Bathroom wallpaper is making a serious comeback. Interior designers say it's one of the highest-impact updates you can make to a bathroom, and we have to agree. Powder rooms and guest baths are great rooms to experiment with fun patterns, and wallpaper in primary bathrooms adds a charm that paint just can’t touch. Wallpaper can totally transform a space without the commitment of tile and grout.
If you're wondering how to install bathroom wallpaper yourself, you're in the right place.
In this guide, the wallpaper experts here at Funky Paper Co. will walk you through everything: which materials hold up in humidity, what surfaces to skip, and how to hang each panel like a pro. No contractor required.
Bathroom wallpaper is making a serious comeback. Interior designers say it's one of the highest-impact updates you can make to a bathroom, and we have to agree. Powder rooms and guest baths are great rooms to experiment with fun patterns, and wallpaper in primary bathrooms adds a charm that paint just can’t touch. Wallpaper can totally transform a space without the commitment of tile and grout.
If you're wondering how to install bathroom wallpaper yourself, you're in the right place.
In this guide, the wallpaper experts here at Funky Paper Co. will walk you through everything: which materials hold up in humidity, what surfaces to skip, and how to hang each panel like a pro. No contractor required.
Bathrooms aren't like other rooms. Extra steam and moisture mean you need to think through a few things before you order or install. Here's what to know.
Bathrooms aren't like other rooms. Extra steam and moisture mean you need to think through a few things before you order or install. Here's what to know.
Which Wallpaper Material Should You Use In A Bathroom?
For most bathrooms, peel-and-stick canvas is the easiest and most popular choice. It's moisture-resistant, removable and DIY-friendly. For very steamy spaces with minimal ventilation, traditional matte or linen wallpaper (both installed with paste) are the most durable options. Real grasscloth is a hard no for most bathrooms. Faux grasscloth, on the other hand, is completely bathroom-safe.
Here's a quick breakdown:
Not sure which material is right for you? Compare our materials to find your fit.
Avoid High-Splash Zones
Steer clear of wallpapering directly behind showers, tubs or sinks unless you're certain the surface will stay completely dry and splash-free. Wallpaper loves a dry wall.
Match Your Pattern Scale to Your Space
Working with a small powder room or half bath? Stick with smaller prints or designs with single-panel repeats. Large patterns can overwhelm tight quarters. Unless you're going full maximalist. In which case, we fully support you.
What About Glossy or Textured Walls?
Peel-and-stick canvas adheres best to smooth, flat surfaces. Some glossy paint finishes can be tricky. Try sanding and priming the wall first, or use an adhesive booster like E-Z Hang if you run into any trouble.
Got textured walls? Send us a note with the details and we'll be happy to help.
Which Wallpaper Material Should You Use In A Bathroom?
For most bathrooms, peel-and-stick canvas is the easiest and most popular choice. It's moisture-resistant, removable and DIY-friendly. For very steamy spaces with minimal ventilation, traditional matte or linen wallpaper (both installed with paste) are the most durable options. Real grasscloth is a hard no for most bathrooms. Faux grasscloth, on the other hand, is completely bathroom-safe.
Here's a quick breakdown:
Not sure which material is right for you? Compare our materials to find your fit.
Avoid High-Splash Zones
Steer clear of wallpapering directly behind showers, tubs or sinks unless you're certain the surface will stay completely dry and splash-free. Wallpaper loves a dry wall.
Match Your Pattern Scale to Your Space
Working with a small powder room or half bath? Stick with smaller prints or designs with single-panel repeats. Large patterns can overwhelm tight quarters. Unless you're going full maximalist. In which case, we fully support you.
What About Glossy or Textured Walls?
Peel-and-stick canvas adheres best to smooth, flat surfaces. Some glossy paint finishes can be tricky. Try sanding and priming the wall first, or use an adhesive booster like E-Z Hang if you run into any trouble.
Got textured walls? Send us a note with the details and we'll be happy to help.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to it! Here’s how to apply bathroom wallpaper like a pro.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to it! Here’s how to apply bathroom wallpaper like a pro.
Before anything touches the wall, make sure the surface is flat, dry, and dust-free. Wipe it down with a damp cloth or paper towel and allow it to fully dry.
