7 tips for decorating a bathroom with wallpaper: selection and application

BathroomDesignWallpaperWall Decoration

Alyona

The bathroom is a room with its own microclimate, high humidity, and serious temperature changes. Therefore, when thinking about bathroom design, preference is often given to ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, and plastic panels. But specialized stores offer wallpaper for bathrooms that are not inferior to tiles in terms of basic performance and technical indicators. Everything is discussed in more detail later in the article.

No. 1. Wallpaper in the bathroom: advantages and disadvantages

What could make us abandon such a familiar and proven solution for decorating bathroom walls with tiles? The desire to diversify the interior, make it interesting and not boring, while maintaining durability. Many opponents of using wallpaper in the bathroom point to its hygroscopicity and water permeability, as a result of which the wallpaper absorbs moisture, swells and becomes unusable in a very short time. But all this is typical only for certain types of wallpaper, for example, paper, non-woven, fabric, etc.

It is worth choosing the right type of wallpaper, and such a finish will bring a lot of advantages:

• saving money and time , since any type of wallpaper will cost you much less than ceramic tiles, and hanging wallpaper is a faster and easier task than laying tiles;
• a huge range of possible designs, colors, textures, patterns, which allows you to decorate the bathroom in accordance with the design idea, making it truly original;
• wallpaper is much easier not only to install, but also to dismantle if the need arises. This allows you to easily change the interior of the bathroom if desired;
• high maintainability . It is easy to glue the damaged part of the wallpaper, and you do not have to change the entire covering.

It is also worth noting that no matter how moisture-resistant the wallpaper is, it is still better not to use it in a shower enclosure. In this case, the most appropriate option for decorating a bathroom would be a combination of two finishing materials . In all other cases, a competent choice of wallpaper will allow you to create not only a high-quality finish in the bathroom, but an interesting interior.

Wallpaper for the bathroom, of course, must be moisture resistant: on the packaging a sign with three waves . In addition, the glue must also be waterproof , which must also withstand temperature changes, have excellent adhesion, and have antifungal properties.

Self-adhesive wallpaper

They are a moisture-resistant film with an adhesive base on the reverse side. It is very easy to work with such material. But self-adhesive wallpaper for the bathroom has one significant drawback - a very small range of colors and patterns.

It is very difficult to find such an original print among self-adhesive wallpapers.

No. 2. What wallpaper is suitable for the bathroom?

From the requirements for wallpaper described above, it becomes clear that paper-based wallpaper is in no way suitable for the bathroom. In such conditions, you can use the following wallpaper:

• vinyl, as well as self-adhesive vinyl;
• glass cullets;
• liquid wallpaper;
• other washable wallpaper, incl. acrylic and metallized.

Washable

Washable wallpaper for the toilet and bathroom is a cheaper, but less durable option. A special coating is applied to this wallpaper, which should prevent moisture from seeping inside. This protects the material from swelling and peeling. The advantage lies in easy cleaning with a regular soft sponge dipped in a mild soap solution.

Can be either embossed or smooth

No. 3. Vinyl wallpaper for the bathroom: advantages and gluing

Vinyl wallpaper is one of the best wallpaper options for the bathroom. They tolerate contact with water vapor, temperature changes, and even direct contact with water and prolonged contact with it. Ideal for bathroom conditions . In addition, this coating is easy to clean, and its appearance remains unchanged for a long time: it is not even afraid of direct sunlight. In addition, this type of finishing is extremely diverse: you can find a color, shade, pattern and texture to suit every taste. But that's not all. Such wallpaper can even hide some of the imperfections of the walls in the bathroom, and they can even be used in new buildings, so it is an excellent replacement for ceramic tiles. This is a durable finish, the only drawback of which is not the lowest price. In addition, the material does not allow air to pass through, but you can also find breathable vinyl wallpaper , but they will cost an order of magnitude more.

Vinyl wallpaper presented on the modern construction market comes in several types. For bathroom conditions, smooth vinyl wallpaper , which can be a worthy replacement for ceramic tiles. Despite the name, their surface is not always smooth and may have some kind of relief pattern. Hard vinyl wallpaper is the most modern material, which is breathable and can imitate the surface of leather, stone, and wood.

