A lot of people hesitate when it comes to wallpaper in the bathroom. The first thing that usually comes up is, “Won’t it just peel off or get moldy?” It’s a fair concern—bathrooms deal with steam, splashes, and humidity on a daily basis.
But the idea that wallpaper can’t survive in a bathroom is more of a leftover myth from the days when options were limited. These days, there are plenty of materials designed to handle moisture, and with a bit of prep work, your wallpaper can last and look great for years.
Image Credit: annahainesdesigns Wallpaper: antoinettepoisson 📷 @andrewdsteel for houseandgardenuk
In this post, I’ll not only share the best types of wallpaper and tips for keeping them looking fresh—I’ll also feature real home examples that show how people are already embracing this trend. Bathroom wallpaper has become much more common than you might think, and it’s easy to see why designers love it: it brings instant character to a space that’s often overlooked.
And if you’re already thinking about wallpaper for other rooms, you might like my post on choosing floral bedroom wallpapers—it’s a helpful companion if you want to carry patterns throughout your home.
Best Types of Wallpaper for Bathrooms
When it comes to bathrooms, not all wallpapers are created equal. If you’ve ever seen old paper peel away at the corners after a few steamy showers, that’s usually because the wrong type was used. The good news is that modern wallpaper comes in different finishes that are much better suited for humid spaces. Here are the main ones to consider:
Image Credit: louisebooyens 📷 clairenaylorphotography Wallpaper: littlegreenepaintcompany
1. Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl is by far the most bathroom-friendly option. It has a protective coating that makes it resistant to water and easy to wipe clean. If you’ve got kids splashing water around the sink or you like long, hot showers, vinyl holds up without that constant worry about moisture damage. It also comes in just about every style you can imagine—from sleek modern textures to bold patterns—so you don’t have to compromise on design.
2. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
This one is a lifesaver if you like to change things up. Peel-and-stick is great for renters or anyone who’s not quite ready to commit. It’s surprisingly durable in small bathrooms and powder rooms, especially if you stick to areas that don’t get direct water contact. The best part? If you get tired of the pattern, you can swap it out without scraping glue off the walls.
Image Credit: prettylittleedwardian
3. Washable Wallpapers
Some wallpapers aren’t fully vinyl but are coated with a washable finish. They’re a nice middle ground if you want more of a traditional wallpaper feel but still need something that can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Just make sure you check the product description—“washable” is key here.
4. Specialty Options
There are even wallpapers designed specifically for wet zones, like waterproof wall murals. These aren’t as common, but they’re worth looking into if you’re planning something dramatic behind a freestanding tub or want that spa-like vibe without worrying about water splashes.
The main takeaway? Skip standard, uncoated paper wallpaper for bathrooms—it just won’t last. Instead, look for vinyl or washable finishes, and you’ll be in much safer territory.
Image Credit: pennymorrison 📷 mikegarlickdesign wallpaper: @sarahvanrenen
Where to Use Wallpaper in a Bathroom
Even if you pick the right type of wallpaper, placement matters just as much. Bathrooms are full of little micro-climates—some spots stay dry most of the time, while others are constantly dealing with splashes and steam. Knowing where wallpaper works best can save you from a lot of frustration.
Powder Rooms
If you’ve got a half bath or powder room, wallpaper is almost always a safe bet. These spaces don’t usually deal with the same level of humidity as full bathrooms, which means you can be a little bolder with your choices. Powder rooms are also small, so a patterned wallpaper can instantly turn them into a statement space.
Image Credit: louiseroe Wallpaper: whiteworksgroup
Above the Vanity
Wallpaper works beautifully on the wall behind a vanity or mirror. As long as you don’t have kids tossing water everywhere, the occasional splash can be wiped away. This is one of the easiest ways to make the “functional” part of your bathroom feel designed and luxe.
Accent Walls
If you’re nervous about covering the whole bathroom, an accent wall is a good compromise. Choose one wall—maybe behind the bathtub or opposite the mirror—and let it do the talking. This approach adds personality without feeling overwhelming.
Image Credit: _house_77
Walls Away From Direct Water
The golden rule: avoid wallpaper in areas that get constant, direct water. Inside the shower stall, directly behind an open tub, or next to a shower without a proper curtain or screen—these spots are just too wet, even for vinyl. Stick to walls that stay relatively dry, and you’ll get the style without the stress.
A lot of people think bathroom wallpaper has to cover every wall to “count,” but that’s not true. Even a small section can completely shift the mood of the space.
