There are certain seemingly universal rooms for bathroom design, the two biggest of which are that wallpaper and carpets should be avoided at all costs.

Whilst the latter is very much a trend that should be kept away from any room where water is a key feature, it is very easy with the help of a wallpaper specialist to not only have wallpaper in your bathroom instead of traditional tiles but make it work really well.

Chosen correctly, waterproof wallpaper can provide a more dynamic look than paint and last considerably longer. Here are some top tips when applying rolls or sheets of wallpaper in a bathroom.

Choose Rolls Fit For Purpose

Traditional wallpaper made from cellulose is very vulnerable to steam, humidity, water droplets and splashes that come from baths and showers, which leads to the paper lifting, curling up and breaking apart, which also increases the chance of mould developing.

As a result of this, it is essential to choose water-resistant or waterproof wallpaper rolls, which are typically made of vinyl and thus can be easily wiped clean.

Prepare And Finish To Avoid Mould

If you want to use a non-vinyl wallpaper, make sure to apply a mould-proof primer and wallpaper paste, and protect the paper afterwards with a decorator’s varnish to boost its resistance to moisture.

A specialist fitter will be able to advise you on the best way to do this and will prepare with waterproofing in mind given the importance of protecting the paper during every step of the application process.

Reduce Humidity 

Whilst a degree of humidity in the bathroom is unavoidable unless you do not use it at all, fitting a dehumidifying fan and running it whilst using the shower can stop vapour from clinging to wallpaper, as can leaving windows and doors open.