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The Spruce / Reese Herrington
Bathroom wallpapers are an excellent way to upgrade these small, yet essential, spaces that can be tricky to decorate. "Not only does this add tons of visual intrigue to an otherwise boring room, but it will feel purposeful and intentional," says Carlie Rice of Havenly. "It will tie the rest of the house together beautifully."
We researched and tested options of various designs, finishes, and adhesive types. Our top choice is Sarah Jessica Parker Grosgrain Stripe Wallpaper, a simple, yet elegant, wall-covering solution with a user-friendly peel-and-stick backing.
Best Overall
Sarah Jessica Parker Grosgrain Stripe Peel + Stick Wallpaper
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Timeless, versatile design
Lots of color options
Self-adhesive, removable backing
Takes weeks to ship
Not returnable
"The best type of wallpaper for your bathroom is one that feels cohesive with the rest of your home," says Rice. We think a relatively neutral design is always a wise choice, which is why we love the Grosgrain Stripe Wallpaper from Sarah Jessica Parker's line.
The thick vertical stripes are not only versatile but also timeless. What's more, they have an elongating effect, which can make your bathroom walls look higher than they actually are. You can choose a neutral color, such as gray or navy, or opt for a bolder hue, like green or pink. Another reason to appreciate the design: It's a lot easier to line up than more complex patterns.
Thanks to the peel-and-stick, self-adhesive backing, it's also a breeze to apply—no glue needed—and comes off without ruining the paint underneath. This wallpaper is made to order, so it'll take a few weeks to ship. And since it's not returnable, you might consider ordering a sample before buying multiple rolls to make sure it'll stick to your walls and complement your space. While it's not the most affordable option, the price might be within reason, depending on how much square footage you have to cover.
Price at time of publish: $90 per roll
Roll Size: 27 x 324 inches | Coverage per Roll: 60 square feet | Material: Non-woven paper
Best Budget
Tempaper Feather Flock Chalk Self-Adhesive Wallpaper
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Courtesy of Anthropologie
Affordable
Neutral and seasonless
Easy to position and attach
Hard to remove and reapply
The best bathroom wallpaper for folks on a budget is Tempaper's Feather Flock Chalk. This wall-covering product features a seasonless and surprisingly neutral swan pattern that'll work well in a powder room, guest bath, or primary bath. You can choose from a handful of background colors ranging from charcoal to blue to chartreuse.
After trying it out firsthand, we gave the self-adhesive vinyl material perfect scores for how easy it was to position, apply, and attach. However, while the peel-and-stick design is removable, taking it off and reapplying it to the wall was a bit trickier. The wallpaper came off without tearing, but it was hard to smooth it back on without wrinkles the second go-around. Still, at under $40 a roll, this well-made, self-adhesive product is a great value.
Price at time of publish: $35 per roll
Roll Size: 20.5 x 198 inches | Coverage per Roll: 28 square feet | Material: Vinyl
Best Peel-and-Stick
Rifle Paper Co. Luxembourg Peel & Stick Wallpaper
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Wayfair
Thick, sturdy paper
Easy to remove and reapply
Smooth, bubble-free finish
Limited designs
"Peel-and-stick wallpaper has tons of benefits," says Rice, noting that they're super-easy to install and unlikely to develop mold, and they stand up surprisingly well to wear and tear. This type also tends to be cheaper, "so on the off chance that you decide wallpaper isn't for you or, more likely, you want to switch up the wallpaper every few years, you can take it down mess-free and without too much guilt or hassle," she adds.
Our favorite temporary wallpaper comes from Rifle Paper. We loved how thick and sturdy the thick, non-woven paper was and appreciated how well it attached with virtually no bubbles. The only potential downside is that the brand offers most floral prints, which might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Price at time of publish: $65 per roll
Roll Size: 27 x 240 inches | Coverage per Roll: 40 square feet | Material: Non-woven paper
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Splurge
A-Street Prints Eclipse Wallpaper Collection
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Attractive, versatile prints
Extensive selection
High-quality paper
Pricey
Tricky installation
If you're willing to spend a bit more to wallpaper your bathroom, you should definitely check out the Eclipse Collection from A-Street Prints. The selection includes a range of attractive, endlessly versatile prints within a black, white, and/or gray color scheme. We're talking skyline sketches, mosaics, floral motifs, woodland scenes, and geometric patterns—to name just a few.
