from the publishers of: Verywell, Real Simple, EatingWell, Shape, Parents, Health and Allrecipes
Some rules are meant to be broken, especially with interior design. That said, others are encouraged for a reason, one of them being knowing the rooms that fare better without wallpaper.
Wallpaper is a fun little switch-up from paint that adds texture, color, and personality, but not every room is cut out for installation.
We spoke with three designers who shared the rooms they’d skip wallpapering, the ones they find are best for it, and how to make a space feel stylish regardless.
While no room is fully off limits, the one place you should really never wallpaper is the primary bathroom. It’s the least conducive environment for maintaining your wallpaper over time. You’ll end up spending more on having to replace or repair it.
“The primary bathroom typically receives heavy use and is a space where water use needs to be considered,” explains Katie Burnet, lead designer at Rumor Designs. “Wallpaper is a more delicate wall finish in terms of durability.”
On that note, wet, steamy rooms in general don’t always do best with wallpaper, including guest baths and kitchens. If you are going down that route, explains Sarah Hart, owner and principal designer at Sarah Hart Interior Design, says be selective.
“In high-humidity spaces like bathrooms, for example, a vinyl or performance wallpaper is usually the smarter choice for durability,” she says.
Another room you probably shouldn’t cover in wallpaper is the kitchen, according to Terri Brien, principal designer and owner of Terri Brien Interiors. She points out that even though some wallpapers are more durable, the grease, heat, steam, and food particles can build up over time.
“On wallpaper, that buildup can lead to discoloration, staining, bubbling, and even peeling,” explains Brien. “It may not happen right away, but it almost always shows up eventually, especially in hardworking kitchens.”
Instead, she says try stone countertops, chic backsplashes, stone mosaics, or relief tiles to bring in color and texture.
Finally, skip wallpapering open concept spaces or single walls. Hart notes that wall coverings are meant to define, and they can’t do so in these areas—it just looks unfinished and non-committal.
“I would say do the entire room or nothing,” she says. “And if you want to kick it up a notch, select a color from the wallpaper and also paint the trim/casings and ceiling in this complementary color.”
If you had your wallpaper all picked out for your primary bathroom, don’t worry. Here are a few different things you can try to infuse personality and design into the space.
Whether it’s beadboard, shiplap, crown molding, or wainscoting, there are many ways wood paneling can infuse a bathroom with personality.
“Wood wainscoting can be painted in a fun color with a higher sheen paint, making it more durable,” Burnet says.
Consider small details and finishes, including hardware. This leaves a bigger impression than you’d think.
“Hardware can change the personality of a space, so consider the vanity pulls, as well as hand towel rings, towel bars, hooks, etc., to add some creative flair,” says Burnet.
You don’t have to settle for just a matte or glossy paint. Whether it’s limewash, paints with texture within its mixture, or plaster, there are plenty of options for giving dimension to your bathroom without wallpaper.
Instead of wood or wallpaper, try tile on the walls. These offer instant texture and more durability.
“Tile wainscoting is another option, and if you’re using a colored or textured tile, it can add a lot of personality,” says Burnet.
Rather than white or neutrals, choose a tile or paint color in a more eye-catching shade. This won’t be as high-maintenance as wallpaper, but will offer just as much visual interest.
Here are six places in your home where wallpaper works best, according to the designers: