An Expert’s Guide To Bathroom Wallpaper
By
3 hours ago
Insider tips on how to achieve the most beautiful bathroom
Feeling bathroom fatigue? If those drab white tiles and grey walls no longer do it for you, think bigger (and beyond the ceramics). More people than ever are giving their bathrooms the maximalist treatment with rolls of ornately decorated wallpaper hung on the walls, the ceiling and even cabinets and doorways. Below, we ask some of Britain’s leading wallpaper experts to share their top tips for a successful bathroom makeover.
Can You Hang Wallpaper In The Bathroom?
It might seem a risky move – thoughts of damp, mouldy, lifting paper spring to mind – but when done right, a bathroom can come to life with wallpaper. ‘As long as the room is properly ventilated, many wallpapers will work well, particularly vinyl and non-woven paste-the-wall designs,’ Rebecca Craig, Lead Designer at British design house Sanderson, tells C&TH. ‘Moisture is the main consideration: the more humidity in the space, the more likely that traditional paper-based wallpaper will struggle.’
And while you can’t go wrong with a classic white tile, interior designers and homeowners alike are increasingly looking for ways to add personality to the space. ‘Bathrooms provide a great opportunity to be playful with your wallpaper,’ highlights Chloe Vince, Senior Decorating Consultant at luxury interiors label House of Hackney. ‘Whether it’s murals of idyllic landscapes or immersive blooms, more and more people are opting to invite nature into their homes. Not only are they timeless and beautiful, but create a nurturing environment and a sense of escapism.’
‘Wallpaper is a great way to introduce colour into a bathroom – which is typically one of the simplest rooms in the house due to its white ceramics,’ adds Rebecca. ‘Decorative wallpapers and designs are increasingly popular in bathrooms as they allow you to add personality, experiment with colour and create a distinctive look without committing to a major design statement. Patterned, colourful wallpapers look particularly striking against hard surfaces like tiles and ceramics. They make a beautiful backdrop behind mirrors, too.’
House of Hackney
Which Wallpapers Are Best?
There are few types of wallpapers that will fare better in the bathroom. ‘Vinyl-coated papers are the most suitable option, followed by more water-resistant domestic vinyls, which are scrubbable and easier to maintain,’ confirms Rebecca. ‘Our newer non-woven wallpapers also feature a protective finish, giving them breathability.’
How To Avoid Water Damage
Choosing the right wallpaper is part of the process, but to prevent water damage more generally, Rebecca advises you ‘avoid placing it anywhere that will come into direct, frequent contact with water. Keep it clear of splash zones and ensure proper ventilation.’
A more creative means of staving off damp and mould is panelling. ‘Many people choose to install wooden panelling on the lower half of the wall and wallpaper above it,’ says Rebecca. ‘It’s a practical way to protect the paper from moisture while still achieving a decorative effect.’
How Are People Doing Up Their Bathrooms?
A quick flick through Instagram suggests one thing: maximalism is in (again). And when it comes to wallpaper, think all things big, bold and bright. It all comes down to experimentation, says Chloe. ‘People are increasingly experimenting with bathroom designs, which is great to see,’ Rebecca emphasises. From coloured suites to playful tile combinations, adding personality to your bathroom interiors is most definitely on trend.
‘People are increasingly choosing bold, dramatic designs in their bathrooms – like Chinoiserie-inspired motifs, florals and tree-of-life patterns,’ she adds. ‘Stripes remain a classic choice, as do small-scale all-over prints. Wallpapers with heritage designs are also popular – anything goes. Landscape and scenic wallpapers featuring animals are strong favourites, too.’
One particular trend our experts have noticed creep up the walls is a statement wallpapered ceiling. ‘Whether in addition to the walls or paired with a complementary paint, it’s a great way of making a big impact,’ says Chloe. ‘I also love the idea of having a relaxing bath and looking up at a canopy of flowers.’
Morris & Co. (courtesy of Sanderson)
Expert Tips: How To Put Up Wallpaper In The Bathroom
Prepare The Space
‘Preparing the wall is essential,’ emphasises Rebecca. ‘Make sure the surface is clean, dry and free from mould.’ She says it’s also essential for the space to have plenty of airflow. ‘Good ventilation is also key – whether through an extractor fan or windows.’
Think About Lighting
Your wallpaper might be beautiful, but no one will notice if the light doesn’t hit it properly. ‘Consider your lighting to ensure the wallpaper looks its best,’ advises Rebecca, ‘both in terms of where the light falls and the warmth of the bulbs.’
Consider Your Paste
Your wallpaper will only be as good as the paste used to hang it up, says Chloe. ‘Wallpaper paste can cause issues if it gets wet, so you need to choose carefully,’ she says. ‘We recommend water based pre-mixed paste that is suitable for paste-the-wall installation, but it’s best to check which paste is most suitable for your particular wallpaper.’
Make Room For Dry Time
‘After hanging your wallpaper, avoid using the shower immediately,’ says Rebecca. ‘It’s important to give the paper time to dry properly.’
Protect Your Paper
It’s also worth sealing everything in at the end, to ensure your paper stays in its best condition. ‘To protect your wallpaper, we recommend using a good-quality decorator’s varnish,’ says Chloe. ‘This should be applied after the wallpaper has been hung and is suitably dry.’
And If In Doubt, Leave It To The Experts
Hesitant to kick off a DIY project as grand as this? Then look up your local professionals. ‘Don’t underestimate the value of a professional decorator,’ Rebecca highlights. ‘The quality of the finish comes down to precision, care and detail.’