Some of the more expensive designs are close to $200 a roll, but considering the striking aesthetic and overall quality of the non-woven paper, it might be worth the investment. And if you're just wallpapering a half-bath or a smaller accent wall in a larger bathroom, the project might not set you back too much. Beyond the price, one thing to note is that this wallpaper isn't self-adhesive. You'll need to attach it using a special wall paste, which can be a trickier process. It's also harder to remove than the peel-and-stick variety.
Price at time of publish: $160 to $190 per roll
Roll Size: 20.5 x 396 inches | Coverage per Roll: 56.4 square feet | Material: Non-woven paper
Best Non-Pasted
Walls Republic A Tropical Soiree Botanical Non-Pasted Washable Wallpaper Roll
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Colorful, intricate design
Water-resistant and scrubbable
Tear-resistant
Requires adhesive
Pricey
Non-pasted (or unpasted) wallpaper doesn't have the same self-adhesive backing as its peel-and-stick counterpart—it's the more traditional kind people used for decades before temporary paper hit the market. Since you have to apply the glue yourself, it's generally harder to install, but if this is your preference, Walls Republic Tropical Soiree wallpaper is your best bet.
While the colorful design is intricate and lively, it's still seasonless and easy to combine with various design aesthetics. We also like that this wallpaper is water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms and other moisture-prone areas. You can even scrub the tear-resistant material clean without worrying about damaging the print. At roughly $100 a roll, this wallpaper is on the pricier side. But if you're a big fan of the print, go for it.
Price at time of publish: $100 per roll
Roll Size: 21 x 396 inches | Coverage per Roll: 57 square feet | Material: Paper
Best Traditional Pasted
Tea Collection Traditional Pasted Wallpaper Rolls
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Wide range of prints
Durable and scratch-resistant
Works on different wall textures
Hard to install
Not returnable
We also like this wallpaper line from Tea Collection. The visually pleasing selection includes a wide variety of prints ranging from botanicals and stamped shapes to sundials and fruity patterns. According to the brand, traditional wallpaper provides the smoothest application and the most durable finish, and it can be applied to different wall textures, including orange peel and sand swirl.
But pasted wallpaper, as the name suggests, requires a special wall paste. You'll have to buy the glue separately and brush it onto your walls before applying the paper, which makes the installation process a little more complex. But if you're up for the challenge, you won't be disappointed with the results. Other than that, we should note that this made-to-order wallpaper can't be returned.
Price at time of publish: $90 to $475 per roll, depending on style
Roll Size: 27 x 324 inches | Coverage per Roll: 60 square feet | Material: Paper
Best Vinyl
NextWall Starburst Geo Vinyl Peel and Stick Wallpaper Roll
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Complements various decor schemes
Easy to apply
Doesn't leave sticky residue
Not ideal for textured walls
NextWall makes our favorite vinyl wallpaper. Available in four versatile hues (ivory, black, silver, and muted teal), the Starburst Geo design makes a striking statement without being too over-the-top. The aesthetic will work in all four seasons and complement various decor schemes, including modern, mid-century, art deco, traditional, and glam. The price is more than reasonable, too.
This wall-covering product has a self-adhesive backing, so installation is a piece of cake, and it won't leave a sticky residue behind when you peel it off. But since vinyl is generally a bit slicker than paper and woven materials, it doesn't stick as well to textured walls. For this reason, this wallpaper is really only suitable for completely smooth, non-textured walls—orange peel, knock-down, and popcorn textures are probably no-gos.
Price at time of publish: $50 per roll
Roll Size: 20.5 x 216 inches | Coverage per Roll: 30.8 square feet | Material: Vinyl
Best Woven
Serena & Lily Grasscloth Wallcovering
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Unique organic texture
12 colors available
Thick and durable
Not ideal for full baths
Professional installation recommended
Serena & Lily makes some really excellent wallpapers, and the brand's Grasscloth Wallcovering is no exception. Instead of paper or vinyl, the material is woven from natural grasses and fibers, which gives it a unique texture and an organic appeal. You can choose from 12 tasteful colors ranging from black to olive to ecru, and since there's no pattern, the rolls are easy to line up.
But we should note that since this is a thicker, un-pasted material that requires special glue, professional installation is recommended. The brand says it's not suitable for humidity-prone spaces, so while you probably shouldn't install it in a full bath with a shower, it's a great choice for powder rooms. At almost $300 a roll, this is one of the most expensive wallpapers we found, but if you're working with a smaller half-bath, you might not need more than a couple of rolls.
