Bathroom wallpaper ideas – how to create big impact with beautiful print

If you're bored of your bathroom and looking for more decoration, embrace pattern and colour with our round up of amazing bathroom wallpaper ideas. Get ready to be wowed with wallpaper...

Lara Sargent

Lara loves writing about every aspect of the home – from the latest colour trends to emerging designs. She has a lot of experience writing about home trends and interior advice for leading titles such as The Telegraph, Metro, and Homes & Gardens.

Bathroom wallpaper ideas can often be a missed decorating opportunity. We might shrug off wallpaper as unsuitable for the humid and moist conditions of an en-suite, cloakroom or bathroom.

But our inspiring bathroom wallpaper ideas are here to change your mind. From ditsy florals to neutral Scandi prints, let us show you how bathroom wallpaper can pep up a tired space and be as dramatic as decorating with tiles and paint.

Wallpaper ideas for bathroom

The key is to use the right type of wallpaper. Seek out wallpapers with vinyl, wipeable coatings and make sure bathrooms are well-ventilated.

Then, you can harness so many exciting bathroom wallpaper ideas.

• Paper just one wall of the bathroom – or go all out on a vibrant, buzzy pattern on all four walls of a downstairs loo. Even the ceiling if you’re feeling brave!

• Wallpaper bathroom ideas are quick and simple too – you can see the results almost instantly.

• Why not try your hand at wallpapering the bathroom – get tons of tips by reading our how to hang a wallpaper blog.

• We do recommend hiring the expertise of a professional decorator who can create an expert finish. This is crucial in bathrooms where these traditionally smaller spaces have tricky corners and awkward pipework, basins and baths to work around.

Pop your postcode in the handy search bar below and find recommended decorators in your area.

Bathroom wallpaper ideas

Add a seriously cool design statement with bathroom wallpaper. However big or small your space, wallpaper ideas are quick, budget-friendly and big on impact.

Here are some of our favourite bathroom wallpaper ideas.

1. Try funky bathroom wallpaper ideas in a cloakroom

Cloakrooms are the perfect spot to experiment with a funky wallpaper that you might not dare to use elsewhere.

Colourful abstract prints will help you achieve a joyful mood, every single day.

Don't forget small spaces need less rolls of wallpaper too so it's a perfect solution if you've got your heart set on a pricey design.

Standard wallpaper should be okay in a downstairs toilet as there is less splash and moisture than the main bathroom.

2. Look to the ceiling for bathroom wallpaper ideas

Consider wallpapering the ceiling to create the focal point in a small bathroom. Stick to a plain white bathroom suite and let loose with graphic artwork overhead.

Don’t forget to treat standard wallpaper in a compact bathroom with a tough sealant to make it waterproof. Ask your decorator for more advice before you buy.

3. Pair bathroom wallpaper ideas with panelling

Pairing wallpaper with panelling below is a good way to create a top-end look in the bathroom.

Along with the freestanding tub and chequerboard floor tiles, this classic monochrome wallpaper would suit a gorgeous traditional style bathroom.

Try wooden or mdf wall panels, painted in a tough and scrubbable eggshell, in areas that might bet splashed.

4. Enhance wallpaper ideas with bold complementary paintwork

Wallpaper is a fabulous decorating tool for adding texture and pattern in well ventilated bathrooms.

Take the look up a notch by painting woodwork in a bold deep hue.

The navy coloured skirting boards, coving and door frames inject a sharp, contemporary contrast to the whimsical wallpaper.

Look for complementary paint shades that will enhance the wallpaper colour palette.

Standard wallpaper should be okay if you have a large bathroom and good ventilation.

5. Perk up a plain suite with wallpaper bathroom ideas

Perk up a plain white bathroom suite with a visually striking wallpaper. Creating a bold feature wall in one area of the bathroom is guaranteed to inject instant wow factor for very little.

This geo-print wallpaper in a warm ochre shade creates the appearance of tiles but offers a much quicker bathroom upgrade. And don't forget, it's easier to swap or paint over wallpaper, whereas tiles are a bigger design commitment.

Remember to use specialist bathroom wallpapers in smaller space. For more advice, read our handy blog and find how much you'll need to budget for wallpapering costs.

6. Embrace vintage wallpaper bathroom ideas

Create a luxe Victorian-style bathroom for the 21st century with highly decorative wallpaper.

The combination of heritage duck-egg blue panels with a charming, pictorial wallpaper above, offers a cosy, country vibe you'll adore.

Wall panelling is a great alternative to tiles - it also means that wallpaper is kept out of the wet zones of the bathrooms.

Pair the wallpaper with matching window blinds for serious vintage cool.

7. Choose the right spot for bathroom wallpaper ideas

Protect wallpaper by keeping it out of the main splash zones of the bathroom such as around the shower or bath.

It's a good idea to add a clear acrylic or glass splashback to the rear of a basin so you can still see the wallpaper but it won't be in danger of water damage.

Finally, harness the biophilic trend with big botanical patterns and pair with a profusion of real plants for the freshest indoor jungle.

8. Try an oversized pattern in a large bathroom

Choose a large scale wallpaper print or wall mural in larger bathrooms so there's space for the pattern to stretch out and be enjoyed.

This chic, Scandinavian style bathroom offers a serene bathing bolthole thanks to the neutral feather print paper.

Next, match with natural materials and fuss-free fittings and add plenty of hanging plants for a spa-inspired bathroom.

9. Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated

You'll need to ensure your bathroom has good ventilation if you're planning to decorate with wallpaper. This means keeping the windows and doors open (especially during showering and bathing) or using an extractor fan.

Keeping a bathroom well ventilated is crucial when you're hanging wallpaper to stop any peeling. Wherever possible use specialist vinyl wallpaper that's tough and waterproof.

But if you are going with standard wallpaper, use super strong wallpaper adhesive to avoid lifting.

For more advice, contact a professional decorator who has been recommended by people living in your area.

10. Create a bold focal point with wallpaper ideas for bathroom

Flower power wallpaper prints will instil a happy mood every time you use the bathroom.

Choose a focal point area of the bathroom, such as a vanity basin, for maximum impact.

Then, pick out a bold colour from the wallpaper print and use on cabinetry to create a harmonious design. Don't forget to use tough, eggshell paint that can withstand the high humidity levels of a bathroom.

Finish off with classic brass taps and mirror for a truly fabulous bathroom decor that's worthy of a five-star hotel.

11. Balance a botanical wallpaper with white tiles

Pairing a blowsy tropical print with white mosaic tiles will breathe life into every part of the decor.

On the bottom half, fresh white surfaces are wipeable, practical and splash proof. Then, at the top, personality-packed walls that will give guests something to talk about when they use your downstairs cloakroom.

Dare to be different and create spaces you'll love for years to come.

12. Introduce shimmery wallpaper bathroom ideas

Choosing a wallpaper with a slight shimmer will help add radiance to a bathroom.

This pewter and black wallpaper is undeniably dramatic and perfect for en-suite bathrooms if you fancy continuing the same luxe metallic colour palette into the bedroom.

Just add glitter accessories and a baroque mirror and your work here is done!

FAQs

Which tradespeople should you use for the bathroom?

A painter and decorator who can expertly hang wallpaper and advise on what materials to use.

A bathroom designer can expertly plan your new bathroom, including any tricky layouts.

A bathroom fitter to install your new bathroom to the design.

An electrician for any electrical work with lighting or extractor fans.

You may also need a tiler for your walls or flooring.