Bathroom Wallpaper Ideas for a Spa-Like Finish

Believe it or not, wallpaper has a centuries-old, rich history in interior design. People began manufacturing wallpaper in the 17th century in China, and it started becoming popular in the West (especially France) in the 1700s. Since then, it’s remained a home decor staple around the world. Though it waxes and wanes in popularity alongside faux finishes, today it is a popular and stylish alternative to paint, especially in bathrooms.

In this article, we’ll explore some bathroom wallpaper ideas including the best types of wallpaper for bathrooms, the most ideal prints and colors, how to use wallpaper to make a small bathroom appear bigger and some tips and tricks for application. Let’s dive in!

Is All Wallpaper Created Equal?

Before you redo your wallpaper, or add it for the first time, you will need to keep in mind that there are multiple types. Each has pros and cons that make it either an excellent or terrible choice for a bathroom. Let’s take a quick look at the most common kinds of wallpaper:

Printed Wallpaper

Also known as traditional wallpaper, this is what people typically envision when they hear the word “wallpaper.” It’s usually mass-produced, meaning it is often low quality and prone to tears. Stay clear of printed commercial wallpaper for a powder room because the ink used to print patterns is water-based, meaning the beautiful designs will smudge due to steam and water sprays.

Stamped Wallpaper

This type of wallpaper has multiple passes often with a solid base that is colored or solid, with a hand carved stamp that creates the design on top of it. As a result, these can be over any of the types of wallpaper. Since each stamp is applied there will be variations in the thickness of line and will give the room a hand painted feeling for much cheaper than hiring a faux finish artist to do the same.

Grasscloth and Bamboo Wallpaper

These types are made from plants and are a stunning choice for a statement wall. Grasscloth wallpaper is woven from species like cork, reed and hemp, while bamboo wallpaper is produced by gluing fibers to paper. Because they consist of natural, largely untreated materials, these wallpaper options are poor choices for a wet and humid environment. Save them for your living room, dining room, or bedroom! Grasscloth typically runs horizontally, but each strip of wallpaper will have a visible seam, and there’s no way around that, but it’s also part of it’s charm.

 

Vinyl Wallpaper

The most popular and widespread option today, vinyl wallpaper is made from layers of printed wallpaper and vinyl. It’s durable, highly water-resistant and easy to clean, making it ideal for a bathroom. Furthermore, most vinyl wallpapers are peel-and-stick (also known as removable wallpaper) applications, so you won’t be left struggling to apply it.

 

Embroidered, Crystal, and Bead Enhanced Wallpaper

Stunning and often glamourous, these wallpapers feature 3d elements just as swarovski crystals, seaglass beads, or embroidery to achieve a high end look with both texture and visual interest. Admittedly, these are of the higher price point, but the impact is irresistible.

 

Needless to say, you’ll want to go with waterproof wallpaper like vinyl or mylar for a powder room. Now that you’ve got the type you need, it’s time for the fun part — choosing the design. While there are no hard and fast rules about colors and patterns, you can follow some general guidelines for best results.

Solid Colors & Textures

Most people prefer decorating their walls in just one color, and that works perfectly for bathrooms, which you don’t want to feel busy or chaotic. Some favorite shades include:

Monochrome

Of course, you can’t go wrong with pure white wallpaper. It’s fuss-free and creates the clean atmosphere you want in a bathroom. Or, stray off the beaten path and choose a dark wallpaper in charcoal or black for some modern drama.

Cool Greens and Blues

Mint or sage green are great for lending a bathroom a floral and natural air, while baby blue or periwinkle work well to evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, much like a spa. If you want a cool hue but prefer neutrals, ash gray does wonders in bathrooms. It’s common knowledge that these shades exude feelings of relaxation and peace, making green and blue wallpaper picture-perfect for your spa-like room.

Warm Yellows and Oranges

Don’t panic, we’re not talking about those bold sunset hues. A gentle champagne, blush or peach color will make a bathroom feel homey and welcoming without being gaudy. Opt for sandy beige or cream if you want warmth but don’t like saturated colors.

Patterns

The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing a wallpaper design. You can go as wild or understated as you like! Generally, simple monochromatic patterned wallpaper (typically in one neutral, cool or warm shade and white) looks best in bathrooms. However, don’t be afraid to bring your personal style into the mix. For example, try bright geometric wallpaper or opt for one that looks like a wall mural — whatever feels right.

Also, a floral wallpaper or botanical wallpaper can add some flair when used as an accent wall. Stone, tile or marble wallpaper designs also look chic and give you all the benefits of the aesthetic without any of the maintenance hassles.

No Bathroom Is Too Big Or Small

While your color and pattern choice are entirely up to you, some shades and wallpaper prints work better than others depending on a bathroom’s size. Many people struggle with small bathrooms (especially when it comes to the guest bathroom) and want them to feel bigger. Fortunately, colors go a long way in achieving this effect.

When working with a small powder room, we recommend using large-scale prints of geometric shapes if you go the pattern route. That’s because big designs create the illusion of having more space, as they trick the mind into thinking the surface area is greater than it is.

By contrast, small, intricate prints make a room appear more compressed and should, therefore, be limited to just a feature wall or a portion of one wall. Textured wallpaper that imitates material like bricks, wood or even unpolished concrete also causes a small space to seem more sizable.

In terms of color, you should select lighter shades because light colors reflect light, causing it to bounce back off surfaces. On the other hand, darker wallpaper absorbs light, making a room feel smaller and more compact. So, choose pale hues and, as always, white wallpaper is a safe bet.

 

Get Professional Help

Wallpaper is a great way to add interest and character to any space. No matter what your style is, we are well-versed in all things wallpaper and bathroom, and we’re ready to help. With all of the options out there, we can help guide you to the wallpaper options that are perfect for your space, your style, and your budget. Reach out today to start your bathroom renovation today and find the perfect wallpaper for your space!