I love experimenting with the design of my home, but I’m not always up for a massive project. Between supporting my clients, chasing Beck around, and our new home build, there’s just not much time to tear down walls and repaint entire rooms. That’s why I’ve turned to quick, easy projects I can complete in an afternoon or weekend.
One of my favorites is a simple bathroom upgrade you can do in just a few hours. And the best part, it’s easy to undo and redo again and again! Here’s how to give your bathroom a super fast refresh with removable wallpaper.
Does Your Bathroom Need An Upgrade?
Most people play it safe when it comes to bathroom design. But since the bathroom is a well-loved in space every home, I’m a big fan of using it to make a statement.
Not only is the bathroom the perfect place to experiment with decor and design, but it’s also relatively affordable to do. Since it’s such a small space and you’re (usually) not replacing any appliances or large furniture, you can give your bathroom a total refresh for a fraction of other projects.
How to Choose Bathroom Wallpaper
Believe it or not, wallpaper is back in style! And no, I don’t mean the dingy, floral stuff your grandma had in her kitchen back in the day. Nowadays, you can find wallpaper in tons of eye-catching, modern colors and designs.
Removable vs. Traditional Wallpaper
Whether you own your home or rent it, I always recommend peel-and-stick wallpaper. Not only is it easier to apply, but it’s also easier to remove when you inevitably get the itch to redesign your space. Plus, you can apply it yourself, meaning you won’t have to pay extra to have it installed.
I love Livette’s Wallpaper both for their patterns and because they’re so easy to install. And because they’re designed to be applied side-by-side without an overlap, you don’t get those unsightly bumps and lines you see with traditional wallpaper. Here is a giraffe pattern installed in Beck’s playroom!
Basic vs. Bold Bathroom Wallpaper
Like I said before, the bathroom is the perfect place to get wild! And since it’s such a small space, a little personality will go a long way. I’m a fan of choosing a bold, patterned wallpaper you love and then building off of that to complete the space. Spend some time scrolling for inspiration, choose a pattern that gets you excited, and go from there. I chose this black and white pattern because I wanted something bold that wouldn’t pigeonhole me into sticking with a certain color scheme. Now, I can change the look of the bathroom with some new hand towels or a potted plant. The possibilities are endless!
How Much Does Bathroom Wallpaper Cost?
Depending on the size of your bathroom, applying a reusable wallpaper can be extremely affordable. And if you only do an accent wall instead of the entire bathroom (which I highly recommend!), you can save even more.
Most removable wallpaper brands charge by square foot. Before you order enough for the space, see if you can get a sample sheet. Try it in your space before committing to the whole project.
How to Apply Removable Wallpaper In a Bathroom
While removable wallpaper is super easy to install, it does still require a bit of prepwork. You’ll want to make sure your space has freshly-painted walls, preferably within 30 days of installation. I painted mine with a glossy primer the day before I wanted to apply the wallpaper, gave them 24 hours to dry, and got to work!
Also, make sure the wall is entirely dry before applying. Don’t shower or run hot water in the bathroom the day of installation, and run a dry dust cloth over the surface before you get started. I also recommend wearing cotton gloves to prevent the oils on your hands from interfering with the adhesive. But as you can see in the photo below, do I say and not as I do!
When you’re ready to apply, start at the top of the wall and work in 10-12 inch sections. Pull back 10-12 inches of the backing, stick the wallpaper to the wall, and smooth. Then, just repeat all the way down and with the rest of the panels. When you’re done, run a soft cloth over the entire wall to smooth out any bubbles or bumps.
How to Clean Bathroom Wallpaper
Anything I use to decorate my bathroom has to be easy to clean. No exceptions. (I am a boy mom, after all!) The removable wallpaper I use is water resistant, so I just wipe it down with a damp cloth and then finish with a disinfecting wipe. Honestly, it’s easier to clean than a painted wall!
Finish the Look – My Top Picks!
Once you get your wallpaper applied, it’s time to complete the look! These are the pieces I’m eyeing for my own bathroom refresh.
I hope this was helpful and gave you the inspiration to go bold in your bathroom! I can’t wait to see it!
