Bathroom wallpaper ideas can be a great alternative to the more traditional tile or painted finishes we've come to expect on our bathroom walls
Bathroom wallpaper ideas can transform your bathing space(Image credit: Bobbi Beck)
Bathroom wallpaper ideas can offer an alternative wall finish that was once reserved to rooms where water wasn't involved. And while tile design has progressed at an equally impressive rate – opening up a world of visual opportunities when it comes to your bathroom design – wallpaper offers a certain look and feel that can't be matched by other wall coverings.
From florals to murals, mock tiles to marble effect options, there's a wealth of designs and ideas to choose from. But which one is right for your bathroom?
We've rounded up 10 of our favourite bathroom wallpaper ideas and buying suggestions to suit a variety of bathrooms – from main family bathrooms to smaller downstairs loos.
Bathroom wallpaper ideas should be used with practicality in mind
if you're thinking to yourself, can you use wallpaper in a bathroom, the good news is the answer is yes. But not without taking on board some practical advice regarding the type, method of application and suggestions about where best to place it in your bathroom.
"Decorating a bathroom with wallpaper is an easy and cost-effective way to revitalize the space especially when proper preparation and care is taken," says Chelsea Clark, head of marketing at I Love Wallpaper.
"There are now plenty of choices when it comes to picking a wallpaper suitable for a bathroom. As an area of high humidity and moisture, a wallpaper with a vinyl coating or scrubbable finish will provide extra durability.
"To ensure longevity," suggests Chelsea, "avoid applying wallpaper in areas that experiences heavy water splash back, and also pair it with tiles around high-splash zones."
Chelsea Clark
Launching anything but ordinary wallpaper brand, Lust Home, in 2021, Chelsea Clark is now Head of Marketing across the Henderson Design Group that includes Lust Home, I Love Wallpaper and Lucie Annabel making her unquestionably an expert on everything wallpaper related.
1. Add glamour with metallic bathroom wallpaper
Use a metallic style wallpaper for an opulent bathroom wallpaper idea(Image credit: I Love Wallpaper)
If you're looking to add luxury to your bathroom design ideas, you won't go far wrong with the addition of a metallic bathroom wallpaper. Offering the look of veined marble, but without the hefty price-tag, pair with gold taps and accessories, wood effect luxury vinyl tile flooring and a wooden vanity unit.
Exuding sophistication and glamour, it's nonetheless still practical and is a great option if you're considering master en-suite bathroom ideas.
You can find this Etna Metallic Wallpaper at I Love Wallpaper, but as it's non-washable, follow Chelsea Clark's advice for using wallpaper that's neither vinyl nor washable.
"If you can’t find a print in the right type of paper, there are still ways to make any wallpaper suitable for a bathroom," says Chelsea. "We recommend using an extra strong wallpaper adhesive to ensure the paper sticks well despite the humidity and doesn’t lift.
"Once wallpaper is applied, maintain good bathroom ventilation to reduce humidity levels and prolong the life of the wallpaper."
Try this ready mixed mould resistant wallpaper adhesive from Amazon, and for further peace of mind, Steve Jenkins, Homebuilding's DIY expert, also recommends applying a coat of suitable decorator's varnish over the top of any paper that isn't specifically designed for use in a bathroom.
2. Pair pretty florals with wood panelling
Cover the top half of a rustic bathroom design with floral wallpaper(Image credit: Bobbi Beck)
In family bathroom ideas where footfall and water splashes are generally greater than in smaller ensuites or adult only bathrooms, wallpapering the top half of a wall as opposed to floor to ceiling can offer a more practical approach to bathroom wallpaper ideas.
It's also a good way of softening rustic bathroom ideas. Popping a pretty floral pattern above bathroom wall panelling ideas such as this green painted tongue and groove, adds a lighter touch to the room.
If you like this wallpaper, the good news is that it comes in a vinyl option that is suitable for bathrooms. It's the Bronte bird and tree design from Bobbi Beck. Choose the luxury product option for use in a bathroom.
3. Elevate a downstairs toilet with wallpaper
Downstairs loos are perfect for adding wallpaper(Image credit: Roper Rhodes)
Not convinced about bathroom wallpaper ideas in busy bathrooms? Why not try it in downstairs toilet ideas instead? This scheme has also eliminated any concerns from water splashes by starting the wallpaper way above the vanity unit. And, with no shower or bath to generate steam, you don't need to be worried about dealing with bathroom mould.
We also like how the geometric pattern of the wallpaper reflects the pattern on the tiled floor. A simple but clever technique that helps to tie the overall look together.
