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Decorating
How Do I... Wallpaper my Bathroom?
A bold, pattered wallpaper is guaranteed to add a touch of fun and flair to your bathroom – here's all you need to know
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and garden questions. Here, Paula Taylor, stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown, gives the lowdown on using wallpaper in a bathroom.
What type of wallpaper can I use in a bathroom?
Vinyl wallpaper is best for moist spots such as the bathroom as it’s water resistant and easy to wipe down. It also won’t absorb moisture, which can lead to mould growth.
Delicate wallpapers such as paper and grasscloth are best avoided in bathrooms as they don’t cope with high levels of humidity.
Vinyl wallpaper is best for moist spots such as the bathroom as it’s water resistant and easy to wipe down. It also won’t absorb moisture, which can lead to mould growth.
Delicate wallpapers such as paper and grasscloth are best avoided in bathrooms as they don’t cope with high levels of humidity.
Where can I use it?
You can use vinyl wallpaper anywhere in the bathroom that’s not in direct contact with water – so avoid the shower cubicle or right next to the tub (particularly if you have kids or pets who like to splash around in the bath).
If you’re unsure whether the wallpaper you have your eye on is suitable for the bathroom, check the product information. It will tell you which environments it’s suited to, and whether it can be wiped down or scrubbed clean.
You can use vinyl wallpaper anywhere in the bathroom that’s not in direct contact with water – so avoid the shower cubicle or right next to the tub (particularly if you have kids or pets who like to splash around in the bath).
If you’re unsure whether the wallpaper you have your eye on is suitable for the bathroom, check the product information. It will tell you which environments it’s suited to, and whether it can be wiped down or scrubbed clean.
Can I hang it myself?
For a quality finish, the walls need to be prepped before you start so they’re perfectly smooth, and you’ll then need to be meticulous about matching up the wallpaper patterns perfectly. While a competent DIYer can certainly manage this, you may find that it’s a job best left to a professional.
For a quality finish, the walls need to be prepped before you start so they’re perfectly smooth, and you’ll then need to be meticulous about matching up the wallpaper patterns perfectly. While a competent DIYer can certainly manage this, you may find that it’s a job best left to a professional.
What if it gets wet?
Dry it straight away with a clean, soft cloth. It’s also a good idea to open the window or turn on the extraction fan to remove moisture from the air.
Dry it straight away with a clean, soft cloth. It’s also a good idea to open the window or turn on the extraction fan to remove moisture from the air.
… or marked?
Wipe off marks with a damp cloth, then dry with clean, soft fabric. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can damage the wallpaper.
Wipe off marks with a damp cloth, then dry with clean, soft fabric. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can damage the wallpaper.
Can you share some styling tips for bathrooms?
- Don’t be afraid of pattern: There is something luxurious about bold patterns in a bathroom – it makes the room feel decadent and inviting.
- Consider tapware: When choosing wallpaper colour, don’t forget to factor in the metallic tones in your bathroom, such as taps and towel rails.
- Go rose gold: It’s the on-trend metallic this year and features in everything from wallpaper designs and tapware to accessories. Even a little touch will up the luxe factor and warmth in your bathroom. Rose gold also looks great alongside white bathroom fixtures and towels.
- Use colours to set the mood: Chromatherapy (colour therapy) is set to be one of the biggest trends of 2019. Choose wallpaper colours that help set the mood in the bathroom; rich green and cheery yellow are two of my favourites as they create a relaxed and rejuvenating vibe that manages to feel thoroughly contemporary.
… and for tiny power rooms?
- Go dark: Add interest to a plain, little powder room by choosing dark, dramatic-patterned wallpaper.
- Use mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors will make the walls visually recede and as a result, the room can feel larger.
- Classic combos: For a timeless, sophisticated look, go for a simple palette of black, white and metallics in wallpaper and tapware.
- Or embrace bold, statement prints: For a touch of fun that’s sure to start a conversation.
Image: Graham & Brown
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Tell us
Did you find this story useful? Tell us why in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Find a wallpaper or painting professional near you
Wallpaper might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to decorating a bathroom, but it can be surprisingly effective. A beautiful, patterned wallpaper can add warmth and personality to a plain bathroom, while bright colours and quirky prints can be just the thing to add flair to a tiny, dull powder room.
The key is to choose a wallpaper type that’s suitable for wet rooms, then position and maintain it with care.