By Stacy Sarikanon, Stunning Spaces–Decorating Den Interiors
Whether a bathroom is large or small, wallpaper can give it a spa-like look and make it more relaxing and tranquil. And there is a wide variety to choose from. Common types of wallpaper include:
Printed wallpaper is what people typically envision when they hear the word “wallpaper.”
It’s usually mass-produced, meaning it is often low quality and prone to tears. Stay clear of printed commercial wallpaper for a bathroom or powder room because the ink used to print patterns is water-based, meaning the beautiful designs will smudge due to steam and water sprays.
Mylar Wallpaper has an added polyester film that makes it possible to wash, and its water resistance making it a nice option for bathroom wallpaper. Just be aware that it can highlight any wall defects.
Vinyl wallpaper is a popular and widespread option today because it is made from layers of printed wallpaper and vinyl. It’s durable, highly water-resistant and easy to clean, making it ideal for a bathroom. Furthermore, most vinyl wallpapers are peel-and-stick (also known as removable wallpaper) applications, so you won’t be left struggling to apply it.
The fun part is choosing the design. While there are no hard and fast rules about colors and patterns, you can follow some general guidelines for best results.
• Solid colors won’t make it feel busy or chaotic. You can’t go wrong with monochrome. Of course, for some drama, choose a dark color.
• Cool greens and blues are terrific for evoking a sense of calm, relaxation and peace. Warm yellows and oranges can make a bathroom feel homey and welcoming.
• Patterns such as floral or botanical can add flair whether used as an accent wall or throughout the space. Stone, tile or marble wallpaper designs look chic and provide the benefits of the aesthetic without any maintenance hassles.
•To make a small bathroom feel bigger one option is using large-scale prints, especially geometric shapes. Big designs create the illusion of having more space, as they trick the mind into thinking the surface area is greater than it is. Wallpaper that imitates material like bricks, wood or even unpolished concrete can make a small space seem more sizable.
• In terms of color, lighter shades reflect light, causing it to bounce back off surfaces.
Darker wallpaper absorbs light, making a room feel smaller and more compact: however, it can also make a bold statement.
Don’t be intimidated by wallpaper. Tips and tricks are plentiful, with videos. The keys are preparing the walls well and selecting the kind of wallpaper that you are most comfortable applying. Peel- and-stick is the easiest to work with, but the traditional paste-the-wall method is not difficult to learn.
Of course, an interior designer can help from the very beginning of selecting through installation. Don’t let the idea of wallpaper keep you from having a very special spa-like bathroom.
