Believe it or not, wallpaper has a centuries-old, rich history in interior design. People began manufacturing wallpaper in the 17th century in China, which became popular in the West (especially France) in the 1700s. Since then, it’s remained a home decor staple around the world. Some people might think it’s outdated, but the truth is that it’s still very popular as an alternative to paint, especially in bathrooms.
In this article, we’ll explore some bathroom wallpaper ideas including the best types of wallpaper for bathrooms, the most ideal prints and colors, how to use wallpaper to make a small bathroom appear bigger and inspiration to try something new. Lets dive in!
Is All Wallpaper Created Equal?
Before you select your wallpaper, keep in mind that there are multiple types. Each has pros and cons that make it either an excellent or terrible choice for a bathroom. Let’s take a quick look at the most common kinds of wallpaper:
Printed Wallpaper
Also known as traditional wallpaper, this is what people typically envision when they hear the word “wallpaper.” There is a range of quality in the marketplace from mass-produced machine printed to high quality screen printed products. Stay clear of printed commercial wallpaper for a powder room because the ink used to print patterns is water-based, meaning the beautiful designs will smudge due to steam and water sprays.
Mylar Wallpaper
Like printed wallpaper, this type contains a printed paper layer, but it also has an added polyester film. This lining makes it possible to wash the wallpaper, and its water resistance makes it a nice option for bathroom wallpaper. Just be aware that the it can highlight any wall defects.
Grasscloth and Bamboo Wallpaper
These types are made from plants and are a stunning choice for a statement wall. Grasscloth wallpaper is woven from species like cork, reed and hemp, while bamboo wallpaper is produced by gluing fibers to paper. Because they consist of natural, largely untreated materials, these wallpaper options are poor choices for a wet and humid environment. Save them for your living room or bedroom!
Vinyl Wallpaper
A popular and widespread option today, vinyl wallpaper is made from layers of printed wallpaper and vinyl. It’s durable, highly water-resistant and easy to clean, making it ideal for a bathroom. Many vinyl wallpapers are peel-and-stick (also known as removable wallpaper) applications, and not as resistant to humidity and moisture as polyester based products
Non-toxic Eco-friendly Wallcovering
If you are concerned about off gassing from VOCs and wish to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability in your living space, there are a wide variety of non-toxic wallpaper options.
Choosing Your Wallpaper Designs: Color and Pattern Options
Now that you’ve got the type you need, it’s time for the fun part — choosing the design. While there are no hard and fast rules about colors and patterns, you can follow some general guidelines for best results.
Solid Colors
Most people prefer decorating their walls in just one color, and that works perfectly for bathrooms, which you don’t want to feel busy or chaotic. Some favorite shades include:
Monochrome
Of course, you can’t go wrong with pure white wallpaper. It’s fuss-free and creates the clean atmosphere you want in a bathroom. Or, stray off the beaten path and choose charcoal or black for some modern drama.
Cool Greens and Blues
Mint or sage green are great for lending a bathroom a floral and natural air, while soft blues work well to evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, much like a spa. If you want a cool hue but prefer neutrals, ash gray does wonders in bathrooms. It’s common knowledge that these shades exude feelings of relaxation and peace, making green and blue wallpaper picture-perfect for your spa-like room.
Warm Yellows and Oranges
Don’t panic, we’re not talking about those bold sunset hues. A gentle champagne, blush or peach color will make a bathroom feel homey and welcoming without being gaudy. Opt for sandy beige or cream if you want warmth but don’t like saturated colors.
Patterns
The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing a wallpaper design. Since powder rooms and bathrooms are the smallest spaces in your home, they can be the perfect place to have a fun and be more expressive! Here are the stories behind 3 bathroom projects:
Every dog has it’s day in this fun half bathroom! Since this rest stop is around the corner from the family dog washing station, this canine themed print is a fun whimsical choice!
Face it, the wallpaper shows up for this Jack and Jill Bathroom with a full profile. The custom-designed vanity was painted emerald green to add some fresh color and to coordinate with the green porcelain tile in the shower.
Female empowerment is the theme of this contemporary vanity area for the lady of the house. Fun feminine accents add pops of pink.
No Bathroom Is Too Big Or Small
While your color and pattern choice are entirely up to you, some shades and wallpaper prints work better than others depending on a bathroom’s size. Many people struggle with small bathrooms (especially when it comes to the guest bathroom) and want them to feel bigger. Fortunately, colors and pattern go a long way in achieving this effect.
When working with a small powder room, we recommend using large-scale prints. That’s because big designs create the illusion of having more space, as they trick the mind into thinking the surface area is greater than it is.
By contrast, small, intricate prints make a room appear more compressed and should, therefore, be limited to just a feature wall or a portion of one wall. Textured monochromatic wallpaper that imitates material like bricks, wood or even unpolished concrete also causes a small space to seem more sizable.
A floral wallpaper or botanical wallpaper can introduce soothing organic shapes. While, geometric designs offer a sense of order.
In terms of color, you should select lighter shades because light colors reflect light, causing it to bounce back off surfaces. On the other hand, darker colors absorb light, making a room feel smaller and more compact. So, choose pale hues, and, as always, white wallpaper is a safe bet.
Check out my portfolio for more inspiration to add a wallpaper to bath or powder room.
Or better yet, call on me. I’ll bring samples of wallpapers that will suit you and your space and give you the push that you need to take the plunge!
