Those who are looking for an alternative to classic tiles for their bathroom or simply want to make the room a little more varied and original, should take a closer look at the possibilities offered by wallpaper for the bathroom.
This wall design comes with the great advantage that the wallpapers are offered in numerous structures, patterns and colors. In addition, the wallpapers can be easily installed on their own and, unlike the tiles, do not have joints that require intensive cleaning.
The requirements for wallpaper for the bathroom
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However, when it comes to finding the right wallpaper for the walls in the bathroom, attention should not be paid exclusively to the appearance. It is also important that the material or its properties are suitable for the wet room. Woodchip and paper wallpapers, for example, are not recommended because they swell quickly when they come into contact with water.
As a rule, the packaging of the wallpaper indicates which care properties are to be taken into account. This allows you to quickly see whether the respective product is suitable for the bathroom.
The minimum requirements in this regard consist of a wash resistance or, ideally, a high wash resistance. These terms indicate that soiling on the wallpaper can be removed with a damp cloth and that it is insensitive to splash water. In addition, scrub-resistant wallpaper can also be cleaned with mild detergent and a brush or sponge. Especially for wall surfaces that are exposed to high loads, such as the area behind the sink, scrub-resistant wallpaper should definitely be chosen.
Which types of wallpaper are suitable for the bathroom?
In the trade, you can find many different types of wallpaper, which are designed to be water-repellent and robust. Thus, they are also suitable for wet rooms. The wallpaper is then to be selected according to its specific characteristics and the individual requirements, which are to be fulfilled by it. In addition, of course, personal taste and the general style of decorating the bathroom are also decisive.
The fiberglass wallpaper
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Fiberglass wallpapers are characterized by the fact that they are resistant to mold growth. They are considered particularly durable and robust.
If the fiberglass wallpapers are painted over with latex paint, an almost sterile surface is created, the color of which can be freely chosen according to personal taste. However, the removal of this type of wallpaper can prove to be quite laborious, as its attachment is carried out with the help of dispersion adhesive.
The non-woven wallpaper
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Non-woven wallpapers are available in many different colors and motifs. Splashing water is no problem for these dimensionally stable wallpapers, but they should not be installed in the direct vicinity of the shower.
The water-repellent surface can be strengthened if after the application of the wallpaper is still an additional protective coating.
The vinyl wallpaper
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Vinyl wallpaper is made of a combination of vinyl and paper, which gives the surface water-repellent properties.
Due to their high abrasion resistance, they are ideal for use in the bathroom.
Plaster or wallpaper? The comparison
In the bathroom, wallpaper, which is available in a variety of different motifs, textures and colors, creates an extremely inviting and cozy atmosphere. Plaster, on the other hand, looks much more sterile in direct comparison.
Due to showering and bathing, the air in the bathroom contains a lot of moisture, which hits the surfaces as condensation. The smaller the bathroom, the more moisture the walls have to absorb per meter.
A plaster made of lime-cement or lime is able to effectively absorb moisture and then continuously release it back into the air in the room. In addition, the special composition of the plaster also effectively prevents mold growth. However, gypsum plasters need an additional layer to be able to reliably repel moisture.
If non-woven, fiberglass or vinyl wallpapers are wallpapered without gaps, they prove to be water-repellent and likewise leave hardly any chance for the formation of mold in the bathroom. Nevertheless, decorative panels or tiles should ideally be used in the shower area.
Full wallpapering or setting accents?
If it comes to the decision whether the bathroom should be completely wallpapered or the wallpaper should only provide exciting accents, depends primarily on the layout and size of the room.
If the motif of the wallpaper is more likely to be restless and eye-catching, it is usually more advisable to use it only selectively, for example, in the form of an accent wall. However, so that the motif is then really perfectly staged, there should not be a large mirror, radiator or hooks on the respective wall.
If discreet patterns of wallpaper are chosen, however, even a large-scale wallpapering of the room does not pose a problem. A great popularity in the bathroom enjoys, for example, wallpaper with maritime motifs. However, care should be taken that the room does not look too squat or dark due to the large-scale wallpapering.
If the bathroom has a window, more daylight generally enters the room, so that in this case darker patterns and colors can be chosen without hesitation. The surfaces that come into contact with moisture and dirt particularly often, should be equipped with particularly resistant wallpaper.
In this context, a great option is also to combine a half-height tile backsplash with wallpaper. However, it is also conceivable to combine wooden panels and wood with a beautiful wallpaper to make the bathroom particularly cozy and comfortable. However, the wood used must then be pre-treated to ensure comprehensive protection against moisture.
The wallpapering in the bathroom
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Compared to the other rooms of the apartment, some things must be taken into account when it comes to wallpapering the bathroom. For example, as already mentioned, it is essential to leave out the shower when large-scale wallpapering with fiberglass or vinyl wallpaper. After all, their water-repellent properties are not enough to be exposed to jet water for a long time.
Before starting the wallpapering work, it is also necessary to make sure that the surface proves to be completely dry and clean. Due to the high humidity in the bathroom, an uneven substrate can quickly cause the wall covering to swell and peel. Uneven areas and holes should therefore be repaired before wallpapering, and an adhesive primer should also be applied to the wall.
Photo: spa-ambiente.de
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Those who are looking for an alternative to classic tiles for their bathroom or simply want to make the room a little more varied and original, should take a closer look at the possibilities offered by wallpaper for the bathroom.
This wall design comes with the great advantage that the wallpapers are offered in numerous structures, patterns and colors. In addition, the wallpapers can be easily installed on their own and, unlike the tiles, do not have joints that require intensive cleaning.