Can Wallpaper be used in a Bathroom?

Gone are the days when bathrooms and toilets were treated as purely functional spaces. Many interior designers are approaching the decoration of a bathroom as if it would be a normal room, creating a lived-in feeling rather than a clinical space. Wallpaper is a great way for adding a lot of character, colour and pattern. When it comes to using wallpaper in a bathroom many are questioning if it will last in a humid environment.

Wallpapers specifically made for bathrooms are usually made of vinyl, PVC. But did you know that vinyl happens to be the plastic with the most toxic environmental impact? If you are as passionate about nature as we are, chances are vinyl isn't something you like to have in your home either. Good news, there is still the possibility to incorporate wallpaper that isn't made of vinyl in a bathroom. In this post, we will go over through some key guidelines for when it's suitable to style a bathroom with wallpaper, and how to make it last.

Above (Left) Wallpaper Jungle Mural in Ivory by Good & Craft /

(Right) Wallpaper Havana in Silver with oversized palm leaves by Good & Craft

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Why Vinyl Wallpapers Are Not Eco-Friendly

Before we go into detail how wallpaper that isn't made of vinyl can be applied in a bathroom, we will have a look at vinyl wallpaper itself.

While vinyl wallpaper is often marketed for its durability and water resistance, it comes with significant environmental concerns. Vinyl is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a plastic produced from fossil fuels. The production of PVC involves extreme pollution with toxic chemicals including chlorine being used, which can be harmful to both human health the environment. In addition, vinyl is not biodegradable and difficult to recycle. As a result, it often gets discarded into landfills, where it can remain for decades without breaking down.

For those looking to create a more sustainable home, it's worth considering alternatives to vinyl. For us, an environmental-friendly approach in the production of our Good & Craft wallpapers is at the core of what we do. We therefore do not support the environmentally harmful production of vinyl wallpapers. Instead, we use non-woven substrates made form

responsibly sourced natural and synthetic materials, printed in England with water based inks. If you like to know more about non-woven wallpapers and their eco-friendly construction you can find detailed information here.

Alternatives to Vinyl Wallpaper

Make sure that you choose a paper that is durable: Not all non-vinyl wallpapers are made from the same materials, some might be more lightweight and delicate than others.

Non-woven wallpapers, like our Good & Craft wallcoverings, also know as paste the wall wallpapers, are renowned for their sturdiness and most of them have the benefit of being wipeable. It's important to understand though, that non-woven wallpapers come in a variety of finishes, affecting their durability and suitability for different spaces. Some finishes like uncoated or textured ones can be less resistant to stains, while others with a coated surface tend to be more robust and easier to clean. The surface finish plays an important role in how well a wallpaper preforms, especially in bathrooms where humidity is present. It's a good idea to contact the designer or company you plan to purchase wallpaper from for advice.

Above (Left) Wallpaper Rio in dark emerald green by Good & Craft /

(Right) Wallpaper Amazonia Bloom by Good & Craft

Humidity - Good Ventilation is Key

When referring to a bathroom, it doesn't always mean a room with a shower or bath, as the definition varies between countries. Sometimes the term bathroom is used more loosely, referring to a room with a toilet, whether or not it has a bath or shower.

Although it is generally possible to hang a wallpaper that isn't made of vinyl even in a bathroom with a shower/ bath, there is no standard answer. It depends on factors like ventilation, wallpaper type and placement.

The most important factor to consider before hanging a wallpaper in a bathroom is the level of humidity in the room and ensuring good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Does your space has a window and/ or an effective extractor fan? Or maybe you even have a dehumidifier? If your bathroom is well-ventilated and steam doesn't run down the walls, wallpaper can work well. Maintain a good airflow whilst and after having a shower.

However, in small and steamy spaces with lots of condensation and excess moisture being present over a prolonged time wallpaper probably won't last. Regardless of the room where you intend to hang wallpaper, we always recommend consulting a professional and experienced wallpaper installer. Ask them to visit your space to ensure the walls are suitable for wallpaper installation.

