Can You Put Wallpaper in a Bathroom or Kitchen?
Bathrooms and kitchens are often the most overlooked rooms when it comes to decorating, yet a mural can transform them completely. The short answer to the question is yes, you can, as long as you choose the right walls and keep a few practical rules in mind.
Where wallpaper works in a bathroom
- The wall behind the toilet
- The wall with the mirror and vanity (above the splash zone)
- All walls of a powder room or guest WC
- Walls away from the shower and bath
Where to avoid it
Inside the shower, directly next to the bath and on any surface that is regularly splashed with water. Use tiles or glass there. Good ventilation is important in any bathroom, so humidity does not build up.
Bathroom design ideas
- Spa calm: soft botanicals, lotus flowers, misty landscapes and gentle waves.
- Hotel luxury: marble with gold veins or a stone texture.
- Bold powder room: tropical leaves or dark florals for a dramatic effect in a small space.
Browse bathroom wall murals and marble murals.
Where wallpaper works in a kitchen
- The wall by the dining table or breakfast nook
- Open walls in a kitchen-diner
- Walls away from the stove and sink
Behind the hob and the sink, protect the wall with tiles or glass instead.
Kitchen design ideas
- Mediterranean: terracotta vases, olive groves and warm tones.
- Fresh botanicals: herbs, leaves and wheat for a light, natural look.
- Retro: tile patterns and brick effects in terracotta or olive.
See kitchen wall murals.
Which material to choose
We recommend a non-woven material such as Standard (260 g/m²) or Premium (320 g/m²). They are durable and hung with the paste-the-wall method. To keep the surface clean, wipe it gently with a damp cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners. Compare materials on our materials page.
Installation tips
- Make sure the wall is clean, dry and smooth before hanging.
- Let the paste dry fully before using the room as usual.
- Seal the edges around the sink area neatly so water cannot get behind the panels.
Follow our non-woven installation guide for step-by-step instructions.
Preparing the wall
Bathrooms and kitchens often have painted walls that have seen steam and cooking. Before hanging, wash the wall to remove grease, let it dry completely and fill any cracks. A smooth, clean surface helps the paste bond and the panels lie flat.
Ideas for a small bathroom
Bold designs work surprisingly well in small bathrooms and guest WCs. A dense tropical or dark floral mural on all walls creates a jewel-box effect, while a light marble or misty landscape makes a tiny bathroom feel larger. Read more in wall murals for small rooms.
Kitchen-diners and open-plan spaces
In an open-plan kitchen, a mural on the wall by the dining table visually separates the eating area from the cooking area and makes the space feel more like a separate room.
FAQ
Can wallpaper be used in a bathroom?
Yes, on walls that are not directly splashed by water and in a well-ventilated room. Avoid the inside of the shower and the area right next to the bath.
Can I put wallpaper behind a kitchen stove?
No. Behind the hob and sink, use tiles or glass. Wallpaper works well on the other kitchen walls.
How do I clean wallpaper in a kitchen?
Wipe it gently with a damp cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing.