Where should I avoid using wallpaper in a bathroom?

Wallpaper works well as a feature wall behind the bed in an ensuite, on the dining-side of a kitchen, in powder rooms, or on the wall opposite the shower. Be cautious directly inside a shower enclosure or right behind a sink or splashback where water hits constantly — these spots suit tile or splashback panels better.

Is Wallpaper OK in Bathrooms & Kitchens?

Q: Can I use wallpaper in bathrooms and kitchens?

Yes, with the right wallpaper and a well-ventilated room. The problem for wallpaper in a kitchen or bathroom is constant moisture and poor ventilation, not the room itself. A well-ventilated bathroom with an extractor fan or a window that opens is fine for the right wallpaper.

Last updated: 29 October 2026

Yes, with the right wallpaper and a well-ventilated room. It's a common worry, and a fair one.

The real issue is moisture, not the room

The problem for wallpaper in a kitchen or bathroom is constant moisture and poor ventilation, not the room itself. A well-ventilated bathroom with an extractor fan or a window that opens is fine for the right wallpaper. A windowless, steamy bathroom with no fan is where problems are most likely.

Choose a more durable, washable wallpaper

For these rooms, lean towards wallpapers described as washable, scrubbable, or vinyl-coated — they handle splashes and wipe clean. Many of our non-woven and vinyl wallpapers cope well in kitchens and family bathrooms. Check the product page for washability, or ask us about a specific design.

Where to use it (and where not to)

Good spots: feature wall behind the bed in an ensuite, dining-side of a kitchen, powder rooms, the wall opposite the shower.
Be cautious: directly inside a shower enclosure or right behind a sink/splashback where water hits constantly — these spots are better suited to tile or splashback panels.

Set it up to last

Ventilate. Run the extractor fan or crack a window when showering or cooking. This single habit matters more than anything else.
Prep and seal well. A properly sealed, sound wall (see Prepping Your Walls) resists moisture getting behind the paper.
Wipe spills and splashes promptly.

Our honest take

Bathroom and kitchen wallpaper can work well when you match a durable, washable design to a well-ventilated room. If your bathroom has no fan and no window, we'd gently steer you to a different room or sort the ventilation first.

Want a design that's built for damp rooms? Email hello@wallpapertrader.com with a photo of the room and we'll point you to washable options. You can then order a $10 sample to test in the room.