Can You Use Wallpaper in a Bathroom?
Last updated: July 2026
A practical guide from
La Muur WALLPAPER
SOUTH AFRICA
The short answer is yes.
Done properly, a wallpapered bathroom is one of the most striking spaces in a home.
The difference lies in choosing the right wallpaper – and understanding where and how it should be used.
Quick Answer
Yes – you can use wallpaper in a bathroom, provided you choose the right material, avoid direct water contact and ensure good ventilation.
Modern non-woven wallpapers, particularly vinyl-coated and extra washable finishes, perform well in bathrooms when installed on properly prepared walls away from showers and areas of constant splashing.
The reality of moisture
Bathrooms are not difficult because of water – they are difficult because of humidity.
Steam builds up over time. And if that moisture has nowhere to go, it will eventually affect any surface – wallpaper included.
The solution isn’t to avoid wallpaper – it’s to use the right wallpaper in the right place.
It’s to choose materials designed for it, prepare your walls correctly, and ensure the room is properly ventilated.
Modern European wallpapers — particularly paste-the-wall, non-woven ranges – are made with this in mind.
Can I Use Wallpaper in a Bathroom?
What works
(and what doesn’t)
Not every wallpaper is suitable for bathrooms.
The material you choose has a significant impact on how well it performs in humid conditions.
Vinyl Wallpaper
(Paste-the-Wall, Non-Woven Backing)
Best choice.
Designed for humid environments, vinyl wallpapers resist moisture, clean easily and are the best choice for most bathrooms.
NON-Woven Wallpaper
(Paste-the-Wall, washable/ extra washable)
This is the right choice.
Many non-woven wallpapers also perform well in bathrooms with good ventilation, provided they aren’t exposed to direct water or constant condensation. Always check the product’s suitability on the product page.
Most of our ranges fall into this category.
Scrubbable wallpaper
Durable and practical.
The protective surface allows for gentle cleaning – useful in bathrooms where walls are handled more often.
Paintable wallpaper
Suitable if sealed with a moisture-resistant paint.
The paint layer provides the protection – without it, it’s not appropriate for humid spaces.
Traditional wallpaper
(Paste-the-Paper)
Not recommended.
Paper-based wallpapers absorb moisture, which leads to lifting, bubbling and eventual failure.
These are better suited to dry rooms.
Does bathroom ventilation matter?
Even the best wallpaper will fail in a poorly ventilated room.
Extractor fans should be used during and after bathing.
Windows should be opened where possible.
If moisture lingers in the air with improper ventilation, it will eventually find its way behind the wallpaper.
Where can use wallpaper in the bathroom?
A simple rule:
If water touches it regularly, tile it.
If it’s steam, wallpaper can work.
Wallpaper works beautifully on:
- Feature walls behind a vanity
- Walls opposite a bath
- Entire powder rooms
It should be avoided in areas of direct water contact:
- Inside showers or wet rooms
- Directly behind baths with regular splashing
- Immediately around basins
Preparing your walls
In bathrooms, preparation is everything.
Walls must be:
– Completely dry
– Clean and dust-free
– Free of mould
Any existing mould should be treated properly before installation.
Cracks should be filled and sanded smooth. A primer or sealer helps the adhesive bond correctly – particularly important in humid environments.
Use a high-quality wallpaper adhesive (with a fungicide).
It’s a small detail that makes a long-term difference.
For older or uneven walls, lining paper is worth considering.
It creates a more stable surface and improves the final finish.
A quieter starting point
If you’re unsure, start with a powder room.
No shower. Less steam. Fewer variables.
It’s one of the easiest ways to introduce wallpaper – and often the most rewarding.
Small spaces allow for bolder choices, and the result is always more noticeable than expected.
Common questions
Can I use wallpaper in a bathroom with a shower?
Yes — as long as it’s not exposed to direct water spray.
How long will it last?
With the right product, proper installation, and good ventilation – many years.
Can you wallpaper a small bathroom?
Yes.
Small bathrooms and cloakrooms are often ideal for wallpaper because there is less wall area to cover and the impact is much greater.
Powder rooms, in particular, are one of the most popular places to use decorative wallpaper.
Can wallpaper go behind a bathroom vanity?
Yes.
Wallpaper works beautifully behind vanities, mirrors and toilets, provided it isn’t regularly splashed with water and the room is well ventilated.
Do I need special paste?
Yes.
Use an adhesive that includes a fungicide.
Can wallpaper go over tiles?
Generally no.
Tiles are made for easy cleaning and nothing to stick to them – even wallpaper.
What about bathrooms without windows?
An extractor fan becomes essential.
Without proper ventilation, wallpaper is not advisable.
The Bottom Line
Bathroom wallpaper isn’t about taking risks—it’s about choosing the right material and placing it where it can perform well.
Avoid areas of direct water contact, prepare your walls properly and ensure good ventilation – and wallpaper can remain beautiful for many years.
If you’re unsure which wallpaper is suitable for your bathroom, we’re happy to help before you order.