Why You Should Consider Wallpapering A Bathroom

Easy To Clean?

Changes in temperature and humidity means bathroom wall coverings need special consideration. Paula Taylor, Colour and Trends Specialist at Graham & Brown, explains: “Vinyl wallpapers are most commonly used in bathrooms, especially in areas that may get splashed.” Wipe-clean surfaces and embossed detailing are hard-wearing alongside vinyl. You can also apply a coat of Decorator’s Varnish over the top to seal wallpaper and make it moisture resistant. Some wallpapers are fully washable, so you can even use it in your shower cubicle. West One Bathrooms’ Wall&Deco Wet System is a fully waterproof system that can be installed on to existing wall murals and tiles. “The wallpaper is easy to clean (no dirty grout lines to worry about) and is resistant against all cleaning products,” explains Louise Ashdown, Head of Design at West One Bathrooms.

Convenience & Cost

Choosing a tile wallpaper design is an effective way to cut costs installing the real thing. “Tiles certainly have their benefits, but they are costly and it’s a big job to change them when you decide it’s time for a refresh,” says Paula. “Some of the most popular bathroom wallpapers mimic tiles and they’re extremely realistic. Plus, there’s no grouting required.” As well as being easy to put up, Louise points out the versatility of wallpaper as a decorating option.  “Once tiles are up, they are up. If you get bored, you don’t want to re-tile. Yet with wallpaper it’s possible to change  quite easily.”

Space & Design

Pattern can actually help to create the illusion of space in small bathrooms, adding warmth and personality to a blank canvas. “When limited to a small space, dark prints can add depth to a room and make the walls recede, especially when combined with some strategically placed mirrors,” says Alex Whitecroft, Head of Design at I Want Wallpaper. “Far from dominating the room, it can merge boundaries when used on as many walls as possible, even extending to the ceiling. Don’t be fooled into thinking you have to stick to small scale pattern either, murals or large-scale patterns work extremely well.”

Five Steps To Install Your Bathroom Wallpaper

• Seal other types of paper with Decorator’s Varnish - always try it out on a sample first.
• In bathrooms you need to increase the adhesive strength of wallpaper paste so add either add dispersion to your paste or buy specific diversion glue. Note, it will take longer to dry and harden.
• If you want to paper over tiles, fill the gaps with adhesive to create an even surface. Once it’s dry, sand it, re-fill any gaps, repeat the sanding, wipe clean and dry thoroughly.
• Apply deep primer to the tiles twice and put up lining paper.
• Hang your wallpaper.

Whether it’s marbling or tiles, florals or geometrics, when choosing a wallpaper, don’t forget to consider the metallic tones in your bathroom, such as taps and towel rails.
 Here are our favourite designs: