Believe it or not, wallpaper has a long and fascinating history in interior design. It dates back to the 17th century in China, and by the 1700s, it was catching on in the West, especially in France. Since then, it’s remained a go-to choice for home décor around the world. Some might think wallpaper is outdated, but the truth is it’s still a popular alternative to paint—especially in bathrooms.
In this article, we’re going to look at a few bathroom wallpaper ideas, covering everything from the best types of wallpaper for bathrooms to the ideal prints and colours. We’ll also share how wallpaper can help make a small bathroom feel more spacious, plus some handy tips for applying it. Let’s get started!
Is All Wallpaper the Same?
Before you jump into redoing your wallpaper (or putting some up for the first time), it’s important to remember there are several types out there. Each one comes with its own pros and cons, which can either make it a great fit or a bad idea for your bathroom. Let’s quickly go over the most common types of wallpaper:
Printed Wallpaper
Also called traditional wallpaper, this is what most people picture when they think of wallpaper. It’s usually mass-produced, which often means it’s lower quality and more likely to tear. Avoid using printed commercial wallpaper in a powder room—the water-based ink used for the patterns can smudge easily when exposed to steam or water splashes.
Mylar Wallpaper
Similar to printed wallpaper, Mylar has a printed paper layer but with a polyester film on top. This extra layer makes it washable and more water-resistant, which can make it a good choice for bathrooms. Just keep in mind that it tends to highlight any imperfections on the walls.
Grasscloth and Bamboo Wallpaper
Made from plants, these wallpapers are a gorgeous option for a statement wall. Grasscloth is woven from materials like cork, reed, and hemp, while bamboo wallpaper is created by gluing fibres to paper. Since they’re made from natural, mostly untreated materials, they don’t hold up well in wet, humid spaces—so they’re better suited for living rooms or bedrooms. Keep in mind, grasscloth typically runs vertically, which means the seams may not line up perfectly between rolls. But think of that as part of its charm, not a flaw.
Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is by far the most popular option today. It’s made from layers of printed wallpaper and vinyl, which makes it durable, highly water-resistant, and easy to clean—perfect for bathrooms. Plus, many vinyl wallpapers are peel-and-stick (also called removable wallpaper), so it’s much easier to apply without the hassle.
Choosing Your Wallpaper Designs: Colours and Patterns
When it comes to a powder room, waterproof wallpaper like vinyl or mylar is the way to go. Now that you’ve got the right type, it’s time for the fun part—picking the design! While there aren’t any strict rules about colours and patterns, there are a few general guidelines you can follow to get the best look.
Solid Colours
Many people like to keep it simple with a single colour, and that works especially well for bathrooms where you want a calm, uncluttered feel. Some popular shades include:
Monochrome
You can’t go wrong with classic white wallpaper—it’s simple and gives you that clean, fresh look perfect for a bathroom. If you’re feeling bold, though, try something different with dark shades like charcoal or black for a touch of modern drama.
Cool Greens and Blues
Mint or sage green can give your bathroom a fresh, natural feel, while soft blues like baby blue or periwinkle create a calm, spa-like vibe. If you’re after a cool tone but prefer something neutral, ash grey works wonders in bathrooms. These shades are known for their relaxing and peaceful qualities, making green and blue wallpaper perfect for that serene, spa-like atmosphere.
Warm Yellows and Oranges
Don’t worry, we’re not talking about bold, sunset hues here. Soft shades like champagne, blush, or peach can make a bathroom feel cozy and welcoming without being too much. If you like warmth but want to keep it subtle, sandy beige or cream are great alternatives to more saturated colours.
Patterns
When it comes to wallpaper design, you’ve got endless options. You can go bold or keep it simple—it’s totally up to you! In general, monochromatic patterns (a single neutral, cool, or warm shade paired with white) tend to look best in bathrooms. But don’t be afraid to let your personal style shine through. Try bright geometric designs or even a wallpaper that looks like a mural—whatever speaks to you!
Floral or botanical wallpapers can add a little flair as an accent wall, and designs mimicking stone, tile, or marble can look chic while giving you the aesthetic without the upkeep.
No Bathroom Is Too Big or Small
While your choice of colour and pattern is entirely personal, certain shades and prints can work better depending on the size of your bathroom. If you’re dealing with a small space (especially in a guest bathroom), and want it to feel bigger, wallpaper can help.
For small powder rooms, large-scale geometric prints are a great option. Big designs trick the eye into thinking the room is larger than it really is. On the flip side, smaller, intricate patterns can make a room feel more cramped, so they’re best saved for accent walls or just a section of one. Textured wallpapers that mimic materials like brick, wood, or even raw concrete can also make a small space feel more expansive.
When it comes to colour, lighter shades are your friend. Light colours reflect light, making the room feel more open, while darker colours absorb light, making a space feel smaller and more enclosed. So, opt for pale tones, and if in doubt, white is always a safe bet.
Tips and Tricks to Make Your Bathroom Perfect
Now that you’ve chosen the right wallpaper, it’s time to put it up! Applying wallpaper can sometimes be tricky, so taking the right steps beforehand will save you from having to redo your walls later on.
Remove and Smooth
Start by properly prepping your walls. Remove any nails, hooks, or other fixtures and fill in any holes. Sand down the walls as needed to create a flat surface—this helps the wallpaper stick better and keeps water from seeping into gaps, which could lead to mould.
Clean and Prime
Next, give the walls a good clean. A simple sugar scrub usually does the trick. If there’s glossy paint on the wall, use a hot water and vinegar solution to remove it (egg-shell and satin finishes are fine, but latex paint isn’t wallpaper-friendly). Once the walls are smooth and clean, apply a basic white primer to seal them.
Paste and Stick
Now your walls are ready! If you’re using peel-and-stick wallpaper (great for bathrooms, as it’s vinyl), the process is pretty straightforward—just peel off the backing and stick the wallpaper directly onto the wall, much like applying a screen protector to your phone.
If you’re going with traditional wallpaper that requires paste, it’s a bit more labour-intensive. You’ll need to roll paste onto the wall with a paint roller before applying the wallpaper on top. Whichever method you choose, use a brush to smooth out the wallpaper as you go.
Wondering if you can apply wallpaper over tiles? You can, but the tiles need to be clean and securely attached to the wall. Depending on the height of the tiles, you might need to fill in the grout lines to even out the surface. If the tiles are glossy, sanding them down will help the wallpaper stick better.
To recap: Vinyl and Mylar wallpapers are your best bet for bathrooms because they’re highly water-resistant. Light colours and large patterns can make a small bathroom feel bigger, while dark shades add a touch of elegance. Be sure to prep your walls properly by filling in dents and sanding them down, and don’t forget to apply a sealing primer to help prevent mould. Peel-and-stick wallpaper works perfectly in bathrooms, and yes, you can wallpaper over tiles as long as they’re properly prepped.
Want Professional Help?
We understand that choosing and applying wallpaper for your bathroom can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time or you’re unsure about the look you want. Luckily, Saree Parry and her small, award-winning team have plenty of experience with wallpaper and bathroom design, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.