If your main bathroom isn't suitable for wallpaper due to high humidity or poor ventilation,

adding wallpaper in powder rooms, also know as downstairs loo's or cloakrooms is very popular and the perfect opportunity to get creative. Those often smaller spaces typically experience less moisture. Another advantage is that these spaces usually contain minimal furniture and only a few decorative elements, offering an excellent occasion to go wild with patterns and bold colours. From delicate costal motifs and jungle vibes to romantic blossoms and bold oversized florals, adding pattern makes a big impact and creates an unexpected atmosphere in a compact space.

Coastal patterns are a great choice for a bathroom, adding personality and creating a luxurious coastal vibe. Our Good & Craft Living Waters wallpaper in Charcoal/Amber, here used on in this gorgeous bathroom by interior designer Aiden T, photo credit: JYU Studio, Singapore. Our jellyfish wallpaper is also available in other colourways: Deep Ocean/ Limestone, Laguna/Oyster, Mist/Coral, Sea Green/Flint, and natural shades Sand/Ivory and Chalk/Pearl

Our Good & Craft fish wallpaper Forgotten Lagoon here shown in colourway Salmon/ Charcoal. This nautical pattern is also available in Midnight/Charcoal, Ice/Charcoal, and against a dark purple in colourway Ice/Damson, against dark green in Blush/Ocean and in blue Ice/Laguna.

Wall Preparation

In bathrooms especially, the walls need to be in a excellent condition and properly prepared. Hanging wallpaper on old or damaged walls should always be avoided, as cracks, holes and uneven surfaces can show through the paper resulting in a less desired finish. Whilst you might get away with applying a busy pattern over imperfect walls in other rooms, in spaces where moisture is present it's crucial that the walls are well prepared: Make sure they are smooth and free from flaws. If your walls have been newly plastered you will need to seal them with primer to stop the wallpaper paste from being absorbed.

When it comes to hanging the wallpaper, it's a must that wallpaper seams and top/bottom edges are well stuck down the walls. If the wallpaper is not well attached excess moisture in the room can sneak behind the paper and cause dampness between the wall and the wallpaper, leading to it peeling off over time. Sealing the top and bottom edges with a waterproof silicone sealant is an extra step that helps prevent moisture from getting behind the wallpaper.

Combine With Colourful Tiles or Panelling

To avoid water splashes on your wallpaper, it's recommended to use tiles or panelling in areas behind and around the sink. An effective and also stylish approach is to create half walls of print. This means applying wallpaper to the upper portion of the walls only, while the lower half is tiled or panelled to withstand regular exposure to water.

Do not place wallpaper in areas most exposed to steam, such as directly above the shower head: Use tiles all the way up to the ceiling in the zone of the shower or work with mould-resistant bathroom paint. Unless your ceilings are particularly high, consider a full-height shower surround that extends the entire height of the space.

Tiles or panelling aren't just practical, they also offer a chance to play with colour, shapes and materials, allowing you to create a unique interior that beautifully complements your wallpaper.

Above (Left) Floral Wallpaper Silver Meadow by Good & Craft, here shown in combination with a dark grey/blue wall panelling.

(Right) Wallpaper Jewel Birds by Good & Craft used in this stunning bathroom combined with metro tiles on the lower part of the wall and around the shower. Photo Credit: Alise. M, USA

There are some gorgeous paints and tiles in various shapes and colours on the market to beautifully pair your wallpaper with. You can either pick a colour featured in the design or choose a shade from across the spectrum to create a bold contrasting effect. Photo Credit: Good & Craft, Wallpaper Living Waters in Mist/ Coral.

Decorator's Varnish

To be on the safe side, you can apply Polyvine Decorator’s Varnish to your wallpaper. This will create a moisture barrier by sealing the paper and also helps to protect against stains. Go for a finish like dead flat to retain the look of the print. Always test the varnish on a sample before applying it to the whole wall as it may affect the colours of the wallpaper. Polyvine Decorator’s Varnish is water-based with low-odour and can be used for other materials as well, such as fabric, plaster and wood.

Floral wallpaper by Good & Craft with copper blooms against a silvery duck egg backdrop combined with white tiles and concrete vanity for a modern, clean look.

Our Good & Craft Jungle Breeze wallpaper in Powder and oversized flowers here shown in combination with grey wall panelling.

Bathroom wallpaper can add character and style to those otherwise rather clinical spaces. With the right preparation, good ventilation and thoughtful application, wallpaper can be a striking addition even in moisture-prone areas.