bathroom wallpaper

Wallpaper In The Bathroom

From bathing, to hair and make up, to the selfie photo sesh, we spend so much time in our bathrooms. It’s so much better when the environment is a nice place to be. Wallpaper might cross your mind as a possible decor item for sprucing up the bathroom. But this leads to the inevitable question, can I put wallpaper in the bathroom? The short answer is “yes”. But there are important things that you should take into account before you install bathroom wallpaper. We’ll also dive into the types and styles you might consider. So put down your hairbrush microphone and read on.

Will Wallpaper Work In The Bathroom?

Bathroom environments can vary drastically. Water splashing, humidity and ventilation are all factors that may affect your wallpaper. Let’s look at the different types of wallpaper and if they are suitable or not suitable for a bathroom space.

Types Of Wallpaper For The Bathroom

Traditional Non-Woven Wallpaper – Non-woven wallpapers are known for being breathable products which makes them perfect for bathrooms. Non-woven refers to the backing of the wallpaper which is made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. This technology creates a stable, breathable paper that won’t expand or contract when wet with paste or when drying on the wall. The breathability is great for being resistant to the build of mold or mildew. However, the wallpaper shouldn’t be installed where it may repeatedly come in contact with water like above a shower. If water does come into contact with non-woven wallpaper, it should be immediately and gently wiped dry. Any sitting water can soak through the breathable paper and weaken the paste underneath causing it to lift over time. Non-woven wallpaper is one of the most popular types available to the public and sold on MiltonandKing.com

There are additional steps you can take to waterproof your non woven wallpaper, which you can read about in our blog How To Waterproof Your Wallpaper.

Type II Commercial Vinyl Wallpaper -Type II commercial wallpaper is a heavy-duty, vinyl-coated wallcovering designed for high-traffic or demanding spaces, meeting strict durability standards set by the Wallcovering Association. Unlike standard residential wallpaper, it’s thicker and engineered to resist scratches, stains, and wear. In a bathroom, where humidity, splashes, and frequent cleaning are the norm, Type II shines. Its vinyl surface repels moisture, preventing mold and mildew growth, while its toughness handles scrubbing without tearing or peeling. Plus, it’s often fire-rated and meets commercial codes, making it a safe, stylish choice for a damp, busy environment—perfect for keeping walls pristine amidst steamy showers and towel-flinging kids. Type II Vinyl is often a “trade only” made available to professionals in the interior space. Milton & King clients with trade accounts have access to this commercial product.

Wallpapers Not Suitable For Bathrooms

Peel & Stick Wallpaper – Non-coated and non-vinyl peel & stick wallpapers – the trendy, temporary kind—often lack the water resistance needed. Unless they’re explicitly labeled as moisture-proof (and many aren’t), they’ll bubble, lift, or peel off when hit with bathroom conditions.

Metallic Wallpapers – Foil or metallic wallpapers also don’t play well in bathrooms. The thin metal layer can corrode or discolor from moisture, and condensation can seep behind, loosening the adhesive. That shiny accent wall might end up a rusty mess.

Grasscloth Wallpaper – While these natural fiber wallpapers look gorgeous in dry spaces, they can fall apart in damp ones. They stain easily and trap moisture. Silk Wallpapers degrade when wet. They’re too fragile for a place where water splashes and humidity spikes daily.

what styles are best for the bathroom?

It’s your life and your bathroom. Like every space in your home, the bathroom should be a reflection and an expression of you. But there are so many directions to go! Here are a few suggestions that make for beautiful bathroom wallpapers.

TILES

First, we have the faux look. This takes normal materials that you would associate with a bathroom but done in a wallpaper. Subway Tiles and Pink Tiles are both popular aesthetics you might see in a bathroom. Now you can get the look for a fraction of the cost and effort. Check out this install of White Subway Tiles Wallpaper by Sierra Joseph from @withlovewithsierra on Instagram.

The Pink Tiles Wallpaper can help you achieve that retro vibe without the headache of scrubbing the grout. Now you can put in your hair rollers and feel oh so 1950’s.

Herringbone is another popular design which you can achieve with a herringbone wallpaper called Tile Progress. You can see the install from Lisa Marie of @blairhomedecor on Instagram using the Tile Progress Wallpaper for a clean look with plenty of interest.

If you want something that accomplishes the tile look but need bathroom decor that wows, check out the Heritage Tiles Wallpaper. This will help you get to your Mediterranean bathroom goals quickly. Look in awe at the install from Julie of The Design Twins.

Capture all the luxury of a chic, Italian bathroom without having to fly to Rome or import heavy, expensive stones. Now you can feel like a Greek goddess in your own private Parthenon with the Marble Wallpaper.

Finally, if you like the look of small squares or grid patterns, the Contact Grid and Contact Grid 55 gives you two size options for a squares wallpaper design. It’s a perfect solution for the fan of minimal decor. It is interesting without being overbearing.

FLORALS

Next, florals are popular aesthetics for bathrooms. It must be something about the sweet scents we associate with flowers and the same aromas in a lot of our body washes and shampoos. Floral Wallpaper can provide you with a range of options that are versatile in both style and color.

Create a country cottage bathroom like this one using our Governors Rose Wallpaper.

MODERN

But if faux decor is an interior faux pas and florals are so yesteryear, bathroom wallpaper can be contemporary and exciting as well. It can make a statement. Check out the modern wallpaper chosen by Shavonda Gardener @sgardnerstyle. She wanted that art deco Valentino look. Using the Leopard Wallpaper, she brought out a fierce confidence that says, “hear me roar.” It’s impossible to not feel sexy in this space.

When all else fails, you may just have to rely on your personality to set the tone. The place you live can express who you are so that when a guest enters your space, it is obviously YOUR space. You can still impress while putting your stamp on the wall, so to speak. Take it from Courtney Equall from @girlandgrey. She used a quirky fun wallpaper called Ostrich Strut. If you’re not having fun here, you’re not having fun anywhere.

Ostrich Strut Wallpaper installed by Girl and Grey

CONTEMPORARY

If your tastes are more contemporary, abstract designs can be just the thing to set the mood and color palette without overwhelming the space. In the image below, Studio Plumb designed this space using the Autumn Path Wallpaper in the Natural colorway to add some visual texture to the walls.

Autumn Path Wallpaper in the bathroom designed by Rebecca Plumb

Let’s recap.

Yes, you can use wallpaper in the bathroom. Make sure you use a non-woven wallpaper, which is breathable or hire an interior designer to get your hands on commercial type II vinyl wallpaper. Opt for a mold and mildew inhibiting paste. Finally, bathroom wallpaper can mimic real materials like tile. It can also be floral, vintage and/or modern. It can be an opportunity to reflect your personality in your decor. Have it your way. It’s your stage, Miss Madonna Karaoke. Get to decorating! Then grab your phone, put on your best duckface and snap a pic of your beautiful self in your gorgeous bathroom.