comScore
CASACOR
Decoration

Is it possible to wallpaper the bathroom? Find out how to choose

Vinyl or PVC coverings are the most suitable wallpapers, as they are more resistant to moisture

By Yeska Coelho

Submitted at Jan 19, 2025, 7:00 AM

05 min de leitura
Adriana Farias - Hutukara. In Yanomami culture, hutukara means mother nature and mother earth, the one who feeds, welcomes and heals. Translating this concept into a functional environment results in a 37 m² bathroom whose aim is to create the feeling of being in the forest. The curved ceiling in shades of brown, green and blue symbolizes the treetops, the walls in the pattern of jatobá wood refer to the trunks, and the quartzite of the sink reproduces the colors of the vitória-régia, a species that is born and flourishes in the waters of the Rio Negro, in Amazonas. Hydraulic tiles with indigenous graphics form a large panel that expresses thoughts, experiences and experiences.

Adriana Farias - Hutukara. In Yanomami culture, hutukara means mother nature and mother earth, the one who feeds, welcomes and heals. Translating this concept into a functional environment results in a 37 m² bathroom whose aim is to create the feeling of being in the forest. The curved ceiling in shades of brown, green and blue symbolizes the treetops, the walls in the pattern of jatobá wood refer to the trunks, and the quartzite of the sink reproduces the colors of the vitória-régia, a species that is born and flourishes in the waters of the Rio Negro, in Amazonas. Hydraulic tiles with indigenous graphics form a large panel that expresses thoughts, experiences and experiences. (Israel Gollino)

The decoration of bathrooms and toilets is often overlooked in interior design projects. As well as being underestimated environments, there are also those who fail to see affordable and beautiful opportunities to revamp the space. Nowadays, there's no shortage of clever ideas to make every corner look unique. Wallpaper, for example, has become a practical tool for those who want to modify spaces quickly, especially among those who want to add more color and prints.
With a green panel in the dining room, the penthouse gains a new floor during renovation. Project by Escala Arquitetura, In the photo, the bathroom with wallpaper and mirror.

Projeto assinado por Escala Arquitetura. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

Although wallpaper is already widely used, there is still resistance to putting it in the bathroom, as it is a humid environment and the coating can come apart in a few days. This is true, but the good news is that there are now specific coverings for use in bathrooms and toilets, which can be wet without fraying.

What wallpaper is suitable for bathrooms?


Another Human office project

Another Human office project (Lance Gerber/CASACOR)

The use of conventional wallpapers in bathrooms ends up being limited because it is a humid area. The steam coming from the shower or bath doubles the decorating challenge. The good news is that nowadays there are more resistant models that can be washed. This is the case with PVC wallpaperand vinyl, two great options that are totally waterproof, durable and available in different colors, textures and prints. They can be sold either as whole sheets or tiles, which imitate bathroom tiles.
Paola Ribeiro signs 196 m² apartment with a carioca soul in SP. Project by Paola Ribeiro, In the photo, a bathroom with wallpaper and a circular mirror.

Apartment signed by Paola Ribeiro. (Rafael Renzo/CASACOR)

Many of these wallpapers already come with the autocolante option, which makes them even quicker and easier to apply.
At CASACOR, several architects and designers used wallpapers to create a totally unique combination and a surprising look in bathroom and washroom projects. The composition becomes even more elegant when the wallpaper appears as a true protagonist of the space.

Necessary care


Sophia Valente - Asymmetrical Bathroom. Project by CASACOR Ceará 2021.

Sophia Valente - Asymmetric Lavabo. Project by CASACOR Ceará 2021. (Esdras Guimarães/CASACOR)

Even the most practical options also require some important care. PVC or vinyl wallpaper is no different. Here are the main precautions: Clean (almost) dry Although they are more resistant to humidity, avoiding direct contact with water is recommended, as this can compromise adhesion. Maintain the wallpaper with a slightly damp cloth, and don't use abrasive products, as they can damage the vinyl. Avoid areas of high water exposure Position the wallpaper outside the shower, for example. Direct contact with water can shorten the lifespan of the wallpaper, and it will need to be maintained and replaced more often. Ventilation Get good air circulation to avoid moisture build-up and ensure that both vinyl and PVC wallpaper dry quickly and last longer.