A bathroom staple since the '80s and '90s, wallpaper is once again in fashion and bringing bathroom walls to life. And it's not hard to see why. From bold and beautiful colours and murals to feature walls, geometric patterns and even tile- and wood-effect wallpaper, there are countless options. Wallpapering is one of the quickest and easiest home improvement methods.
Wallpaper isn't just stylish and adaptable; it's more affordable than tiling and, thanks to technological advantages, it's increasingly hardwearing, waterproof and easy to put up yourself. If you're looking for bathroom wallpaper ideas, you've come to the right place!
Can you wallpaper a bathroom?
In a word, yes. But to make your wallpaper as long-lasting as possible, ensure your bathroom has good ventilation and an extractor fan to remove excess steam. It's also a good idea to use waterproof, splashproof or wipeable wallpaper specifically designed for hot and humid conditions. That's especially true for areas close to the bath, shower or sink that are more likely to get splashed. So what are you hanging around for … let's get wallpapering!
Create a feature wall
A feature wall is a great way to make a strong style statement in your bathroom. What it features is entirely up to you. From floral patterns, murals and geometric shapes to a bold wall of colour, a feature wallpaper wall will instantly lift your bathroom design. It's usually best to choose the wall furthest away from water so you don't have to worry about water damage. And by keeping it to just one wall, you can splash out on more expensive wallpaper styles, including designer options.
Maximise Your Architecture
Does your bathroom have an unusual shape or layout? You can stylishly accentuate those features using wallpaper. Make a statement out of an oddly shaped wall or style out with a cast iron bath by pairing it with a striking wallpaper choice.
Get Funky
The only real limit to your bathroom wallpaper is your imagination. Life-sized flamingos wading in azure waters? Sure! Retrotastic Beano and Dandy front covers adorning your walls? No problem. An out-of-this-world, ultra-realistic underground cave and waterfall setting? Well, of course!
Mix And Match
Play with a range of different styles, textures and colours by adopting a mix-and-match approach to your bathroom wallpaper. Try blending a floral design with wood panelling. The floral wallpaper will provide warmth and colour, while the wooden panels will give you extra texture. Plus, the wood will also act as protection around any splash areas.
Geometric
Geometric shapes are bang on-trend at the moment. And one of the easiest ways to adopt the style is with geometric bathroom wallpaper. Be bold by playing around with the colour to create a vibrant, striking and utterly original design. A by-product of geometric wallpaper is that as the pattern is usually bold and memorable, you won't need to accessorise or over-decorate: Let the walls do the talking.
Marbling
Inject instant calm into your bathroom with marble-effect wallpaper. The never-ending muted swirls and patterns are sophisticated and luxurious, creating a refined bathroom experience. Choose a warm colour palette to give your bathroom a peaceful, serene feel.
Romantic Florals
Keep it classic with a floral bathroom wallpaper design. From delicate trailing orchids in pale watercolours to bold and bright fusions, romantic florals will give your bathroom a relaxed feminine style and add depth and colour to your bathroom walls.
Wood Effect
Whether you're going for a rustic lodge look, a stripped-back sauna feel or want to add texture to your walls with panelling, wood is always a good look. But save the trees – and your bank balance – by investing in wood-effect wallpaper. There is a wide range of styles and finishes to choose from, including mute pine finish, a rich teak hue or an interlocking wood panel look, perfect for adding instant hygge to your bathroom.
Fake It Till You Make It
Wood effect and marble patterns aren't the only fake-it wallpaper trends – you can now get mock tile wallpaper for your bathroom. With no tiles to buy and no time-consuming grouting, it's a cheaper and quicker alternative, and there are dozens of styles to choose from, including this classic subway look. This means you can get that luxury look without the luxury price tag.
Get Botanical
Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise with a vivid botanical print. The bold colours will warm up any cold and wet January morning, while you can accentuate the leafy green by adding a range of bathroom plants, which are great for absorbing moisture from the air after a shower. If it does start to feel a little too overwhelming, contrast the look with pale floor tiles and muted colours.
Coast To Coast
Transform your bathroom into a warm coastal retreat with nautical-themed wallpaper. From gently bobbing fish and striking anchor motifs to brightly coloured beach huts and lazy azure blues, it's never been easier to be beside the seaside while relaxing in the bath or brushing your teeth in the morning. A coastal theme will also add depth and warmth to your room, especially important in bathrooms that are often the smallest in the house.
Travel The World
Maps are an endless joy for many, full of intrigue, fascination and amusing place names. Translate that childlike wonder to your walls with wallpaper maps. Go global with a map of the world, or create bespoke wallpaper using maps of your local area, your favourite holiday or somewhere from your travel bucket list.
Butterfly Effect
Create a tranquil garden getaway in your bathroom with butterfly wallpaper. Playful and colourful, it's a great way to bring life into your bathroom walls.
Simple But Chic
Opt for simple repeated patterns for a clean and stylish bathroom finish. This timeless, art deco-style wallpaper is well-matched with exposed brass taps and an elegant mirror and lampshades, creating a scene that looks like it's straight out of “The Great Gatsby.”
Monochrome Is In
Feel like you're at an exclusive day spa by adding monochrome detail to your bathroom with wallpaper. The patterns and stripped-back colours will give your bathroom or water closet a striking look, but don't overdo it with too many furnishings.
Add Depth To A Small Bathroom
Bathrooms are often the smallest room in your house, so make the most of that space by being creative with your bathroom wallpaper choice. This hushed woodland scene emerging from the mist adds an extra dimension to your walls, creating a magical wooded wonderland you can spring from every morning.
Protect Your Wallpaper
Where possible, choose the most water-resistant and waterproof wallpaper you can, including vinyl wallpapers, scrubbable, extra-washable or vinyl-coated options. Alternatively, protect your wallpaper with a decorators varnish. Apply several coats, and make sure to try it out on a test patch first!
Conclusion
Not only is wallpaper one of the most versatile ways to decorate your walls, but also it's cheaper and quicker than many other options. And thanks to new technology, you can get waterproof, water-resistant and splashproof wallpapers, making them the perfect way to give your bathroom an easy makeover. From custom styles to off-the-shelf wallpaper strips, the hardest choice is deciding which style to pick! So, what are you hanging around for?