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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. 

Yes, you can put wallpaper in a bathroom, but whether it's a good idea depends on several factors. Because bathrooms are high-humidity areas, it's crucial to choose a water-resistant wallpaper, such as one made of vinyl. Proper wall preparation is also critical to ensure the paper adheres well, even after many steamy showers. The wallpaper's placement also affects its longevity; it will hold up better on an accent wall or away from direct water contact, rather than immediately next to a shower. A well-ventilated bathroom will yield the best results.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed to be removed without damaging walls, making it a good choice for renters or temporary design changes. However, damage to paint or drywall can occur under certain conditions. To prevent issues, the wall surface must be properly prepared before application—it should be clean, smooth, dry, and correctly primed or painted. Applying wallpaper to a freshly painted surface can cause the paint to peel off during removal. Additionally, removing the wallpaper too quickly or aggressively can also cause damage. For best results, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for both application and removal.

The color of the paint, its opacity, and the depth of the texture on the paper all affect how many coats of paint you need to apply to paintable wallpaper. You'll need at least two coats of paint to ensure even coverage. Don’t be surprised if you need to apply three coats if the embossing is very deep or if you use a dark color.