Price at time of publish: $298
Roll Size: 36 x 288 inches | Coverage per Roll: 72 square feet | Material: Natural grasses, fibers
Best Paper
Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Pick-Up Sticks Peel & Stick Repositionable Wallpaper Roll
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Pared-down, neutral print
Easy to line up
Doesn't ruin wall paint
Not suitable for textured walls
If you prefer traditional paper over vinyl or woven materials, we highly recommend Joanna Gaines's Magnolia Home line. Reminiscent of herringbone but more laid-back, the Pick-Up Sticks design is perfectly pared-down and neutral yet not at all boring. And unlike more intricate floral or woodland prints, the rolls are easy to line up.
This non-woven wallpaper has a self-adhesive backing. Though it's not suitable for textured walls, the peel-and-stick format is exceptionally easy to install and remove. When you're ready to take it off, it won't ruin your wall paint or even leave behind a sticky residue. At a little over $50 a roll, the mid-range price is right on point, considering the user-friendly application and overall quality.
Price at time of publish: $52 per roll
Roll Size: 20.5 x 240 inches | Coverage per Roll: 34 square feet | Material: Non-woven paper
Best Design Selection
Chasing Paper Wallpaper
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Lots of prints and patterns
Available in self-adhesive or pasted
Easy to apply
Pricey
Not returnable
Stuck on bathroom wallpaper ideas? Rice recommends adhering to the design scheme of the rest of your home. "If your home is modern and minimal, abstract wallpaper will feel more on-brand, so to speak, than something traditional like florals," she says. If you need some inspiration, you'll find it with Chasing Paper's extensive wallpaper collection.
When you browse the selection, you'll see stripes, florals, botanicals, woodland creatures, damask, starburst, cut-out stamps, citrus fruit prints, and everything in between. And don't be afraid to go bold in the bathroom. As Rice explains, "Unlike wallpaper in a dining room or den, you'll never see too much of it, so you won't get sick of it." Available in peel-and-stick or traditional pasted formats, Chasing Paper is easy to apply but a little pricier than other brands. And since it's made to order, you can't return the rolls.
Price at time of publish: Varies
Roll Size: 24 x 48 inches, 24 x 96 inches, 24 x 144 inches | Coverage per Roll: 8–24 square feet | Material: Poly-woven fabric, paper
Best Neutral
NuWallpaper Grassweave Peel & Stick Wallpaper
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Grasscloth-like woven texture
Easy to position
Won't ruin wall paint
Doesn't work with textured walls
Looking for something a bit more neutral? We're big fans of this minimalist woven wallpaper. It's made to mimic natural grasscloth fibers and comes in your choice of cream, beige, or steel blue. If you're unsure which color to choose, Rice says to "stick to the palette of the rest of your home." While it's good to have some contrast with your design scheme, she says to avoid darker hues if the rest of your home is airy and bright.
Without any complex patterns or motifs, this simple wallpaper is super-easy to line up and position on your wall. The peel-and-stick, self-adhesive backing is also a breeze to install, and when you remove it, it won't ruin your wall paint or leave a sticky residue in its wake.
Price at time of publish: $27 to $48 per roll
Roll Size: 20.5 x 216 inches | Coverage per Roll: 30.8 square feet | Material: Woven paper
Best Paintable
Graham & Brown Beadboard Paintable Wallpaper
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Three-dimensional texture
Easy to install
Washable
Only one color
Not returnable
This simple beadboard wallpaper from Graham & Brown is reminiscent of vertical shiplap or wainscotting. The expandable vinyl material makes it three-dimensional, so you can actually feel the texture when you touch it. It's a great choice for full or partial walls, the latter of which are common in bathrooms. Though it only comes in one color (white), you can paint it any color using a semi-glossy latex or oil-based wall paint. It's also conveniently washable.
Thanks to the pre-pasted backing, this wallpaper is easy to install, but unlike the peel-and-stick variety, you'll have to dip the sheets into a tray of water to activate the adhesive. Like many wallpapers, this product isn't returnable, but at around $30 a roll, we think it's very reasonably priced.
Price at time of publish: $50 per roll
Roll Size: 20.5 x 396 inches | Coverage per Roll: 56 square feet | Material: Vinyl
Best for Small Bathrooms
NextWall One O'Clocks Botanical Vinyl Peel & Stick Wallpaper Roll
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Makes space appear larger
Neutral color options
User-friendly application
Not ideal for textured walls
Rice highly recommends wallpaper for powder rooms and otherwise small bathrooms. "It will actually make the bathroom feel a lot bigger," she explains. When it comes to bathroom wallpaper designs for smaller spaces, you'll generally want to opt for a larger repeating pattern. This will make your walls look wider and taller, whereas a smaller print can have the opposite effect.