Hanging vinyl wallpaper should not cause any particular difficulties, and consists of the following steps:

• surface preparation and leveling of large defects;
• cutting wallpaper into strips of the required length, taking into account allowances at the top and bottom, as well as taking into account matching the pattern, if any. The manufacturer indicates the necessary information on adjusting the pattern on the packaging;
• the gluing itself , and you should also look for information on the specifics of applying the glue on the wallpaper packaging, because some manufacturers provide for applying the glue to the wall, others - to the wallpaper itself. The gluing is carried out end-to-end; it is better to work together, starting to glue the strip from top to bottom and simultaneously rolling the wallpaper with a roller to force out excess glue and air bubbles;
• Wallpaper is glued end to end at a temperature of 20-240C and in the absence of drafts.

You can simplify your task by purchasing self-adhesive wallpaper : just lightly moisten it with water and press it firmly against the wall.

Decorative possibilities of the material

The big advantage is the choice of different decor options. When using regular wallpaper, there is only one choice - the color and quality that you bought, but liquid wallpaper has a wide field for experimentation. You can change shades and play with color.

The easiest way is to decorate the walls in the bathroom with one color. However, if you get tired of the color over time, nothing prevents you from applying a new mixture with mosaic elements. Although most often they use one powder, but changing it into different colors.

Bright colors will help you create stylish decorations in the form of stripes, geometric patterns or even paintings. To do this, on the prepared surface of the walls it is enough to draw the outline of the future pattern, and then decorate it with a composition of different colors.

The effect of stucco on the walls is achieved by using special rollers on a two-layer coating. The first composition is applied in a thin layer. And the second, thicker layer is rolled with a relief roller.

No. 4. Liquid wallpaper for the bathroom: features and installation

Liquid wallpaper is another great alternative to regular ceramic tiles. Among their main advantages:

• complete immunity to moisture and water vapor;
• the application process is as simple as possible: no need to cut wallpaper, dilute glue, etc. Liquid wallpaper is somewhat reminiscent of plaster in terms of installation features;
• the material perfectly allows moisture to pass through, which can be called a clear advantage in a bathroom environment. In addition, liquid wallpaper provides additional heat and sound insulation;
• the ability to create a unique interior using liquid wallpaper, because materials of different colors can be combined with each other.

Experts advise covering liquid wallpaper after application with a layer of protective varnish to give it maximum resistance to moisture. In terms of application, liquid wallpaper is quite simple:

• First you need to prepare the surface and prime it. At the same time, you can begin to prepare liquid wallpaper by adding the amount of water indicated in the instructions to the dry mixture;
• apply wallpaper using a grater in an even layer 2-3 mm thick;
• After drying, you will be able to appreciate the surface without joints . In addition, do not forget to apply a protective layer of varnish.

Varieties for the bathroom

Liquid wallpaper has not only different colors, but also different textures. In total, there are now three main varieties.

• silk. Consists of fibers of the appropriate material. It has a high price. But it is a leader in terms of attractive appearance for the bathroom. Has a surface that is resistant to ultraviolet rays. Thanks to which the colors remain bright for a long time;
• They produce so-called cellulose finishing. Much cheaper compared to the previous option. Suitable for those who currently have limited financial resources;
• combined variety. The composition contains both cellulose and silk fibers. The cost is usually determined by the amount of cotton or silk in the composition. The more it is, the more expensive the wallpaper will be.

Liquid wallpaper is sold in certain types of packaging. They are divided into several types depending on how ready they are for use.

• There are basic mixtures in dry form. Texture components must be added to them along with dyes. Reviews are both positive and negative;
• The material is produced in packages. Inside it has the appearance of flakes, and it is they that combine with texture materials, mineral dyes and water;
• Finally, liquid wallpaper for the bathroom is sold in plastic containers. Paints of different colors are added to them.

No. 5. Fiberglass wallpaper for the bathroom: features and gluing

Fiberglass wallpaper is made from glass melted and drawn into threads, so the material itself is similar in properties to glass, which, as is known, is not able to absorb moisture and change when interacting with it. Among other advantages of glass wallpaper, it is worth noting the ability to allow air to pass through , but at the same time this material is not capable of becoming a place for the development of mold. This is a durable finish that can even strengthen walls, and wallpaper can be glued to any type of surface. Fiberglass wallpaper is very durable, can withstand contact with water and washing, but its most interesting ability is the ability to be painted several times. It will be very easy to update the decor in the bathroom, and the more obvious and deep the pattern on the surface of the wallpaper, the more times it can be repainted. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the low cost, the need to carefully select paint that has cleaning properties, and a small selection of patterns and designs of glass wallpaper.

The method of gluing glass wallpaper is not much different from vinyl wallpaper: the sequence of actions is the same, only it is better to choose the glue that is designed specifically for glass wallpaper. It is better to choose acrylic or latex paint, but the color or their combination depends on everyone’s preferences.

No. 6. What other wallpaper can be used in the bathroom?