When using peel-and-stick, allow rolls to sit in the room for 3 to 5 days to acclimate. This helps prevent shrinkage and keeps seams tight after installation.
Before anything touches the wall, make sure the surface is flat, dry, and dust-free. Wipe it down with a damp cloth or paper towel and allow it to fully dry.
When using peel-and-stick, allow rolls to sit in the room for 3 to 5 days to acclimate. This helps prevent shrinkage and keeps seams tight after installation.
Start by peeling 1 to 2 feet of the paper backing from the top of your first roll. This gives you a manageable amount to work with without wrestling the full length of the panel.
Start by peeling 1 to 2 feet of the paper backing from the top of your first roll. This gives you a manageable amount to work with without wrestling the full length of the panel.
Start at the top of your wall. Place the exposed section with 2 to 4 inches of overlap past the ceiling or top edge — you'll trim this at the end. Use a level to make sure the panel is perfectly straight. A little off? Just peel it up and try again.
Start at the top of your wall. Place the exposed section with 2 to 4 inches of overlap past the ceiling or top edge — you'll trim this at the end. Use a level to make sure the panel is perfectly straight. A little off? Just peel it up and try again.
Once the panel is straight, press down a 4 to 6 inch section at the top of the wall to set it in place.
Once the panel is straight, press down a 4 to 6 inch section at the top of the wall to set it in place.
Grab your squeegee and smooth from the center of the panel outward toward each edge to push out any air bubbles. Go slow and gentle. Too much pressure can scratch the print.
Grab your squeegee and smooth from the center of the panel outward toward each edge to push out any air bubbles. Go slow and gentle. Too much pressure can scratch the print.
Peel down more of the paper backing and adhere the next 4 to 6 inch segment, smoothing from the center each time. Work your way down the wall in small sections until you reach the bottom of the panel.
Peel down more of the paper backing and adhere the next 4 to 6 inch segment, smoothing from the center each time. Work your way down the wall in small sections until you reach the bottom of the panel.
Add the next panel directly next to the first. There is no overlap in our paper. In most cases, the panel sits flush right next to its neighbor. If you notice the peel-and-stick panels pulling apart after installation, a slight overlap is fine.
Add the next panel directly next to the first. There is no overlap in our paper. In most cases, the panel sits flush right next to its neighbor. If you notice the peel-and-stick panels pulling apart after installation, a slight overlap is fine.
Continue the peel, stick, and smooth process with your remaining panels. Once you reach the end of a wall, use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to trim any excess at the top, bottom and edges.
Continue the peel, stick, and smooth process with your remaining panels. Once you reach the end of a wall, use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to trim any excess at the top, bottom and edges.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is pressure-sensitive, meaning it needs a final press to really seal it to the wall. Once your panels are up, go back over each one with firm, even pressure using a squeegee (or even a credit card). Pay extra attention to corners, ceiling lines and edges to make sure everything is stuck down tight.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is pressure-sensitive, meaning it needs a final press to really seal it to the wall. Once your panels are up, go back over each one with firm, even pressure using a squeegee (or even a credit card). Pay extra attention to corners, ceiling lines and edges to make sure everything is stuck down tight.
Wallpapering a bathroom might sound intimidating. But with the right material and a little patience, it's 100% doable. (Even if you've never hung a panel before!) If you want to practice the process first, try wallpapering the back of a cabinet door or check out other creative ways to use wallpaper in your bathroom before tackling a full wall.
Curious about how to measure or remove peel-and-stick wallpaper? Check out our handy how-to section.
Wallpapering a bathroom might sound intimidating. But with the right material and a little patience, it's 100% doable. (Even if you've never hung a panel before!) If you want to practice the process first, try wallpapering the back of a cabinet door or check out other creative ways to use wallpaper in your bathroom before tackling a full wall.
Curious about how to measure or remove peel-and-stick wallpaper? Check out our handy how-to section.
Caroline is the owner of Funky Paper Co. What began as a creative outlet is now a full-blown wallpaper wonderland specializing in patterns that are hand-drawn, high-quality and always a little bit funky.
Caroline is the owner of Funky Paper Co. What began as a creative outlet is now a full-blown wallpaper wonderland specializing in patterns that are hand-drawn, high-quality and always a little bit funky.
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