in a room. Sporting designs from every interior style, neutral wallpapers offer you a huge range of design that look wonderful in any home.

Is wallpaper still in style in 2024?

And as we settle into 2024, the wallpaper trend shows no sign of slowing down. Contemporary wallpaper designs include bold geometrics, feminine florals, and tropical paradises. This year, design experts say you can expect to see fresh takes on classic retro, graphic, and natural wallcovering styles.

Can you paint over wallpaper in a bathroom?

With the proper prep, you can paint over almost any kind of wallpaper. The only thing to consider is the condition of the wallpaper. If there are any chips, holes or noticeable scratches in the wallpaper, it's better to strip the wall instead of painting over the wallpaper.

Is there such a thing as bathroom wallpaper?

Most styles that are suitable wallpapers for bathrooms are vinyl wallpapers, as they tend to have a higher moisture resistance to help survive splashes from a shower or bath.

How do you prepare a bathroom wall for wallpaper?

Clean and Prime Walls

Patch holes with patching plaster or spackle and a putty knife. Allow spackle to dry and sand smooth with a drywall sanding block. Once wall is clean and smooth, use a roller and sash brush to apply wallpaper primer to walls. This will ensure good adhesion and easy removal down the road.

Can you tile over wallpaper in a bathroom?

You should not tile over wallpaper, glossy surfaces, lead paint or plywood. If you're not sure if you have lead paint, test kits are available. If your paint tests positive, call a professional because improper removal of lead paint can cause toxins to spread throughout your home.

What is the best covering for bathroom walls?

Vinyl-coated wallpaper is considered functional, waterproof, and one of the better options for bathroom walls. Paper wallcoverings degrade in moist environments. Modern vinyl wallpaper has evolved to offer sophisticated styles, patterns, and colors.

How can I make bathroom walls look more expensive?

Go Wild With Tile

"We try and wrap partial tile around the walls outside of the bath and shower to make the bathroom feel more cohesive," Paz says. "If you pick a less expensive tile overall, it creates a more luxurious feeling to the space."

How do you moisture proof bathroom walls?

Best Practices for Waterproofing
  1. Choose PVC wall panels for the most waterproof wall covering.
  2. Ensure walls are properly prepared before fitting your new PVC wall panels.
  3. If you choose to paint your walls, use a high-quality waterproof paint.
  4. Regularly monitor your walls so any issues are identified and rectified early.

Why is wallpaper not suitable for bathrooms?

Not all wallpapers are suitable for bathrooms due to the high moisture and humidity levels. Standard peel-and-stick or paste-the-wall wallpapers may not hold up in these conditions. For bathrooms, we recommend using peel-and-stick vinyl wallpaper, which is waterproof and designed for high-moisture environments.

Should I wallpaper my entire bathroom?

If you're intending to use regular wallpaper, then use it sparingly in your bathroom. Make sure that you apply the wallpaper to a very well prepared wall - your wallpaper is going to have to withstand a humid environment, so give it as good a foundation as you can. Don't use grasscloth wallpaper in a bathroom!

Does wallpaper ruin walls?

While rare, damage can sometimes occur under specific conditions: Unsealed or Freshly Painted Walls: Wallpaper adhesive can bond too tightly to surfaces that aren't fully cured. Improper Removal: Pulling too quickly or at the wrong angle can tear paint or drywall.

Does wallpaper devalue a home?

Here are some common home improvement projects that could decrease the value of your home: Too much wallpaper. Built-in electronics. Wall-to-wall carpeting.

Why do people not like wallpaper?

Also wallpaper is more maintenance as it can get discolored, stained, ripped etc and correcting these issues is more complicated than slapping on paint. In the past, people were willing to commit time to doing this, but not so much anymore in this busy day and age.

Does wallpaper look cheap?

In contrast, regular wallpaper can come off as cheap, especially when it is surrounded by high-quality furniture and decorations. The images and hues it includes may be less pleasing or more casual than what you desire. It's also very rare to find regular wallpaper that is not flat and plain with regard to tactility.

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