Is Washable Wallpaper Suitable for Bathrooms? Here’s How to Tell
High-quality washable wallpaper can put the “fun” in “functional bathroom”
Washable wallpaper is a high-quality, durable product often made of vinyl that can stand up to gentle scrubbing with a moist sponge.
Washable wallpaper can be used in most bathrooms and kitchens.
However, in excessively wet rooms (like kids’ bathrooms), it might not be the best idea.
Wallpaper can create such a statement—and sometimes, a statement is exactly what a bathroom needs. But given that it’s pasted onto the wall with adhesive (and that adhesive sometimes doesn’t react well to humidity), is wallpaper suitable for bathrooms? Certain types—like washable or vinyl wallpaper—can be, but you should still proceed with some caution.
Using Washable Wallpaper in Bathrooms
Washable wallpaper is a durable type of wallpaper that’s actually usually not made of paper at all. One of the most common materials washable wallpaper is made out of is vinyl. Washable vinyl wallpaper allows the papered walls to withstand a moderate amount of humidity and wetness, including gentle scrubbing, without sacrificing the design’s color or the paper’s structural integrity.
Washable wallpaper tops the list of the types of wallpaper that are best suited to bathrooms. However, all wallpaper has some level of vulnerability to moisture, so there are some factors to keep in mind before committing to wallpapering your bathroom. In other words, this is one project it’s best to approach on a case-by-case basis or with the insight of a seasoned wallpaper pro near you.
When Is Wallpapering a Bathroom a Bad Idea?
The difference-maker when it comes to wallpapering a bathroom is exactly how much moisture the room (or even the particular wall you’re considering papering) stands to see.
For example, if you’re planning to wallpaper a half-bath that will never host a steamy shower, that might work well. If, on the other hand, you’re considering wallpaper for the bathroom your young children use (and often splash water around in playfully), even the highest-quality durable wallpaper might lose its luster. The same can also be said for wallpapering very close to a shower area or in a bathroom that doesn’t have a functioning ventilation fan.
Painted walls are prone to scuffs and stains, which require more touch-ups and maintenance. Wallpaper, with its wipeability, is a more durable option, particularly when it comes to vinyl-coated options.
Where Else Can I Use Washable Wallpaper?
As its name implies, washable wallpaper does have one very important benefit: It’s washable. That means it’s well suited for areas that see a bit more action in your home, including not only certain bathrooms but also, for instance, the kitchen.
Durable washable wallpapers can be used as a kitchen backsplash and should stand up to having any spare food particles carefully scrubbed away. Even with the highest-quality washable wallpaper, you don’t want to test your luck and have it unexpectedly start peeling.
If you really want to know for sure if a specific washable wallpaper is a good choice for the room you’re considering, reach out to a wallpaper installer. They’ll have all the answers to ensure the idea is a good one—and that the job gets done correctly the first time, from measuring for new wallpaper to removing old wallpaper paste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many types of peel-and-stick wallpaper can hold up to environments with some level of moisture, such as bathrooms—especially peel-and-stick wallpapers made of vinyl or polyester. However, if you’re considering wallpapering a bathroom that sees a lot of moisture, like a kids’ bathroom or a full bathroom with a steamy shower and inadequate ventilation, even the highest quality wallpapers will peel.
Both paint and wallpaper can work in a bathroom, provided you choose high-quality products in either category. Washable vinyl wallpapers can stand up to bathroom humidity without peeling, as can semi-gloss or gloss paint finishes. However, if you’re someone who likes to redecorate often, paint may make it easier to change colors or designs more quickly. If you want full humidity protection and cleanability, tile or stone works better.
Darker walls may make tight bathrooms appear even smaller, but one dark accent wall can really make a bathroom pop. Wallpaper with a dark background can add intrigue and sophistication. Still, if you’re looking to open the room up and give it a modern, airy feeling, light colors may work best for your needs. Although there are some popular and unpopular opinions, there’s really no “should” when it comes to personal design choice.
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