Is Washable Wallpaper Suitable for Bathrooms? Here’s How to Tell

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.

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.