Try these geometric wallpaper designs
Metro Prism Geometric Triangle Wallpaper
A contemporary design made up of metallic gold geometric triangles on a matte emerald green background
Atelier Geo Stone Wallpaper
A large-scale geometric print with delicate touches of metallic shimmer and a tactile texture
Palais Navy & Copper
A fibrous textured wallcovering with an art deco inspired design with large scale lozenge shapes
4. Be bold with a botanical mural
Turn your bathroom into a forest bathing retreat(Image credit: Bobbi Beck)
Bring nature to your bath time with a bold, botanical wallpaper mural. Perfect for green bathroom ideas, this forest-inspired wallpaper has the power to transport you to another place while you sit back and enjoy a soak.
Faux marble wallpaper adds an affordable sense of luxury(Image credit: Bobbi Beck)
If you love the thought of marble walls but can't quite match your budget to the real thing, bathroom wallpaper ideas can be a more cost-effective way of adding a luxury look to your bathroom remodel ideas.
Although this Allegri mural from Bobbi Beck is available in a vinyl bathroom friendly version, extra protection is afforded to the wall with some clever design tricks.
It's firstly hung to finish above the height of the sink, reducing the risk of water splashes. Secondly, a narrow shelf divides the wallpapered section of wall from the painted section and sink area. It's small, but will again provide an additional barrier between the two different finishes.
6. Test out mosaic tiles in a downstairs cloakroom
Wallpaper can recreate the look of tiles and may be easier to apply(Image credit: B&Q)
Although mosaics are a great tile idea for small bathrooms, if your tiling skills aren't up to scratch, you may be tempted to skip the undeniably fiddly procedure of laying mosaics in favour of a simpler solution.
Or perhaps you've decided you do need a burst of colour in your downstairs cloakroom after decorating it and are wondering whether peel and stick, or removable wallpaper may avoid the mess of tiling in your newly decorated space.
Once again, wallpaper designs that replicate tiles are widely available. B&Q sell a contoured tile effect wallpaper like the one pictured in a range of colourways, including a pale pink which would work well in pink bathroom ideas.
7. Pair peacocks with blue metro tiles
Blue wallpaper, tiles and a slipper bath work perfectly in this Victorian inspired bathroom idea(Image credit: Diving Savages)
Victorian bathroom ideas are thankfully far more functional than bathrooms of that time, and instead call upon the classical design details to bring together bathrooms that are beautifully made, but entirely practical.
However, given the opulent nature of the bathrooms of wealthy homeowners from that era, bathroom wallpaper ideas can easily find a home in this type of interior design scheme.
And, with its rectangular glossy brick tiles, peacock and botanical inspired wallpaper, slipper bath and luxurious gold taps and detailing, this bathroom is a great homage to the era.
Modern bathrooms need modern bathroom wallpaper ideas(Image credit: Sorbet Dreams)
If modern bathroom ideas inspire you – as long as they include a touch of playfulness - bathroom wallpaper is a worthy addition to your mood board. Bright, bold and unapologetically different, this wavy design is guaranteed to add a head-turning finish to your bathroom walls.
Following the expert's advice, it's also protected from bath water with a simple white shower curtain providing a barrier between the bath and wall. Installing a freestanding bath also gives you the option to ensure there is space between the wall and sanitaryware. Keep your bathroom floor tile ideas simple and you've got a clean, fresh and fun look.
9. Add detail to neutral bathroom ideas
Neutral tones can benefit from a splash of patterned wallpaper(Image credit: The Curious Department)
From neutral bedroom ideas to neutral living room ideas, there's rarely a room that doesn't benefit from this colour palette. But unlike bedrooms or living rooms where soft, textured fabrics and floor finishes can be used to break up the neutrality - especially if you've opted for a colour drench approach where you use the same shade on everything – bathrooms are a little 'harder' to soften.
Once again, bathroom wallpaper ideas can be called upon to bring some life to your design. To complement your existing tones, choose a wallpaper that includes the same colour but also features lighter and darker shades to help add a sense of depth to your design.
Fail safe stripes are a simple but stylish bathroom wallpaper idea(Image credit: Wayfair)
Renovating a Georgian house and want to draw attention to the high ceilings? There's no better way to do this than with the addition of stripes. Drawing the eye upwards, they are a fail-safe design idea that works as well in bathrooms as they do other rooms.
While you may have a steady enough hand to achieve the same look with a paintbrush, if your walls already have imperfections due to age, you will get a better finish from wallpapering. Make sure you have the right wallpaper tools to hand and you'll find yourself wallpapering like a professional.
Keen to explore the world of wallpapering in more detail? Find out how to wallpaper like a professional, and head to bedroom wallpaper ideas for more inspiration on using prints and patterns in a bedroom setting.
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Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.
