Using Bathroom Wallpaper

Although there are so many colorful designs to select from, wallpaper in the bathroom tends to peel off the wall and attracts mildew.

Over the last decade, bathroom wallpapering has lost some of its popularity. But there still is a demand for its versatility.

Professional decorators are incorporating wallpaper in bathrooms again and do-it-yourself magazines, books, and television shows are encouraging homeowners to wallpaper bathrooms, educating them to ensure good results.

Before you decide to wallpaper, make sure your bathroom has good ventilation. Assess whether your current ventilation works well enough with the amount of moisture created in your bathroom.

A system intended to remove moisture from a bathroom used by one or two people might not be able to handle the moisture of four or more people. At some point, evaluate the amount of moisture your household is creating in the bathroom, and whether or not wallpapering is reasonable.

One of the modern improvements in wallpaper used in the bathroom is its backing. All-purpose wallpaper has a paper backing. Special bathroom wallpaper, which is laminated to a vinyl backing, is now manufactured.

This vinyl backing protects the wallpaper adhesive from steam/moisture, preventing peeling. It also helps keep mildew from growing on the wall surface under the paper.

Another way to prevent the mildew problem that can accompany wallpaper in the bathroom is to treat walls with an anti-mildew primer before covering them.

Mildew can sometimes be a problem on the wallpaper surface as well as underneath. Some bathroom wallpapers, come treated with chemicals that prevent or retard the growth of mold or mildew.

Manufacturers don’t create all wallpaper the same, but they do have other characteristics that help homeowners fight fungus.

A smooth-surfaced vinyl is the best choice for a bathroom used frequently to shower and bathe in. Mold and mildew will have a harder time taking hold on a smooth surface, and they are much easier to clean.

Adding textured wallpaper to a “guest bathroom” or a “powder room” gives the bathroom a sense of elegance. Through designs and the right colors, you can express a tone that accents your personality.

Don’t worry about using expensive wallpaper for both of these rooms. It’s unlikely you’ll damage your bathroom wallpaper from excessive steam and you run less of risk of mold or mildew occurring.