Is it a good idea to wallpaper the bathroom is a question I get asked a lot? Well let’s kick things off with a big fat yes shall we, so the next obvious question is how and indeed why would you want to. I personally love wallpaper in the bathroom as it really appeals to my maximalist tendencies. Often the smallest room in the home you can really make a punch with pattern. Like kitchens, my advice is to be careful not to err on the side of being too clinical and utilitarian with the design. I believe you can have as much fun with the design details in a bathroom or downstairs loo as you can with any room your home.
In a small bathroom, it works really well to tile up to dado height and then paper above. To enhance the sense of space, choose a tile that colour marries in with the wallpaper or vice versa. Deco martini wallpaper, Divine Savages
So let’s plan this out. Obviously, you need some water resistant surfaces in the wet areas of the bathroom. Tiles or panelling like painted tongue and groove can do this really well. This leaves areas around the tiles, the obvious choice may be to paint, but I urge you to consider wallpaper. People worry about the practicalities and durability but I’ve wallpapered lots of bathrooms with no problems I assure you. My favourite is for our little holiday let in the centre of Brighton, which I decorated ten years ago, and it still is looking as good as new. Your biggest enemy with wallpapering the bathrom is the moisture, which can stain the paper or cause it to peel off.
But I have some tips on this…
My Holiday let, Birdcage Cottage in central Brighton wallpapered in Anna French Songbirds foil wallpaper has lasted over ten years so far.
The main wet shower area is tiled and then the rest of the bathroom is wallpapered in a beautiful foil paper which bounces the light around the room. Photo from my holiday home The Birdcage.
Wet areas should be tiled but you can protect the wallpaper from splashes with a coat of clear matt varnish to be safe. Citrus Grapefruit Mural by Michael Angove, Surface View
This bathroom in the hotel Ten Mallorca showcases this stunning wallpaper by Anna Hayman. I love how the black taps pull the look together so every detail has been considered.
The Goethe wet system is a fully waterproof wall covering by Wall& Deco. Available from West one bathrooms.
CREDITS: Feature written by Sophie Robinson and compiled by Luisa Ferdenzi-Rouse.
Featured image at top: Geometric Avery wallpaper, Divine Savages
Help please.
I love the parrot flamingo black and white design but can’t find it.
Thanks
Fantastic bathroom wallpaper guide, Sophie! How about adding a ‘Toilet Decal Iron Throne to celebrate your expert tips? Your insights on choosing durable wallpaper for bathrooms are a game-changer!