Wainscoting and Wallpaper: The Perfect Pair
One of the smartest ways to use wallpaper in a bathroom is by pairing it with wainscoting. Wainscoting (that decorative paneling on the lower half of a wall) does more than just add architectural interest—it also protects the bottom section of your walls from splashes and bumps. That leaves the upper half free for wallpaper, where it’s safe from most of the wear and tear.
Image Credit: sarahvanrenen 📷 mikegarlick
Practical Benefits
Bathrooms are busy spaces. Between water splashes, cleaning, and kids running in and out, the lower part of the wall is the one that takes the most impact. With wainscoting handling that, you don’t have to stress about wallpaper peeling or getting damaged near the sink or tub.
Design Balance
Pairing wainscoting with wallpaper also creates a nice visual balance. The paneling grounds the space, while the wallpaper above it adds personality. This combo is especially helpful if you love bold patterns but don’t want them to take over the entire room. A patterned wallpaper framed by crisp white or painted wainscoting feels intentional and elegant rather than overwhelming.
Image Credit: styleandstaging_interior
Style Versatility
The best part? This look works with almost any design style. Think navy wainscoting with a nautical-inspired wallpaper for a coastal bathroom, or simple white panels with a soft floral for something classic and timeless. Even modern bathrooms can pull this off with sleek paneling paired with a geometric or textured wallpaper.
If you’d like to dig deeper into how wainscoting works on its own—different styles, heights, and installation tips—I’ve got a full post on Bathroom Wainscoting 101 that’s a great resource. Paired with wallpaper, it’s a combination that’s both practical and nicely cozy.
Design Considerations
Once you know where wallpaper can go in a bathroom, the next step is deciding what it should look like. Bathrooms are usually smaller than other rooms, which makes every design choice feel amplified. The right wallpaper can make a small bathroom feel stylish and spacious, while the wrong choice might feel overdone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Image Credit: carlosgarciainteriors
Play with Pattern in Smaller Spaces
Bathrooms—especially powder rooms—are the perfect place to go a little bolder than you would in a living room or bedroom. Because the space is small, you don’t have to worry about a large pattern taking over. A dramatic floral, geometric, or even a moody dark print can feel chic rather than overpowering.
(If you’re curious about florals, I touched on this in my post about choosing floral bedroom wallpapers, which might give you some crossover ideas.)
Think About Light
Bathrooms don’t always get a ton of natural light. If yours feels a bit dim, a lighter or reflective wallpaper can help bounce light around and make the space feel brighter. On the flip side, if you’ve got a lot of natural light, you can lean into deeper colors without the room feeling too closed in.
Image Credit: louiseroe
Coordinate with Tiles and Fixtures
If you already have patterned tiles, a heavily patterned wallpaper might compete with them. In that case, you could balance it out with a more subtle wallpaper texture—like linen-effect vinyl. If your tiles are simple and neutral, then you’ve got more freedom to go bold with the walls. The same goes for fixtures: brass, black, or chrome finishes can change the vibe of how a wallpaper pattern feels in the space.
Think About Longevity
Trends are fun, but bathrooms are spaces you see every single day. Ask yourself: will you still love this design in two years? If you’re hesitant, consider using bold wallpaper in a powder room (where it feels playful and fresh), and something more timeless in a main bathroom.
Image Credit: prettylittleedwardian
In short, it’s about balance. The wallpaper should complement the existing finishes in your bathroom while adding personality and style.
Installation & Preparation Tips
Even the best wallpaper won’t hold up in a bathroom if the prep isn’t done right. A little extra effort before you hang it makes a big difference in how long it lasts and how good it looks.
🛁 – @rkm_muir by carolineholdawaydesign 📷 @paul_massey for houseandgardenuk
Start with Ventilation
Good airflow is key. If your bathroom has a fan, make sure it’s working properly before you even think about wallpaper. If you rely on a window, try to open it regularly after showers to let moisture out. Better ventilation means less steam lingering on your walls, which keeps wallpaper in better shape.
Prep the Walls
Wallpaper sticks best to smooth, dry, clean surfaces. That means wiping down walls to remove dust, filling in any holes or cracks, and making sure there’s no existing mold or mildew. If your bathroom walls have a texture, consider sanding them down or applying a lining paper so the wallpaper has an even surface to adhere to.