Among other wallpapers that have washable properties and are resistant to moisture, we can highlight metallic wallpaper . They are easy to care for, create a beautiful, sophisticated interior, are durable, are not susceptible to the development of fungus, and can withstand contact with water. But before gluing them in the bathroom, you should think carefully, because this material does not allow air to pass through , so the room will have to be constantly ventilated or equipped with a powerful ventilation system. Even if this does not scare you, it is better to decorate only one wall of the room in this way: firstly, it will help create a favorable microclimate, and, secondly, it will deprive the room of unnecessary glare and make it stylish, not pretentious.

A rather bold decision would be to use photo wallpaper . They can make a room unique, visually expand the space, and give it a distinctive atmosphere. It is worth choosing those photo wallpapers that have moisture-resistant properties , as indicated on the packaging, but even such material is better to glue on the wall that is located away from water sources. Gluing photo wallpaper requires maximum attention, because you need to accurately match the pattern, and for this it is better to mark the wall. In addition, the surface must be perfectly flat, and the photo wallpaper on top is protected with a layer of varnish.

Online store KLV-wallpaper. Photo wallpaper in Moscow

In the KLV-wallpaper online store you can choose various photo wallpaper themes for decorating a room in an apartment and office interiors. The canvas will be made in any size using high-quality materials . This is an excellent option for those who value their time and also do not want to overpay for quality. Below are just a few photos from the store's wide selection.

Help in selection. A store specialist will help you choose a decor that matches the interior. You can see how your room will look after wallpapering . To prepare an image of your room with the chosen decor, you need to provide a photo of the room and indicate the location of the photo wallpaper. Link to the photo wallpaper catalog in the Klv-oboi online store.

No. 7. What else should you consider when choosing and hanging wallpaper in the bathroom?

Although many types of wallpaper are waterproof, it is better not to use them where they will be in direct contact with water : above the sink or above the bathtub, in the shower corner. It is better to use tiles in these places, which can simply be correctly combined with wallpaper, and then the interior will turn out not only practical, but also stylish.

When combining materials, you should try to create a harmonious interior , designed in the same style, so do not use too many shades and different patterns in one room, and remember the basic properties of colors. Light shades visually expand the room, while bright and dark shades do the opposite, so the former are suitable for small bathrooms, and the latter for spacious ones, to make them more comfortable.

You also need to take into account the chosen style of the room . So, for a bathroom in the Provence style, wallpaper with floral motifs is suitable, in a classic style - wallpaper in light shades, in an interior in the pop art style you can combine several bright shades, and for minimalism, choose restrained wallpaper using monochrome colors.

Combining wallpaper and tiles

The combination of two types of finishes allows you to create a comfortable interior and protect the most humid areas.

The wall above the bathtub, near the shower stall and sink, as well as the decorative screen can be laid with ceramic or glass tiles, and the floor can be tiled with porcelain stoneware or ceramics with a relief texture. Surfaces near the toilet, washing machine, toilet cabinet and heating appliances are covered with moisture-resistant wallpaper.

When combining materials, it is recommended to select single-color tiles. Wallpaper can be a uniform color or have a small pattern.

When combining wallpaper and tiles, you need to pay attention to the following recommendations:

• For the walls of a small bathroom, medium-sized rectangular tiles (30 cm) are suitable;
• It is advisable to select wall and floor tiles from the same collection;
• the combination of samples should be evaluated under the same lighting as in the future bathroom (warm or cold light);
• vertical or horizontal joints must be smooth.

An example of finishing a bathroom with washable wallpaper and tiles.
The junction of tiles and paper strips can be vertical, horizontal or diagonal. Tiles can also be laid with the elements offset relative to each other.

In conclusion

Wallpaper in the bathroom is a rather bold decision that will allow you to create a unique interior, but at the same time it will require you to be extremely careful when choosing materials and when organizing the interior. Really high-quality materials will allow you to create a unique interior, which will be no less practical than bathrooms completely finished with ceramic tiles. And yet, I would like to note once again that the best option would be to combine wallpaper with tiles.

Tags:Bathroom, Wallpaper

Conclusion

Whether to wallpaper your bathroom or not is your decision. Above, we looked at the main options for using this finishing material in high-humidity environments, gave basic advice on this topic, and talked about the nuances.

In stores you can choose canvases that can complement the existing interior. For example, if you use wallpaper to create bright and catchy accents in the center of the bathroom, or near plumbing fixtures.

VIDEO: Choosing the best wallpaper for the bathroom

Wallpaper for the bathroom

New possibilities for long-familiar material