We suggest the One O'Clocks Botanical print from NextWall. The design features an oversized floral pattern inspired by dried dandelions, and it comes in four neutral hues to complement a range of color schemes. The only potential downside is that the peel-and-stick backing won't attach as well to textured walls as smooth surfaces.
Price at time of publish: $50 per roll
Roll Size: 20.5 x 216 inches | Coverage per Roll: 30.8 square feet | Material: Vinyl
Overall, we like Sarah Jessica Parker Grosgrain Stripe Peel + Stick Wallpaper. The thick stripes are timeless and versatile, and the self-adhesive backing makes it incredibly easy to install. But if you're looking for something more affordable, go with Tempaper Feather Flock Chalk Self-Adhesive Wallpaper. And if you prefer traditional paper, Walls Republic A Tropical Soiree Botanical Non-Pasted Wallpaper is your best bet.
What to Look For in Bathroom Wallpaper
Material
Wallpaper comes in various materials. The most popular choice is regular non-woven paper, like Sarah Jessica Parker Grosgrain Stripe Wallpaper. You'll also find vinyl options, such as NextWall Starburst Geo Wallpaper. Then there are woven, fabric-like products that have a more natural texture, like Serena & Lily Grasscloth Wallcovering.
Adhesive Type
When buying bathroom wallpaper, you'll also want to pay attention to the adhesive type. Traditional wallpaper (sometimes called "non-pasted" or "unpasted") doesn't have a sticky backing. As with Walls Republic A Tropical Soiree Botanical Wallpaper, this means you'll have to buy the paste separately and apply it to your wall before attaching the paper.
Rice is a fan of peel-and-stick wallpaper, like Rifle Paper Co. Luxembourg Wallpaper, which she says "won't wear and tear and is usually much easier to install than non-pasted wallpaper." It's almost like a giant, heavy-duty sticky note in that you can attach it, take it off, and reattach it without damaging your wall paint.
There's also pre-pasted wallpaper, which is somewhere in between. While you don't need to apply any glue, you'll have to dip the sheets into a tray of water to activate the adhesive.
Finish and Texture
When browsing options, consider the finish and texture. Like wall paint, wallpaper comes in various finishes, like matte, semi-matte, and glossy. Glossy sheens tend to be easier to clean, as they're often washable or even scrubbable, like Graham & Brown Beadboard Pre-Pasted Wallpaper.
You'll also find wallpapers with tactile textures, like Serena & Lily Grasscloth Wallcovering, which can add a nice touch to your bathroom design scheme without any intricate patterns.
Durability
Durability is important too. When buying peel-and-stick wallpaper, you'll want something that resists tearing, like Tempaper Feather Flock Chalk Self-Adhesive Wallpaper. This will prevent the material from ripping if you need to remove it and reattach it.
Beyond that, water-resistant materials are crucial for bathrooms, as they won't swell, shrink, or wrinkle when the space gets humid. As noted, some wallpapers are washable and scrubbable, which makes cleaning much easier.
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Do you need special wallpaper for bathrooms?
The most critical thing about bathroom wallpaper is that it should be water-resistant. Since bathrooms are prone to splashing and humidity, that will prevent the material from shrinking, expanding, cracking, or rippling. Beyond that, you'll just want to make sure the product is suitable for the wall texture you have, as some will only work on flat surfaces.
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Can you waterproof bathroom wallpaper?
If the material isn't already moisture-resistant or humidity-proof, you can waterproof your bathroom wallpaper using decorators varnish. The clear acrylic finish goes on like wall paint and protects the paper not only from moisture damage but also from scratching, tearing, fading, and wrinkling.
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How do I prepare my bathroom walls for wallpaper?
It really depends on what type of wallpaper you're using, whether it's self-adhesive, pre-pasted, or non-pasted. Generally speaking, your walls should be clean and completely dry. If possible, try not to use the shower in the bathroom for a day or two before and after applying the wallpaper, as the humidity can affect the adhesive and even cause the paper to shrink or expand.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product tester who specializes in home improvement and decor. Having installed wallpaper and self-adhesive murals in five rooms in her home, she knows which types and brands stand out from the rest. For this story, she interviewed Carlie Rice, social media manager at the online interior design studio Havenly, who offered insight into different styles and application techniques. The products featured here were selected due to their aesthetic appeal, user-friendliness, durability, and overall value.