Bathroom renovation can be quite interested, but at the same time, it is a little bit tiring. There are so many choices regarding design that one simply does not know where to begin.
One recently very popular trend is using a peel and stick wallpaper. It`s simple, doesn’t require much work, but can completely change the look of your bathroom. You may think, can peel and stick wallpaper be used in a bathroom – a place with so much moisture? Answer: yes, it can.
In this article, we are going to look at whether the bathroom is an appropriate place for such wallpaper and what is required to be done so that it can last.
What Are Some Actually Good Peel and Stick Wallpaper?
What is Peel and Stick Wallpaper and Why Is It Popular?
Peel and stick wallpaper means that one side is covered with glue in such a way that you do not need to apply glue or paste during the installation process. It’s certainly perfect for DIY because it is really so easy to apply. You simply peel off the backing and stick it to the wall, ironing it out as you go to get rid of air pockets.
One of the biggest reasons this product has taken off is because of its simplicity. While traditional wallpaper requires a lot of preparation and special tools, peel-and-stick wallpaper lets one change up their décor quickly and easily without hassle. Homeowners love them because they take less time to install and don’t require hiring professionals. They’re also available in many designs from bold patterns to subtle textures.
This wallpaper will work just great for individuals who rent homes or only need temporary changes. Such wallpaper can easily be removed when out to move or they want a different look in their bathroom a good idea for their room.
Types of Peel and Stick Wallpaper
There are mainly two major types of peel and stick wallpapers: rolls and tiles. Each has an advantage, depending on your design goals.
Peel and stick wallpaper roll
: The advantage of using rolls is that they can cover more area with fewer seams and provide a tidy and professional look. These are ideal for when you want to give each wall in the bathroom a similar look. Rolls are also available in numerous designs that can allow you to choose between simple patterns, solid colors, or even complex designs such as floral or geometric prints. Peel and stick wallpaper tiles
: These are smaller, individual pieces of tile made to give the appearance of material, such as ceramic tile, wood, or stone. They are good to go if one is willing to do an accent wall or put a design in just one section of the bathroom, such as above a vanity or a mirror area. Tiles are also easier to work if you have small spaces or around awkward angles, such as corners or fixtures. You have more flexibility in custom design because they can be applied individually, and the placement is more controlled.
Criteria for High-Quality Peel and Stick Wallpaper in the Bathroom
Here are the most important things to consider when selecting the right wallpaper for your own bathroom walls:
Water Resistance: Bathroom environments are always humid, and this humidity can ruin normal wallpaper. Look for wallpaper that is resistant to water or made of vinyl and holds better in wet conditions. Vinyl wallpaper is thicker, more durable, and intended to handle moisture without peeling or warping.
Durability: You want wallpaper to last. It is worth investing in high-quality products specifically designed for bathrooms.
Ease in Application and Removal: Choose wallpapers with the facility to readjust them in case of misalignment during application. This may keep you from frustration if you happen to misalign a piece. Also, make sure the wallpaper can be removed without damaging the surface, especially if you plan to change your wallpaper often.
Peel and Stick Wallpaper Pros and Cons
Benefits of Peel and Stick Wallpaper in a Bathroom
Peel and stick wallpaper can offer many advantages in a bathroom setting.
Easy Installation: Peel and stick wallpapers are much easier to install than their traditional counterparts. You will not have to hire a contractor or buy any expensive gear for this purpose. You just need a utility knife, a measuring tape, and a smoother. If one happens to make a mistake, one can remove the wallpaper and replace the position with yet another without causing any damage to the surface.
Variety of Designs: The wallpaper is available in various designs and patterns. You may choose between wallpapers that resemble tile, wood, and stone or decide on bold, artistic patterns. Its flexibility in design makes it an excellent choice for personalizing your bathroom with your flare.
Water Resistance and Durability: Almost all the available designs of peel-and-stick wallpapers are manufactured for bathroom usage. Such wallpapers come with water resistance properties that ensure they remain practical under wet conditions. Vinyl-based peel and stick wallpapers generally last longer than their paper-based versions and don’t peel or warp under the humid conditions of a bathroom.
These advantages make wallpaper a favorite among homeowners who seek to quickly freshen up the bathroom without all the fuss and cost.
Limitations and Downsides of Using Peel and Stick Wallpaper in a Bathroom
As great as peel and stick wallpaper can be, it does have some limitations.
Moisture Sensitivity: Bathrooms are naturally humid spaces, and over time, this humidity can affect the adhesive on such wallpaper. In areas, like near the shower or bathtub, wallpaper can start to peel or bubble. Even in well-ventilated bathrooms, high humidity can be a challenge.
Temperature Fluctuations: Bathrooms often experience changes in temperature, especially when hot showers are involved. These fluctuations can weaken the adhesive over time, causing sections of the wallpaper to peel off. A well-ventilated bathroom with a good exhaust fan can help reduce the negative effects of temperature changes.
