Which wallpapers work well in bathrooms?
Bathrooms are notoriously humid spaces, where steam from showers and baths can cause damage to your walls and decor over time. If you're considering using wallpaper in your bathroom, it’s important to choose a type that can handle the moisture and humidity that comes with the territory. Not all wallpapers are created equal when it comes to durability in damp environments, so knowing which types to choose—and which to avoid—will ensure your bathroom looks beautiful and stays in great condition.
What Makes a Wallpaper Suitable for Bathrooms?
When choosing wallpaper for a bathroom, you’ll want to focus on moisture-resistant properties. Bathrooms can have high humidity levels due to hot showers and steam, so wallpaper that is designed to stand up to moisture is crucial. Additionally, wallpapers for bathrooms should be durable, washable, and easy to clean to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Best Wallpaper Types for Humid Bathrooms
Vinyl Wallpaper (Pasted or Prepasted)
Vinyl wallpaper is a top contender for bathrooms because of its exceptional durability and water resistance. It’s made from a synthetic plastic material that repels water, preventing it from soaking into the wallpaper. Vinyl wallpaper also comes in various styles, textures, and finishes, including smooth, textured, and even fabric-backed options.Why It Works:
Waterproof or water-resistant
Easy to clean and maintain
Resistant to mildew and mold growth when properly installed
Recommended for:
Around the sink or vanity areas
Accent walls or entire bathroom designs
Non-Woven Wallpaper
Non-woven wallpapers are made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, which makes them both breathable and moisture-resistant. They allow steam to escape without absorbing it, which reduces the risk of mold growth. Non-woven wallpaper is also tear-resistant and can be cleaned with a damp cloth.Why It Works:
Breathable and resistant to moisture buildup
Resistant to mildew
Easy to install and remove, as it doesn’t require soaking
Durable and washable
Recommended for:
Walls that experience a lot of moisture, like those near showers
Powder rooms with moderate humidity
Wallpaper Types That Don’t Work Well in Bathrooms
Paper-Based Wallpaper
Traditional paper wallpaper is highly porous and absorbs moisture, making it one of the worst choices for bathroom walls. If exposed to moisture, paper wallpaper can peel, bubble, or develop mildew. Even though it may look lovely in dry spaces, it simply isn’t designed to withstand the humidity levels common in bathrooms.Why It Doesn’t Work:
Absorbs moisture, which can cause peeling and warping
Highly susceptible to mold and mildew growth
Difficult to clean without damaging
Avoid in:
High-humidity areas like showers or tubs
Small, poorly ventilated bathrooms
Fabric-Backed Wallpaper
Fabric-backed wallpaper, which has a textile-like feel, may look luxurious but is not ideal for bathrooms. While the fabric backing may give it a rich appearance, it can absorb moisture and is more susceptible to mildew. Additionally, fabric-backed wallpaper is harder to clean and can get damaged more easily when exposed to water.Why It Doesn’t Work:
The fabric backing can retain moisture, leading to mold growth
Not washable or wipeable
Generally not as durable in humid conditions
Avoid in:
Bathrooms with high humidity levels
Wet areas like around sinks or in showers
Textured Wallpapers (Non-Vinyl)
Textured wallpapers that are not made from vinyl can trap moisture in the crevices and fibers of the texture, promoting mold growth. Additionally, textured wallpapers are often more difficult to clean, making them less practical in a bathroom where regular cleaning is needed. Even when these wallpapers are coated with a protective layer, they still aren’t ideal for highly humid environments.Why It Doesn’t Work:
Traps moisture, leading to mold or mildew
Harder to clean and maintain
Risk of peeling or warping when exposed to steam