Wallpaper in the bathroom

The most popular option is vinyl wallpaper. It has a water-repellent PVC layer, can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and is scrub-resistant, so it can usually be cleaned even of heavy stains. One disadvantage of vinyl wallpaper is that it seals the walls, causing moisture to accumulate on the surface. Therefore, with this type of wallpaper, proper heating and ventilation of the bathroom are even more important than usual to prevent mold. Additionally, these bathroom wallpapers contain plasticizers that are not environmentally friendly.

Non-woven wallpapers are particularly easy to use and hold their shape, but they are not waterproof. Instead, they absorb moisture and release it again—so they should not be constantly exposed to excessive moisture. Installing this type of wallpaper in the bathroom is extremely straightforward and can therefore be done even by those with no prior experience. What makes non-woven wallpaper for the bathroom special is that it offers an impressive selection of colors, textures, patterns, and more. From trendy photo wallpaper and wood-look designs to stunning 3D effects, there’s something for everyone. By the way, non-woven wallpaper for the bathroom is also perfect for decorating the bathroom ceiling.

Before wallpapering, you should always prepare the room first. To do this, remove the fuses in the bathroom, lay down drop cloths on the floor, and remove the covers from outlets and light switches (only after removing the fuses). The baseboards can either be unscrewed or covered with masking tape to protect them from the wallpaper paste. The room should also be dry, so it’s best to air it out thoroughly beforehand.

Before hanging wallpaper in the bathroom, make sure the walls are actually smooth. Otherwise, your bathroom wallpaper will end up with ripples. Fill any holes or cracks with a putty knife and spackling paste, then sand the area smooth once it’s dry. Afterward, remove any residue—such as dust or dirt—from the walls. Shining a bright light from the side, for example with a large flashlight, can help you spot and remove dirt and unevenness.

No matter which wallpaper you choose for your bathroom, you should first measure the exact dimensions of the wall or walls you want to cover. Then figure out how many rolls of wallpaper you’ll need and how to arrange them. To help you, you can use a level and a pencil to draw guide lines on the wall.

To hang wallpaper in the bathroom, you will definitely need a special moisture-resistant adhesive. This adhesive provides better adhesion in damp environments, ensuring that the wallpaper doesn’t peel off right away. You should also choose the type of wallpaper that best suits your needs from the available moisture-resistant options: vinyl, non-woven, or fiberglass.

Mix the paste according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the type of wallpaper, apply the paste either to the wallpaper or to the bathroom wall. Then carefully hang the wallpaper in the bathroom, making sure it is straight—ideally along guide lines drawn beforehand. The first strip must be positioned perfectly, as all subsequent strips will be aligned with it. Use a wallpaper roller to remove air bubbles. Cut out holes for electrical outlets with a utility knife. Important: The wallpaper in the bathroom must not overlap at the end but must meet cleanly to prevent moisture damage.

Once all strips of the moisture-resistant wallpaper have been hung, check the finished wall in the bathroom again for air bubbles and unevenness. If there are no further touch-ups needed, the bathroom should be allowed to dry at a constant room temperature of over 20 °C. A drying time of one full day is recommended.