Many people have a particular aversion to wallcovering in a bathroom based on flashbacks of wallpaper peeling off the walls or those hideous designs our parents imposed on us from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.  Nothing say’s “style-less” more than dated wallpaper.  (I won’t add to the detrimental effect by posting any horrific photos.)  It seems countless people have wallpaper avoidance issues which given today’s options and technological advancements are entirely unwarranted.

Wallcovering by Maharam

Notice how the color changes from wall to wall, not an option with paint.  This solid color vinyl has life and movement.

Bathrooms, not powder rooms are humid environments.  Excess humidity causes mold and bacteria growth, neither are items we want in our homes.  Ideally any bathroom with a shower or bath has an exhaust fan to remove humidity though humidity can still be an issue.  This is why a commercial  quality vinyl or TPO wallcovering is the perfect solution for a residential bathroom.

Wallcovering or Wallpaper.  Wallcovering is the current term to define the reality of options beyond paper.  Wallpaper is still available and much of it is way better than choices from twenty or more years ago.  Some of today’s wallcovering options are:

• Vinyl
• TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin – also PVC free)
• Cotton, Polyester, Cellulose or other fibers plus paper or grass
• Glass beads and a boat load of other textural options.

Boogie Woogie - reprinted with permission of Wolf-Gordon

Wallcovering vs. Paint. Yes, there are mildew resistant paints made specifically for bathrooms and this can be a viable option, if you are in a time or $$ crunch and only care that it looks good for a short period.  I prefer the superior cleanability, scrubability and the constant like-new appearance of a moisture resistant (vinyl or TPO) commercial wallcovering.

• Hairspray or make-up is difficult to scrub off a painted wall.
• Painted walls can stain, chip, peel and get dingy looking.
• Painted walls can show condensation drip marks.
• Numerous patterns and textures are available in wallcovering so you can move beyond flat and boring.

Maharam Coil (flat pattern) and Indent (physical texture)

Peel Avoidance. There isn’t a better way to title it.  Today’s wallcovering adhesives are tough.  They are applied, not part of the “paper”.   If installed properly, the wallcovering will stay on the wall and look as fabulous in five years as it did on day one.  The other bonus of current wallcovering adhesives is they can help provide a mildew and mold barrier.

Wolf-Gordon Boogie Woogie in orange with other finish selections

Cleanability. If you happen to get mold or mildew on your bathroom walls it requires bleach and other harsh solvents to remove, along with some significant elbow grease.  This isn’t always an option with a painted wall.   Many commercial wallcoverings are specifically made to stand up to scrubbing and harsh chemicals like bleach.   People suggest just clean and repaint, but I find this cumbersome.  In my experience I can’t not confirm these mildew resistant bathroom paints really do the trick over the long haul.  I’ve had to repaint, to me this is a failure.

Cost. Material to material of course paint is cheaper.  However, it doesn’t have to cost a lot more.  Paint does not last as long as wallcovering.  Paint is not impact resistant like a vinyl or TPO wallcovering.  Quality wallcovering stays looking wonderful for a lot longer than paint.

Maharam Prism in three colors

Prism with other finish samples

Wolf-Gordon Flexuous with colored onyx tile

Editorial note: Commercial wallcovering is neither ugly, generic or expensive.  It is significantly thicker and more durable than typical residential vinyl wallcovering available in any hardware store.  Cost per square foot is often much less expensive than general wallcovering.  Commercial wallcovering is 54” wide and sold by the yard (keeps waste down too).  Residential wallcovering is often 21”- 27” wide and sold by the roll.  People who hate seams LOVE commercial wallcovering.  Commercial wallcovering is best installed by a professional installer, though I have successfully installed it myself…use an installer.  Commercial wallcovering may have the added benefit of anti-microbial and anti-bacterial qualities built into the product.  There are numerous companies which offer commercial wallcovering but my current favorites are Maharam and Wolf-Gordon.