Wallpaper is currently ruling bathroom design, so we’re revealing the key considerations and how to do it right…
I can’t help but being in love with the latest interiors craze: bold, all-consuming bathroom wallpaper. It’s not just about dainty flowers in a downstairs loo; I’m talking big, immersive landscapes near your shower or behind your bath, transporting you to the countryside and even creating magical illusions.
“Using wallpaper in a bathroom is a great way of creating a bold feature and drawing the eye in,” says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms. And Caroline Woolmer, head of design at Lust Home, confirms its appeal: “It adds texture and colour, creating a luxurious atmosphere. Plus, it can be a more affordable way to infuse personality into your bathroom, without the hassle of installing tiles or wood panelling.”
However, there’s a catch…
Key considerations
Violeta Stoyanova, Fantastic Handyman’s renovation specialist, points out that everyday wallpaper won’t hold up in humid environments. “It can peel, bubble or develop mould,” she says. Instead, consider technologically advanced, waterproof wallpapers specifically made for the bathroom – for example, Wall&Deco’s Aquabout Wet System incorporates a watertight paper material and other components that ensure complete waterproofing of walls.
Violeta also recommends wallpapers made of vinyl, as it’s moisture resistant, durable, and easy to clean, or of breathable, mould-resistant fibreglass. Still, with the proper care, there is a way to incorporate a ‘regular’ wallpaper into your bathroom.
For non-vinyl designs, James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO and creative director of Bobbi Beck, advises adding a sealant after installation (with the help of a professional installer, if needed), which creates an invisible, waterproof layer across the seams and surface of the wallpaper.
Sarah McCann, product and trend expert at Voyage Maison, also suggests placing a ‘regular’, sealed wallpaper in areas that don’t come into contact with water frequently – not directly in your shower or bath areas, as these spots are the most exposed to splashes and humidity.
Try installing it higher up on the walls (with tiling on the lower half protecting it) or around your vanity mirror. And don’t forget about ventilation; using extraction fans or opening windows will prevent moisture from accumulating on your wallpaper.
Bathroom wallpaper designs
Finally, think of the aesthetic you want to achieve, and the scale of the wallpaper pattern. “In a small space, opt for smaller patterns, while larger bathrooms can accommodate bigger, bolder designs,” says James. In dark, compact spaces, lighter colours will also help open up the room, adds Sarah.
If you want your wallpaper to be the focal point, pair an eye-catching design with minimalist fixtures and fittings. And while biophilic and geometric patterns take centre stage this year, rest assured that whatever style you choose, it will bring your bathroom to life.
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