In this post – I’m sharing how I plan to update a coastal half bath with wallpaper.
A half bath is the perfect place to experiment with bold wallpaper. Since these spaces are small and typically used by guests, they provide a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to make a striking design statement.
The Current Situation
We have a half bath in our new San Diego home that is windowless and dark. The gray wallpaper that’s currently on the walls is peeling at the seams and needs to be replaced. This is a great opportunity to experiment with a bold wallpaper.
This bathroom already has an attractive pedestal sink with a pretty blue pendant above it that we’d like to keep. We will replace the plain oval mirror once the new wallpaper is installed.
Normally I would start this project by picking out a wallpaper before buying any accessories, but I found the perfect blue-gray cabinet at HomeGoods to add some storage to the room, along with a spot for a candle and other accessories. It fits perfectly in the space.
The framed coral picture is one I’ve had for a long time. I think it also came from HomeGoods. It may live elsewhere in our home after the wallpaper install. Some similar prints can be found here at Ballard Designs.
The pretty iridescent candle holder is from a local consignment store. I added some seashells and a candle and it’s perfect for the space. I like to have battery-operated candles in certain spots around the house that are set to turn on and off automatically each evening, making our home feel cozy.
Wallpaper Sources
I have been looking for a bold, dark blue or navy, possibly ocean inspired wallpaper to give the room the feeling of being deep underwater. I’ve been able to find a lot of great designs online. Here are some of the retailers I’ve been shopping and some patterns that caught my eye.
Painted Paper
I love this brand for their modern twist on traditional wallpaper styles. They had several possible prints that I thought would work in our powder room. I originally loved the undersea paper on the right, but as I mentioned above, once I saw a sample in person it looked more black than navy. The other two are still in contention.
Perigold
Perigold has a lot of modern sophisticated patterns, which matches well with the home’s overall design style. For this bathroom, I think the faux grass cloth on the left would be pretty, even though it doesn’t have a bold pattern. The texture is interesting and there’s a nice depth of color.
Serena + Lily
Serena + Lily is well-know for their sophisticated, seaside cottage look. I’m looking for something a bit more modern. However, I found three designs that would work well in an ocean inspired powder room.
Wayfair
I’m particularly drawn to the pattern on the left from Wayfair. The modern abstract design of this wallpaper makes me think of oyster shells or slices of agate. The wave-like pattern on the right is super fun too.
Tips for a Wallpaper Project
Look at Samples in Person Before Committing
I’ve found it’s important to see papers in person because they often look very different than in real life than they do online. For instance, the bottom sample below is described as midnight-blue, but in person it looks black. (Is that what midnight-blue is?)
Choose the Right Type of Wallpaper for Your Project
It’s important to note the purpose of the room that you’re wallpapering. There are several types of wallpaper, including vinyl, non-woven, paper, fabric, and grass cloth. Each type has unique features, such as ease of installation, durability, and design options, making them suitable for different spaces and styles. In places that can be more humid, like bathrooms, vinyl wallpaper is a good durable and moisture-resistant option.
Measure Carefully
If you’re the type of person who breaks out in hives just thinking about trying to measure your space and compute how much wallpaper to buy, then you’re better off hiring a designer from the start. If you like to go it alone, like I do, there are resources you can use online to help you compute how many rolls you’ll need to buy. Most retailers provide an online calculator to help you. All you need is a tape measure.
Select the Right Adhesive
There are basically three main types of wallpaper: peel and stick, prepasted, and nonpasted.
Peel and stick is usually removable and is a good option for DIY projects and rental properties. It’s much more forgiving and can be repositioned as needed. You can think of it as contact paper for your walls.
Prepasted wallpaper has the glue already applied to the back, so all you need to do is moisten it and “book” it to activate the adhesive. This requires a little more technique than peel and stick. It is also a more permanent option that is more difficult to remove.
Nonpasted requires the application of wallpaper paste to the back of the wallpaper before hanging. As with prepasted, you’ll need to follow the instructions carefully to get maximum adhesion. It is also a more permanent option.
Installation
We’re planning on having the wallpaper professionally installed because it’s a job that requires precision and skill. I’m ok leaving this project to an expert, especially since it will require removal of the old wallpaper. If you’re reading this post looking for info on DIY wallpaper hanging, I recommend this guide to help get you started.
You’ll also want to prep your walls before hanging any paper. This means filling any nail holes and smoothing out any lumps or bumps. The smoother your walls, the better the paper will look and hang.
Choosing a Style for an Update
There are seemingly endless choices when picking out wallpaper, so it helps to have a basic idea of what you’re looking for. Whether you love tropical botanicals, geometric shapes, vintage florals, or abstract art, you’ll want to pick a design that complements your home’s aesthetic.
If you like color and pattern, go for rich, saturated hues, oversize prints, or metallic finishes for a luxurious feel. This stunning pattern looks amazing with the dark vanity and gold hardware.
Likewise for this elegant powder room!
This moody floral paper is gorgeous paired with the gold fixtures.
If you’re feeling a little timid about using a large bold print on every wall, you can add it above wainscoting so the print doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Design Tips for a Cohesive Look
Pair bold wallpaper with neutral fixtures, such as white or black vanities, to keep the space from feeling too busy. A chic sconce or pendant light enhances the dramatic bold print of the wallpaper.
Mirrors not only reflect the stunning wallpaper but also create the illusion of a bigger space. The organic sculptural shape of this mirror’s frame complements the palm print wallpaper.
When using a bold print on your walls, you’ll want to keep the rest of the decor simple, with minimalist or complementary accents, like gold hardware or matte black finishes. This mirrored vanity almost disappears against the moody cloud wallpaper.
Final Thoughts
Bold wallpaper can transform a half bath from an overlooked space to one of the most stylish rooms in your home. Whether you prefer a dramatic floral print, a modern geometric pattern, or a moody dark palette, embracing bold wallpaper is a surefire way to elevate your design. I’m looking forward to sharing my final wallpaper pick and completed project with you in a future post. Be sure to subscribe below!
