As maximalism has grown over the past few years, wallpaper has also made a major comeback in interiors. And it’s not just confined to dining rooms and bedrooms; these days, wallpaper can be found throughout the home, including kitchens and bathrooms. Finding the right wallpaper for bathrooms, though, is easier said than done. That’s because full baths, in particular, are high-moisture areas, meaning the materials used there need to stand up to heat, humidity, and the occasional splashes—plus, all of the challenges that these conditions create for walls (think: mold, mildew, and peeling).
But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your washroom wallpaper ideas altogether. You just have to choose a wallpaper for bathroom walls that’s waterproof or water-resistant, which can prevent the issues above.
Want to know more about water-resistant wallpaper as a category? Read through this handy guide before you fall in love with a pattern or colorway for your bathroom. The more you know about moisture-resistant wallpaper, the better.
Why High-Moisture Areas Need Special Wallpaper
Full bathrooms are total splash zones. First, you have the humidity and heat created by steamy showers and baths. Sinks can create moisture issues around the vanity, too, as can faucets and sprayers around shower stalls and tubs. These damp conditions can make it difficult for materials like run-of-the-mill wallpaper to hold up over time.
Challenges of Humid Spaces
Humidity isn’t great for regular wallpapers. Not only can moisture seep into the walls and degrade the structural integrity of these papers, causing them to bubble and peel away from the wall, it can also lead to issues beyond aesthetics. Mold and mildew can grow easily in damp conditions, which can lead to health issues for you and your family. A lack of proper ventilation will only exacerbate the effect here, so you’ll want to make sure your full bath has both an exhaust fan and a window, if possible.
Protecting Your Walls from Damage
If you want the look of wallpaper in a humid bathroom but don’t want to worry about it getting damaged and needing replacement, then you need to choose a paper that’s waterproof or moisture-resistant.
Combining Style with Practicality
Water-resistant wallpaper combines style with practicality so you don’t have to worry about its susceptibility to moisture or its lifespan. But not all moisture-resistant wallpaper is the same. You have more options than you think.
Types of Wallpaper for Bathrooms and Washrooms
For best results in a bathroom, you’ll want to search for a water-resistant wallpaper. That said, you can select from a few different types depending on your budget, design, and installation preferences. These are your best moisture-resistant wallpaper options.
Vinyl Wallpaper
Most designers and contractors will suggest vinyl wallpaper for high-humidity bathrooms with showers and tubs. It comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Unlike many traditional wallpapers, vinyl won’t degrade or be a breeding ground for mold or mildew when exposed to water.
Not all vinyls are created equally. Make sure you’re using a 100 percent vinyl product, if possible (minus any potential removable paper backing). A fabric-backed vinyl won’t be as durable as a full vinyl design, so keep that in mind as you make your decision.
Treated Wallpaper
Some traditional wallpapers can be treated with a substance like decorator’s varnish, a clear acrylic coating that can help protect the integrity of a paper wallpaper. This type of product can increase the durability and lifetime of a wallpaper as well as make it moisture-resistant. If you fall in love with a style that’s not vinyl, this could be an alternative. But it will require this additional treatment.
Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Wallpaper
If a peel-and-stick wallpaper is made of vinyl, it’s also moisture-resistant. These styles can be a great alternative for renters, since the adhesive is temporary. They also come in a range of different prints and colorways.
Key Features of Moisture-Resistant Wallpaper
Moisture-resistant wallpaper isn’t vulnerable to water the same way regular wallpapers are. That means it displays a few key features that make it stronger and longer-lasting in bathroom applications.
It’s Unaffected by Humidity and Heat
Sure, it’s probably still a good idea to turn on the exhaust fan, open a window, or crack open the bathroom door when you’re showering (or all three). But when a wallpaper is truly moisture-resistant, the humidity from a hot shower or long soak won’t bother the structure of your wallpaper at all. Without bubbling or peeling, you don’t have to worry that water will find its way into the walls and lead to the growth of mold or mildew — and potentially have an adverse effect on anyone’s health.
It’s Washable
If a given wallpaper is moisture-resistant, that means it can also stand up to a little bit of cleaning. For stains and pesky fingerprints, all you have to do is grab a warm, damp cloth and give the spot a once-over. Remember, though, washable isn’t exactly scrubbable. Go gentle and don’t use any harsh detergents.
It’s Durable
Because moisture-resistant wallpaper can handle damp conditions without any issue—and be spot cleaned when needed—it almost goes without saying that it’s durable. It’ll hold up in wetter areas, like kitchens and bathrooms, without warping. And it’s likely to last longer than comparable styles that aren’t water-resistant or waterproof.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Bathroom Walls
If you’re about to take on a bathroom refresh or remodel, you’ll want to think through a few different elements to select the right wallpaper for your space. Here’s what you should keep in mind.
Matching Wallpaper to Your Style
Whether your style leans modern or traditional, you'll be able to find a design that speaks to your style. From small scale florals and classic stripes to bold geometric patterns and traditional damasks, designs run the gamut, and most patterns can be found in a slew of different colorways.
Considering Room Size and Lighting
Larger bathrooms with lots of natural light can handle darker papers, but you might want a lighter, brighter design if your bath is smaller in size. Certain patterns can also make a space appear larger. If you want to fool the eye, try a vertical repeating print.
No matter the color or style you select, it’s important to measure your bathroom’s walls accurately so you order enough product to cover them entirely. Most designers recommend padding a wallpaper order by 10 to 20 percent. That way, you should be able to line up your repeat easily and still have extra paper, should you make a mistake or two.
Long-Term Performance in Humid Environments
For all of the reasons already discussed here, you’ll probably want a moisture-resistant wallpaper if you’re going to install it in a full bathroom. That way, the humidity won’t be a factor when it comes to the performance of the paper over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Wallpaper
People tend to have the same questions about bathroom wallpaper. So you’ll find the answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ) here.
Can bathroom wallpaper get wet?
While waterproof and moisture-resistant wallpapers can get splashed and withstand humidity, it’s not a good idea to install wallpaper in a spot where it will get totally soaked. That’s why designers and contractors don’t install wallpaper inside a shower or above it or a tub. For best results, you shouldn’t either
2. Can wallpaper get moldy in a bathroom?
If wallpaper isn’t waterproof or water-resistant—or otherwise treated with a protective coating—it can absolutely get moldy. That’s why you’ll likely want a vinyl product in a full bath.
3. Is wallpaper easy to install in a bathroom?
It’s possible to install wallpaper yourself if you’re a skilled DIYer and you take your time with the project. Peel-and-stick is a great option that can be more forgivable for new DIYers.