
Bathroom Designed by Heather ODonovan Interior Design
Question: We want to install wallpaper in our bathrooms, but will the steam that is generated from the hot water make the paper eventually peel?
Many people share the anxiety of seeing all the hard work and effort of putting up wallpaper go to waste due to peeling. It's a vivid nightmare for those redecorating their bathroom, envisioning their beautiful wallpaper peeling off within a few months, often in the middle of a shower.
Answer: It is absolutely safe to install wallpaper in most bathroom or powder room areas.
Modern Climate Control
Most homes and apartments built or remodeled in the last 60 years are climate controlled, maintaining room temperature, including the bathroom, which is connected to your air conditioning and heating systems.
Think back to the Victorian Era—the height of wallpaper popularity. Despite the same heat we experience, their wallpaper is still hanging in some homes today! Nowadays, during the spring and summer, air conditioning removes humidity from your bathroom. In the fall and winter, heating evaporates humidity from long, hot showers.
Addressing Humidity Concerns
There is no reason to worry about steam building up enough condensation or mold to affect your wallpaper. For your wallpaper to fall, there must be lingering humidity. While your bathroom may be humid right after a hot shower, the humidity does not linger for more than several minutes.
If your bathroom has a tendency to get mold or mildew, you might have a problem. Fortunately, most homes have an exhaust fan that ventilates the room, reducing the chances of mold or mildew interfering with the wallpaper.
Modern Wallpaper Durability
Residential wallpaper today is manufactured differently than in the past. Modern papers are made from materials that can be easily cleaned, wiped, or scrubbed. This means you can clean off any toothpaste, shaving cream, hand soap, or water without leaving scouring marks or damaging the wallpaper.
A Great Space to Start
The bathroom is an excellent place to begin your redecorating projects. It's one of the most used areas in a home and a fantastic space to creatively experiment. There are many themed collections available that allow you to create any accent wall you want. Have fun with it!
Hope this helps!