Placement Restrictions: While the wallpaper can be used in bathrooms, it’s best to avoid installing it in areas where it is in direct contact with water, such as inside the shower or directly behind the sink. In these areas, ceramic tile or water-resistant paint would be a better choice.
Understanding these limitations helps you choose the right locations for your wallpaper and ensure it lasts longer.
How to Apply Peel and Stick Wallpaper in a Bathroom
How to Prep Walls for Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Smooth and proper preparation of the wall will also provide good adhesion and an excellent appearance of wallpaper for a longer period.
Cleaning the Walls: If there is dirt, dust, or grease on the walls, then the wallpaper will not be able to stick well to them. Clean your walls properly with a solution of mild soap and water, and let them dry out completely.
Smoothen out the surface: If your walls are textured or uneven, smoothen them out. This helps the wallpaper stick well and prevents air pockets from occurring.
Prime the Wall: Some experts highly recommend wallpaper primer before placing up wallpaper. A primer helps create a smooth base for your wallpaper to stick more firmly onto, probably making it easier to remove if you ever change your mind.
Mold and mildew avoidance: These are those that build upon the walls of a bathroom due to the moist conditions. Treatment with a mold-resistant primer or paint keeps moisture at bay and maintains your wallpaper.
How to Hang Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Once your walls are prepared, you can start installing the wallpaper:
Measure and Cut: Carefully measure the walls and cut wallpaper to size, allowing extra material at the top and bottom for trimming. Make sure to match any repeats in the pattern.
Peel and Apply: Starting at the top of the wall, remove the backing and press the wallpaper onto the surface. Work slowly, smoothing out air bubbles with your hand as you go. A wallpaper smoother or a similar tool does the trick-nicely help see that the wallpaper goes on smoothly.
Align Patterns: If you’re working with wallpaper that has a repeating pattern, pay attention to your alignment on the edges.
Cut the excess with a utility knife: Once the wallpaper is applied, take a utility knife to cut any extra bits along the top and bottom of the wall.
Applying Peel and Stick Wallpaper Tiles
Tiles are great for accenting a wall or smaller areas in your bathroom. General steps on how to install them include the following:
Plan Your Layout: Lay the tiles out to ensure that everything lines up properly. Especially, if working with some sort of patterned design.
Peel and Stick: Each tile is peeled from the backing and pressed onto the wall, carefully not leaving any gaps. Tiles are much smaller compared to a roll, so you will need to be more precise as far as placement goes.
Smooth Bubbles: Working the air bubbles and wrinkles out with the smoother.
Caring for Your Bathroom Peel and Stick Wallpaper
With the proper maintenance, once installed, your wallpaper will be in fantastic condition:
Clean Gently: Regularly clean wallpapers by wiping them with a wet cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid rubbing hard as it may damage the surface of the wallpaper.
Keep the Room Well-Ventilated: Let your bathroom be well-ventilated at all times. This will prevent the buildup of moisture, which may eventually cause the peeling of the wallpaper over time.
Peel Off Edges: In the case of any edges starting to peel off, fix them immediately. Use your fingers to press down the edges or apply a little adhesive to stick them in position.
Bathroom Peel and Stick Wallpaper Ideas
If you choose to use bathroom wallpaper, then here are some design ideas that can spur you into action:
Accent Walls: Add some drama to your bathroom through bold, patterned wallpaper on one wall only. That could be behind the vanity and bathtub or even a feature wall opposite a shower.
Tile Imitation: The use of peel and stick wallpaper tiles is an imitation of real tiles without the hassle and cost entailed by actual ceramic or stone tiles.
Geometric Designs: Geometric patterns give your bathroom a modern and sophisticated look. You can opt for neutral colors in case you want to make the pattern look more subtle, or create a bold statement with contrasting bright shades.
Floral Prints: Floral designs create a softer look that tends to be more traditional, adding coziness and charm to your bathroom. Delicate soft tones relax, while bright-colored flowers make the area more energizing.
FAQs
Does peel and stick wallpaper come off easily?
Yeah, it’s designed to come off easy without damaging the walls. Just peel it off slowly for the best results.
Does peel and stick wallpaper damage walls?
It seems removable wallpaper does not typically damage walls if it is removed carefully. Follow removal instructions for no wall damage.
How long does peel and stick wallpaper last?
In a dry room, it may last for 3–5 years or more; however, in places like bathrooms with a lot of moisture, the time might be shorter unless it is made for such purposes.
Can you reuse peel and stick wallpaper?
The wallpaper is usually not reusable since, upon pulling it from the mold in the bathroom wall, the adhesive weakens, and it is very difficult to reapply.
Can you put peel and stick wallpaper over tile?
Yes, but the tile should be smooth and clean. Grout lines can negatively impact the sticking and therefore it’s more convenient to work on wallpaper edges and seams with thicker wallpaper.
