A Guide to Using Wallpaper in the Bathroom
Introducing wallpaper in your bathroom is a fantastic way to add inviting combinations of colour, texture and pattern to your scheme. Whether you evoke nature with a botanical wallpaper or embrace a classic floral print, wallpaper can instantly elevate a bathroom.
At Little Greene, we offer an extensive choice of wallpapers, pairing timeless designs with beautiful, contemporary colourways. Discover the perfect bathroom wallpaper ideas, along with expert technical advice for using wallpaper in bathrooms.
Frequently asked questions about using wallpaper in bathrooms
Which wallpapers can be used in bathrooms?
All Little Greene wallpapers are suitable for use in bathroom schemes. For best results, we recommend using wallpaper in well-ventilated bathroom spaces. Our wallpapers are gently spongeable but we don’t recommend using them in areas that come into direct contact with water.
For any walls in the splash zone, use one of our hardwearing, scrubbable Intelligent Paints. Choose from Intelligent Eggshell, Satin and Gloss. These multi-surface finishes can transform walls and woodwork, as well as tiles, uPVC and glass.
How durable is wallpaper in a bathroom?
The durability of wallpaper in bathrooms depends on many site-specific conditions. Heat, humidity and condensation can all affect the longevity of wallpaper within a bathroom environment.
To ensure your chosen design remains looking beautiful for longer, we recommend using wallpaper in well-ventilated bathrooms. Introduce wallpaper on walls where there is little moisture, to prevent the joints from lifting.
How can you protect wallpaper in a bathroom?
You can protect wallpaper in a bathroom environment by avoiding contact with heat, water or moisture. To remove any stains or imperfections, you should gently sponge our wallpapers.
You might also consider using a varnish or sealer to protect the wallpaper. We strongly recommend applying the product on a test area before you hang the wallpaper. This way, you can ensure you are happy with the final appearance once dry, and that it doesn’t affect the colours.
9 wallpaper design ideas for bathrooms
1. Embrace a bold pattern all over on your bathroom walls
Bathrooms are a great place to be more confident with your decorating choices. Add a playful touch to this functional part of the home with bold and quirky prints like our Burges Snail wallpaper. Embrace these designs on all four walls – and even the ceiling – to create a truly impactful scheme.
A bold approach works wonderfully in smaller spaces like a downstairs loo. The confident patterns create a fun, mood-boosting surprise as you open the door. @savageinteriordesign used the warm pink ‘Rosie’ colourway of our Burges Snail wallpaper to design this inviting bathroom scheme.
Explore Burges Snail colourways
2. Add further texture with panelling alongside bathroom wallpaper
Bathrooms often contain lots of hard, porcelain surfaces. Incorporating different patterns and textures for a layered finish can create a more homely, cosy feel. Consider pairing wallpaper with panelling painted in a complementary colour to bring characterful texture to your walls.
Poppy Trail is a flamboyant floral wallpaper that creates a luxurious, elegant atmosphere. Combine the Masquerade colourway with Yellow-Pink on wainscotting on the lower walls for a coordinated look.
3. Consider a monochromatic bathroom scheme
Monochromatic schemes have undeniable elegance, working well in both classic and contemporary interiors. For a smart and understated finish, introduce a wallpaper in a muted neutral or black and white colourway to achieve a monochromatic look. Capricorn is a botanical mural wallpaper that allows you to create connection with the outdoors. The use of the Portland Stone colourway will keep your scheme feeling pared-back and neutral.
Credit: @skylerandmadi @megangieber @clay.banks
Browse black wallpapers for your bathroom project.
Explore Capricorn colourways
4. Invite nature indoors with botanical wallpaper prints
Whether it’s a timeless floral design or a bold leafy print, nature-inspired wallpapers are a fabulous choice for bathroom schemes. These much-loved designs allow you to surround yourself with the beauty of the outdoors. Botanical prints create an atmosphere of calm, comfort and tranquillity.
Our Briar Rose wallpaper draws inspiration from a classic Arts & Crafts design, featuring stylised roses among the foliage. Combine the gentle green Salix colourway with coordinating woodwork for a refreshing, restorative bathroom scheme.
Credit: @its.melissa.ritchie
5. Use a mural for complete bathroom transformation
Using a mural wallpaper can bring impact and transformation to any space. In bathrooms, introducing a mural wallpaper can create the perfect, relaxing environment.
Immerse yourself in the soothing power of nature with the beautiful, deep teal mural, Achillea - Aurora. Allow your senses to unwind, with this luxurious wallpaper providing a tranquil backdrop. Incorporate your walls, woodwork and bath to envelop the space in calming blue and green hues.
6. Pair timeless prints with a neutral palette
Neutrals are a classic choice for bathrooms. A neutral colour palette sits comfortably within the home, creating a space that feels inviting and easy to live with. Consider incorporating wallpaper within your neutral bathroom scheme to bring added comfort, texture and warmth.
A small-scale wallpaper motif like Ditsy Block is truly timeless. It’s simple to accompany with complementary neutral paint shades like Roman Plaster for a cohesive, harmonious scheme.
Credit: @final_family_home
Browse other small print wallpaper designs.
7. Bring character with classic stripes
Popular in the Georgian and Regency periods, striped wallpapers provide a simple way to elevate your bathroom scheme. The stripes offer beautifully balanced colour and pattern, adding charm and personality to your bathroom. These classic wallpapers also offer a great way to create the illusion of height and space in smaller bathrooms. Our Broad Stripe wallpaper is available in five colourways, including the bright and lively Pea Green.
Choose an alternative striped wallpaper for your bathroom scheme.
Explore Broad Stripe colourways
8. Coordinate wallpaper with related paint hues
Incorporating pattern within your bathroom scheme doesn’t mean you have to wallpaper every wall. Adding wallpaper to just one wall can create an impactful focal point. A charming design like Burges Snail – Juniper will draw the eye as soon as you enter the space, adding structure to your scheme.
We design all our wallpaper colourways to match the paint shades in our palette. Combine your chosen wallpaper with complementary paint colours on the walls and woodwork for a beautiful, coordinated finish.
Find more inspiration for using wallpaper and paint in combination on our blog.
9. Create an elegant scheme with florals
Floral wallpapers reflect the alluring beauty of nature, infusing your bathroom scheme with tranquillity and comfort. Each of our floral designs is inspired by a historic wallpaper. We are proud to uncover and carefully rework archive designs for the contemporary home. Ditsy Block is one of many floral patterns that is surface-printed for an authentic, painterly quality.
@mrsjessdaines chose the Masquerade colourway, an inviting pink that partners seamlessly with Ashes of Roses on the woodwork.
Discover floral wallpaper designs for bathroom schemes.
The essentials for using wallpaper in bathrooms
There are many ways to incorporate wallpaper design ideas into bathroom schemes. You can use wallpaper in bathrooms to add character and personality to your scheme.
Botanical and floral patterns work well to create connection with the outdoors for a calm, refreshing feel. Combine your chosen wallpaper with coordinating paint shades to bring a beautiful, considered look to your scheme. Downstairs loos are a great place to embrace bold and playful prints that create impact.
For long-lasting results, introduce wallpaper in well-ventilated bathrooms where there is little moisture or condensation. Pair with our washable Intelligent Paints on the walls, woodwork and even tiles to protect your bathroom surfaces.
Browse our collection of Little Greene wallpapers to transform your bathroom.