Image Credit: katierosenfeld and shot by readmckendree
Use a Primer or Sealer
This is one of those steps people often skip but really shouldn’t in a bathroom. A good wallpaper primer or wall sealer creates a barrier between the wall and the wallpaper adhesive. It helps with sticking power and makes it easier to remove the wallpaper later if you want a change.
Professional vs. DIY
If you’re comfortable with DIY projects and have a smaller space, peel-and-stick wallpaper can be a manageable weekend project. For larger bathrooms or traditional pasted wallpaper, hiring a professional might save you a lot of stress (and wasted rolls). Wallpaper pros know how to handle tricky corners, pattern alignment, and seams that can otherwise stand out.
Image Credit: @rosbyamshaw Via houseandgardenuk 📷 @owengale
Double-Check Edges and Seams
The edges are usually where wallpaper is most vulnerable to moisture. Make sure they’re firmly sealed during installation. Some people even add a thin line of clear decorator’s varnish over the seams for extra protection in high-humidity areas.
With the right prep, bathroom wallpaper doesn’t just stick—it stays looking great much longer.
Maintenance & Longevity
Once your wallpaper is up, keeping it looking good is pretty straightforward. A little care here and there will go a long way in making sure it lasts.
Image Credit: carlosgarciainteriors
Regular Wipe Downs
Bathrooms collect moisture, dust, and the occasional splash. Most vinyl or washable wallpapers can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a bit of warm water. If you notice toothpaste splatters around the sink (it happens to all of us), wipe them away sooner rather than later so they don’t leave a mark.
Keep an Eye on Ventilation
Even after installation, don’t forget the role of airflow. Running the fan during and after showers, or cracking the window, helps prevent excess humidity from building up. Think of it as a small habit that extends the life of your wallpaper.
Image Credit: houseandgardenuk 📷 brentdarby
Check the Edges
Every few months, give the wallpaper a quick look, especially around the seams and corners. If you see a small edge starting to lift, it’s much easier to fix right away with a little wallpaper adhesive than to wait until it becomes a bigger issue.
Know When to Refresh
Even with the best prep and care, no wallpaper lasts forever. Depending on the quality and how humid your bathroom is, you can usually expect a good run of several years before thinking about a refresh. And the upside? By then, you might be ready to try a whole new look anyway.
Image Credit: melanielissackinteriors
The bottom line is that maintaining bathroom wallpaper isn’t complicated—it’s really just about cleaning, ventilation, and a little attention to detail.
Why Powder Rooms Are the Perfect Place to Start
If you’re still unsure about wallpapering a bathroom, the powder room is the best place to give it a try. Powder rooms are usually smaller, used less often, and don’t have showers or tubs, which means humidity isn’t as much of a concern. That makes them the easiest “test run” for wallpaper.
Image Credit: annahewitson Wallpaper: robertkime 📷 bozgagovski
Low Humidity, Low Risk
Since there’s no daily steam from showers, powder rooms are less demanding on wallpaper. You won’t have to worry about peeling corners or moisture sneaking into the seams.
A Big Impact in a Small Space
Because powder rooms are often small, even a single wall of wallpaper makes a dramatic difference. Guests usually notice the design right away, and it’s one of those details that makes a home feel more thoughtfully put together.
Freedom to Be Bold
If you’ve ever been tempted by a daring pattern but weren’t sure about committing to it in a large room, the powder room is your chance. Dark florals, playful prints, or even metallic finishes can shine here without feeling like “too much.”
Easy to Change Later
Since powder rooms are small, they don’t take nearly as much wallpaper (or time) as a main bathroom. That means if you decide to refresh the look later, it’s a much easier project.
In short, powder rooms are forgiving, fun, and impactful—the perfect starter space if you’re new to bathroom wallpaper.
We’ve covered a lot here—real homes that are rocking bathroom wallpaper, tips on what actually holds up to humidity, and even how to pair it with wainscoting like a pro. The bottom line? Wallpaper in bathrooms isn’t just possible; it’s becoming the norm. Designers love it because it adds instant personality, and homeowners are catching on fast.
If you’re still hesitant, start small. A powder room or accent wall is low risk and high reward. And for renters—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my post on renter-friendly bathroom updates. Spoiler: yes, wallpaper can work for you too.
So let’s officially retire the “bathroom wallpaper doesn’t last” myth. Modern options are tough enough for daily showers and stylish enough to make a bathroom feel like more than just a utility space. And if you’re craving something even more relaxing, check out my post on creating a spa-like bathroom at home—because sometimes, wallpaper is just the first step to making your bathroom feel like a retreat.
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