When a client in Surrey approached us about refreshing their master en-suite, they had a bold idea: wallpaper in the wet room. Many people assume wallpaper and bathrooms don't mix, but with the right products and techniques, it's not only possible — it can look stunning and last for years.
The Challenge
The bathroom in question was a fully tiled wet room with a walk-in shower area. The client wanted to introduce a luxury designer wallpaper on the wall opposite the shower to create a dramatic focal point. The wall would not be directly in the water spray zone, but would be exposed to regular steam and elevated humidity.
The main challenges were: selecting a wallpaper product that could withstand a humid environment; preparing the tiled surface correctly to accept the wallpaper adhesive; and ensuring the installation method would provide a long-lasting, watertight result where the paper met other surfaces.
Product Selection
After consulting with our specialist supplier, we selected a vinyl-coated wallpaper with a waterproof surface. This type of paper is specifically designed for use in areas of higher humidity and can be wiped clean. It is inherently moisture-resistant, unlike standard paper-backed designs which can delaminate in humid conditions.
For the adhesive, we used a specialist heavy-duty paste suitable for vinyl papers, mixed to a slightly thicker consistency than normal to provide extra grip on the non-porous tiled substrate.
Surface Preparation
The existing ceramic tiles were cleaned thoroughly with a degreaser to remove any soap residue, limescale, or grease that would compromise adhesion. We then applied a specialist tile primer and allowed it to dry fully before hanging the paper. The grout lines were assessed — where they were deep, we skim-coated over them with a flexible filler to provide a flatter surface for the wallpaper.
Installation
The paper was hung carefully, working from a plumb line to ensure perfectly vertical drops. At the edges where the wallpaper met the shower enclosure, we used a clear sanitary silicone sealant rather than tucking the paper, providing a waterproof seal that also allows for the slight movement that occurs in a bathroom environment.
Bubbles were carefully worked out from each length using a smoothing brush, and seams were pressed firmly using a seam roller. The paper was trimmed cleanly at ceiling, floor, and all edges using a sharp craft knife and straight edge.
The Result
The finished bathroom was transformed. The large-format botanical design wallpaper created exactly the dramatic focal point the client had envisaged, adding depth and personality to what had previously been a plain, functional space. Six months after installation, the paper remains perfectly adhered with no bubbling, peeling, or moisture damage.
Interested in Wallpaper for Your Bathroom?
Our team has specialist knowledge of hanging wallpaper in challenging environments. Contact us to discuss your project.