Inspired Projects

How to Wallpaper a Bathroom

Bathrooms are a great space to add bold wallpaper patterns and make a stylish statement.

Just be careful when choosing what bathroom you'll wallpaper. If you're using traditional wallpaper in a room with a bath or shower, humidity may destroy your hard work overtime. We recommend choosing this look for a guest bathroom or a space with great ventilation. You can also opt for peel and stick wallpaper made specifically for humidity.

Follow these instructions to properly install and apply traditional wallpaper for your bathroom.

Cost: $$
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 2 days

Jump to Supplies

A man and a woman washing their bathroom walls with warm soapy water before applying wallpaper.

STEP 1

Prep

Clean the walls with a bucket of soapy water and sponge to remove any dirt and oils before priming and let dry.

STEP 2

Measure

Measure the height of the wall, and mark where the wallpaper strips will be placed.

A person lines up strips of green tropical leaf wallpaper and cuts it to size.

STEP 3

Cut

Use a boxcutter to cut the length of the wallpaper to the wall measurement, with an additional 4 inches. Then line up the strips against the wall where it will be placed, while ensuring the patterns line up correctly.

Wallpaper adhesive in a paint tray and being applied to the back of wallpaper with a roller.

STEP 4

Apply Adhesive

Pour the wallpaper adhesive into a paint roller tray. Using a paint roller, apply it quickly and evenly to the back of the wallpaper. Then fold the strip over itself, letting it sit for a few minutes (see video for a demonstration.)

A man and a woman placing a strip of green tropical wallpaper on their white bathroom walls and smoothing out bubbles and wrinkles.

STEP 5

Apply Paper

Carefully place a strip on the wall. Use a smoothing tool to remove any bubbles or wrinkles out of the wallpaper. This should be done within 10-15 minutes of placement. Repeat until all strips have been installed.

Two people remove excess tropical green wallpaper from their bathroom walls.

STEP 6

Finish

Using a trim guide, remove excess wallpaper off the top and bottom of the strips with the boxcutter. Wash off excess glue with a wet sponge. Let dry and enjoy your beautifully wallpapered bathroom!

Tip: Avoid using the bathroom for 24 to 48 hours while the wallpaper dries.

For added protection in humid bathrooms, consider adding a layer of decorator's varnish once the wallpaper is completely dry.