Can grasscloth wallpaper be used in a bathroom? (2024)

Can grasscloth wallpaper be used in a bathroom?

Grasscloth can be a great addition to a bathroom or powder room that is kept dry and is well ventilated as it offers a unique organic texture.

In general, we highly recommend not installing grasscloth wallpaper in a bathroom that includes a shower or bathtub because of the moisture it would be exposed to daily. Since grasscloth is made of natural materials, this means that it is extremely absorbent.

Vinyl wallpaper is the most durable of all wallpaper types, so opt for this in areas prone to splashes and splatter. As mentioned above, vinyl should hang around the shower and behind the toilet.

If you're looking to buy wallpaper for your bathroom, then look for waterproof and water-resistant wallpaper. You'll find a variety of these types of wallpapers on the market. Waterproof wallpaper can be installed absolutely anywhere in the bathroom, even directly in the shower, in a steam room, or behind a bath.

Our answer: a grasscloth wallcovering. Grasscloth wallpaper is a designer-favorite option for instantly elevating any room, as it creates a more layered space and brings an element of intimate coziness with its unique texture.

A staple in the 1960s and '70s, grasscloth wallpaper has lately become a hot commodity. A natural material, it's one of the most versatile decor items, complementing almost any style from tropical to rustic, traditional to modern. But despite its good looks, it is a “fussy baby” in the big family of wallcoverings.

If you are looking for a printed wallpaper or other options, you can easily add a top coat of varnish onto any type of wallpaper. Doing so will create a waterproof seal that will keep moisture out and prevent the paper from curling or peeling. It will also make any wallpaper easy to scrub and clean.

Did you know that humidity in the air can also have a negative effect on your wallpaper? Mold grows behind wallpaper when your home gets too hot and humid for too long, and the same humidity can cause your older or poorly hung wallpaper to pull off the wall.

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Does peel and stick wallpaper work in a bathroom?

Many customers ask us, “can peel and stick wallpaper be applied to a bathroom?” We are always excited to answer, “yes!” Bathrooms are one of our favorite places to hang peel and stick wallpaper.

The wallpaper is extremely high quality. The adhesive backing is very forgiving, so you can stick it, remove it, and reposition it as many times as needed. The seams blend really smoothly so it's easy to connect the paper without an obvious line. The patterns are gorgeous and they have a big selection online.

The bathroom experts say using a splash proof or wipeable option is still ideal, as 'these type of wallpapers are specifically designed for high humidity areas,' so if there's a specific design you're after, be sure to check that it's labelled as suitable for bathrooms.

It cannot be cleaned with water or other liquids because cleaning may damage or stain it. Grasscloth wallpaper can be cleaned with either dry cleaning or vacuuming. *When this wallpaper gets wet with either water or adhesive, the dry material will expand.

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Also, grasscloth wallpaper can absorb moisture so isn't a good choice for a bathroom where there's a lot of humidity (faux grasscloth would be an option). Grasscloth wallpaper also tends to be expensive (often 3-4 times the price) and more difficult to hang than regular wallpaper.

Yes, authentic grasscloth wallpaper will always have visible seems. It's part of the look and there is no way of minimizing it. No two blades of grass look exactly alike therefore no two grasscloth rolls, even from the same batch, will look exactly alike.

On the other side of the coin, the imitation grasscloth patterns are looking more authentic everyday. You will not get the smell of natural sisal, but you will get very close to the same look and texture. This goes without saying, but the more expensive faux grasscloth patterns are- the more they will look realistic.

Use mold-proof wallpaper paste, and apply extra paste underneath any areas of wallpaper near a shower. Apply a clear acrylic varnish over the installed wallpaper to boost its resistance to moisture and heat. This will also lessen the chances of the wallpaper becoming permanently stained.

How do I protect my walls around the sink?

A backsplash gives some protection against water, and silicone or latex caulk protect the seam between the top of the backsplash or sink and bottom edge of the wallpaper. Vertical seams aren't the best candidates; caulk would interfere with the wallpaper's contiguous pattern.

Just make sure it's not getting soaking wet on the regular. For example, applying wallpaper INSIDE your shower stall where it will get wet during every shower is a big no-no. (Wallpapering on the wall above the shower stall is A-OK.) Similarly, you can apply our wallpaper as a sink backsplash.

Prevent Mold Growth Behind your Wallpaper: Prep Work

A coat of acrylic primer provides a new, even surface on the wall which makes it easier to slide wallpaper into position. It also prevents the wall itself from absorbing moisture, which protects against mold growth. Make-over: Existing walls need extra attention.

Leaks, water damage, and thermal bridges can permeate your outer and inner walls, and without a way to drain or dry, mold under wallpaper is highly probable. Mold loves dark, moist environments, and the space behind your wallpaper just might be perfect, especially during the summer months when humidity is high.

Neutral wallpapers help to make a tiny bathroom feel larger by instantly creating a bright and airy feel in a room. Sporting designs from every interior style, neutral wallpapers offer you a huge range of design that look wonderful in any home.

Vinyl wallpaper is the most durable wallpaper option. It can take a beating and keep on ticking in comparison to paper and non-woven wallpaper.

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Humidity exposure: Humidity changes do affect peel and stick removable wallpapers, installations of removable materials inside bathrooms can lead to the paper lifting.

The pro's take: “As long as the surface you apply to is clean, smooth and has the correct paint finish, the peel-and-stick wallpaper should last for as long as you'd like to keep it up,” says Rees.

What is the easiest wallpaper to hang?

Peel and stick wallpaper is relatively new to the interior design world, and is the easiest type of wallpaper to remove. It's also the easiest to apply, requiring virtually no prep work or clean up.

Removable paper is not designed to last for decades like non-woven traditional wallpaper. The adhesive in its peel and stick design is not as strong as that used to glue traditional wallpaper in place either.

Durability. Removable wallpaper is not nearly as durable as traditional non-woven wallpaper. The peel & stick paper can peel, seemingly on its own and you will have to stick it back on the wall. The adhesion is nowhere near as strong as paste.

Most natural grass-cloth wallpaper can only be lightly dusted or vacuumed; any moisture in cleaning products will damage it. Faux grass-cloth wallpaper is often made of vinyl, which can typically be cleaned with soapy water and a soft sponge.

Yes, authentic grasscloth wallpaper will always have visible seems. It's part of the look and there is no way of minimizing it. No two blades of grass look exactly alike therefore no two grasscloth rolls, even from the same batch, will look exactly alike.

Also, grasscloth wallpaper can absorb moisture so isn't a good choice for a bathroom where there's a lot of humidity (faux grasscloth would be an option). Grasscloth wallpaper also tends to be expensive (often 3-4 times the price) and more difficult to hang than regular wallpaper.