Bathroom Wallpaper vs. Paint
The decision of whether to use wallpaper or paint in your bathroom is a crucial one, as it significantly impacts the overall look, feel, and functionality of the space. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, which should be carefully considered before making a final choice.
Wallpaper: Pros and Cons
Wallpaper offers a unique way to add character and personality to your bathroom. It comes in a wide range of patterns, textures, and colours, allowing you to create a truly bespoke look. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
- Durability: While some modern wallpapers are designed to withstand moisture and humidity, they generally require more care than paint. They can be susceptible to peeling or damage if not properly installed or if exposed to excessive moisture.
- Moisture Resistance: Not all wallpapers are created equal when it comes to moisture resistance. Some are specifically designed for wet areas like bathrooms, while others are not. Always choose a wallpaper labelled as suitable for bathrooms to avoid issues.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Wallpaper offers a wide range of design options that can transform your bathroom. From bold geometric patterns to delicate floral designs, there’s something for every taste and style.
- Cost: Wallpaper can be more expensive than paint, especially if you opt for premium or designer brands. The cost of installation can also add up, particularly for intricate patterns.
- Application: Applying wallpaper can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. It requires precision and patience to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Paint: Pros and Cons
Paint is a more traditional and often more budget-friendly option for bathroom walls. It offers a wide range of colours and finishes, allowing you to create a variety of looks. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.
- Durability: Paint, especially when applied correctly with a high-quality product, can be very durable and withstand the rigours of a bathroom environment.
- Moisture Resistance: Bathroom paint is specifically formulated to resist moisture and mildew. It forms a protective barrier against water damage and keeps your bathroom walls looking fresh.
- Aesthetic Appeal: While paint offers a wide range of colours and finishes, it may not offer the same level of design flexibility as wallpaper. However, it can still create a stylish and contemporary look.
- Cost: Paint is generally more affordable than wallpaper, especially when considering the cost of materials and installation.
- Application: Applying paint is generally easier than wallpaper, even for DIY enthusiasts. It requires less precision and can be done in stages.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper or Paint for Your Bathroom: Wallpaper Or Paint Bathroom
So, you’ve decided to give your bathroom a makeover, but how do you choose the right wallpaper or paint? It’s not just about picking a colour you like; you need to consider a few things to make sure your bathroom looks and feels amazing.
Bathroom Size and Style
The size of your bathroom is a big factor. If you have a small bathroom, light colours and patterns can make it feel bigger. But if you have a large bathroom, you can go for bolder colours and patterns to create a more dramatic look. Think about the overall style of your bathroom too. Do you want a modern, minimalist look or something more traditional? The wallpaper or paint you choose should complement the style of your bathroom.
Personal Preferences
This is your bathroom, so it’s important to choose colours and patterns that you love. Think about what makes you feel relaxed and happy. Do you prefer bright and bold colours or something more muted and calming? Do you like geometric patterns or floral designs? There are no right or wrong answers here, it’s all about what you like best.
Lighting Conditions
Lighting plays a big part in how wallpaper or paint looks. If your bathroom has lots of natural light, you can go for bolder colours and patterns. But if your bathroom is dark, you might want to stick with lighter colours and simpler patterns. It’s also important to consider the type of lighting in your bathroom. Warm white light can make colours look warmer, while cool white light can make them look cooler.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper, Wallpaper or paint bathroom
- Durability: Bathrooms are often humid, so you need a wallpaper that can withstand moisture. Vinyl-coated wallpaper is a good choice, as it’s easy to clean and won’t get damaged by water.
- Washability: You’ll want to be able to clean your bathroom walls easily, so choose a wallpaper that’s washable or even scrubbable.
- Pattern and Design: Consider the size and style of your bathroom when choosing a pattern. Small patterns can make a small bathroom feel bigger, while large patterns can make a large bathroom feel more intimate.
Choosing the Right Paint
- Finish: For bathroom walls, you’ll want a paint that’s easy to clean and resists moisture. A satin or semi-gloss finish is a good choice, as it’s durable and washable.
- Colour: Consider the size and style of your bathroom when choosing a colour. Light colours can make a small bathroom feel bigger, while dark colours can make a large bathroom feel more intimate.
- Mood: Think about the mood you want to create in your bathroom. Cool colours like blue and green can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, while warm colours like yellow and orange can create a more energising atmosphere.
Tips for Installing Wallpaper or Painting a Bathroom
Before you start any wallpapering or painting project, it’s important to prepare your bathroom. This will help ensure a smooth and successful finish.
Preparing the Bathroom for Wallpaper or Paint
The first step is to clear out the bathroom. Remove all furniture, towels, rugs, and anything else that could get in the way. Then, protect your floors and any remaining fixtures with drop cloths. It’s also a good idea to turn off the water supply to the bathroom.
- Remove any existing wallpaper or paint. This can be done with a wallpaper steamer or a paint scraper.
- Clean the walls and ceiling thoroughly with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Make sure to remove any dust, dirt, or grease.
- Patch any holes or cracks in the walls or ceiling with spackle or joint compound. Let it dry completely before sanding it smooth.
- Prime the walls and ceiling with a primer designed for bathrooms. This will help the paint or wallpaper adhere better and prevent mildew growth.
Installing Wallpaper in a Bathroom
- Choose a wallpaper that is specifically designed for bathrooms. This will be more resistant to moisture and mildew.
- Measure the walls and cut the wallpaper to size. Make sure to allow for overlap at the seams.
- Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the wallpaper, using a brush or roller. Avoid getting paste on the front of the wallpaper.
- Hang the wallpaper on the wall, starting from the top and working your way down. Smooth out any air bubbles with a wallpaper smoother.
- Trim the excess wallpaper at the edges with a sharp utility knife.
Painting a Bathroom
- Choose a paint that is specifically designed for bathrooms. This will be more resistant to moisture and mildew.
- Use a paint brush or roller to apply the paint to the walls and ceiling. Apply thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
- Use painter’s tape to protect any areas you don’t want to paint, such as trim, fixtures, and windows.
- Clean up any spills or drips immediately with a damp cloth.
Ventilation and Drying Time
- Make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated while you are working. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Allow the wallpaper or paint to dry completely before using the bathroom. This will help prevent moisture damage.
