Can You Wallpaper a Bathroom? Yes — Here's the Complete Guide (2026)
Yes, You Can Wallpaper a Bathroom
Bathroom wallpaper works — when you choose the right material. Paste the Wall Smooth from Olive et Oriel is specifically water and humidity resistant, breathable to prevent moisture buildup, and manufactured to your wall measurements, numbered panel by panel. It is PVC-free, VOC-free, and fire-rated. With proper installation and a decorator's varnish in splash zones, wallpapered bathrooms last for years. This guide covers everything: which substrate to use, how to protect it, how to handle fixtures, and what to avoid.
Which Wallpaper Substrate Works in Bathrooms?
| Substrate | Bathroom Suitable? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Paste the Wall — Smooth | Yes | Water and humidity resistant, breathable, prevents moisture buildup |
| Paste the Wall — Linen | Not recommended | Textured surface can trap moisture in high-humidity rooms |
| Peel & Stick | Not recommended | Humidity can compromise adhesion over time |
For a full comparison of all three substrates, see our complete removable wallpaper guide.
Protecting Bathroom Wallpaper: Decorator's Varnish
In areas that receive direct water splashes — behind the basin, near the shower, around the bath — apply a decorator's varnish over the installed wallpaper. This adds a transparent protective layer that repels water on contact. The wallpaper itself is already water and humidity resistant, so the varnish is an extra safeguard for high-splash zones, not a requirement for the entire room.
Ventilation Matters
Adequate ventilation is essential in any wallpapered bathroom. An extractor fan, openable window, or both will help manage humidity levels and keep the room — and your wallpaper — in top condition. Olive et Oriel wallpaper is breathable, meaning it allows moisture to pass through rather than trapping it behind the surface. This is a significant advantage over vinyl or PVC-based wallpapers, which can seal moisture against the wall and promote mould growth.
What Makes Olive et Oriel Wallpaper Bathroom-Safe
- Water and humidity resistant — Paste the Wall Smooth is engineered for wet rooms
- Breathable — prevents moisture buildup between the wallpaper and the wall
- PVC-free — no plastic layer that traps moisture
- VOC-free — no harmful off-gassing in an enclosed bathroom
- Fire-rated — meets safety standards
- Non-woven, eco-friendly — better for your home and the environment
Installation Tips for Bathrooms
Working Around Fixtures
Bathrooms have more obstacles than most rooms — mirrors, towel rails, light fittings, outlets. For power outlets and switches: turn off electricity first, remove the cover plate, install the wallpaper over the opening, cut a small X over the outlet, fold the wallpaper back, trim with a sharp utility knife, and replace the cover. For pipes, measure and cut carefully, leaving enough material to tuck behind fixtures where possible.
Wall Preparation
Walls must be smooth, clean, dry, and light-coloured. Dark or strongly pigmented walls must be repainted to a light, even tone and fully cured before installation. For Paste the Wall Smooth, apply paste to the wall — not the wallpaper — one panel width at a time. Use a laser level for your reference line (never draw directly on the wall, as pencil marks can show through).
Professional Installation
At Olive et Oriel, we strongly recommend engaging a professional for installation, particularly in bathrooms where precision around fixtures matters. Regardless of the installer's experience, they must follow the provided installation instructions for warranty coverage.
Ordering Samples for Your Bathroom
Bathroom lighting is often different from the rest of your home — warmer, more directional, and sometimes windowless. Ordering a 48cm × 40cm sample ($4.99) lets you see how the design and colour look in your actual bathroom conditions. Samples are dispatched within 2–5 business days. Free colour customisation is available on every design if you need to adjust the palette to suit your space. Browse our full wallpaper collection to find designs that suit bathroom settings.
Common Bathroom Wallpaper Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong substrate — only Paste the Wall Smooth is water and humidity resistant
- Skipping the decorator's varnish in splash-prone areas
- Poor ventilation — even breathable wallpaper needs air circulation
- Wallpapering directly inside a shower enclosure — wallpaper is for bathroom walls, not inside the shower itself
- Not measuring carefully — see our measuring guide for step-by-step instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use wallpaper in a powder room or half bath?
Absolutely. Powder rooms are one of the most popular places for wallpaper because they are typically well-ventilated and receive minimal direct water exposure.
How long does bathroom wallpaper last?
With Paste the Wall Smooth, proper installation, decorator's varnish in splash zones, and good ventilation, bathroom wallpaper lasts for years.
What about above the bathtub?
Yes, with decorator's varnish applied. Ensure there is adequate ventilation to manage steam.
