10 Bathroom Wallpaper Ideas for Color and Pattern

Frame It

One option is to frame your wallpaper like artwork. “Murals often have very large repeats, and this can lead to specific customizations based on the location,” says Sarah Storms, founder and principal designer of Styled By Storms.

In this project, “the borders were trimmed from the panels, so the mural looks like a forever-repeating fabric as it wraps around the space,” she says. “The borders were then applied above the baseboard, around the window casings, around the door, and doubled in the corners.”

Up, Up, and Away

Instead of paint or tile, try putting wallpaper on the ceiling. “The idea was to draw the eye upward and make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world,” says Alicia Fatula, project and design coordinator for The Inn at Little Washington.

Designed by Joyce Evans, the striped approach “instantly adds depth and elevates the space,” Fatula adds.

Small But Mighty

A tiny bathroom is your chance to make a big statement—so long as it doesn’t make the space feel overwhelming or cramped.

“This fresh wallpaper emulates a calming garden that makes this modestly-sized room feel bigger than it is,” says Fatula. “We also layered different prints that complement one another and expand the space.”

More Is More

The color-drenching trend is everywhere, but instead of covering a space in top-to-bottom monochrome, you can instead use wallpaper on the ceiling and walls.

Here, Romanos Brihi, co-founder of Studio Vero, used Constellation by Jennifer Shorto to create an “immersive and atmospheric” space. “The result was akin to stepping into a private cosmos,” he adds.

Layer Patterns and Textures

Walls aren’t a backdrop—they can be the focal point of your bathroom.

“Wall murals are one of my favorite ways to add depth to a bathroom,” says Leigh Jendrusina, owner and principal designer of Salthouse Creative. “While bathrooms can be beautiful without wallpaper, when you add this layer, it makes the space stand out.”

Here, the pastel pink wallpaper emulates the shape of the mirror, perfectly tying the room together.

Dive Into the Details

Wallpaper can make a space look more polished and put together.

“[It] feels a little more special, like someone took time to think through every single detail of the space,” adds Jendrusina. “Anytime a client says ‘yes’ to wallpaper, I know the space is going to be just a little bit cooler.”

In this cozy bathroom, a neutral color palette and warm fixtures are further amplified by a whimsical yet subtle wallpaper.

Form Meets Function

A bathroom should look beautiful, but it should above all be a functional space—a soaking tub especially helps in that regard.

In this room by interior designer Danielle Bloodworth Balanis, the tub and natural light pair beautifully with the bucolic silver wallpaper. “It elevates the entire essence of the bathroom, taking it from something utilitarian and making it sparkle,” she says.

Embrace the Drama

One of the best things about wallpaper? You can go bold and cover the space in wall-to-wall color and pattern—an approach that will really set your bathroom apart.

“A bold, large-scale mural transforms a functional space into something that feels curated and considered,” says interior designer Stephanie Rae. “The key is choosing a wall where it won’t compete with vanities or mirrors, so the art can be appreciated.”

Map It Out

Even a straightforward, neutral wallpaper requires careful planning and consideration. In this space by Studio SFW, the wallpaper works so well precisely because it was well thought out.

“We always start discussing any mural or specialty wallpaper with the client by laying out the proposed design in 2D,” says Rachael Stollar, a partner at the firm. “It’s important to ensure that there’s enough clear wall space.”

Finally, Fixtures

It’s also important to consider how the wallpaper will look against the tile, bathtub, and other fixtures.

“Part of our process is to draw every elevation of our proposed design, which allows us to overlay selected hardware and finishes to scale,” says Stollar. “This illustrates how the pattern interacts with the fixtures and furnishings as it moves around the room.”