Ways to level walls
Almost all options for finishing the bathroom provide for preliminary alignment of the walls. There are two ways - using plaster and drywall. Plastering is a longer and more expensive process, but takes up less space - when plastering, the existing irregularities are filled. You can quickly level the walls in the bathroom with drywall and it will cost less. And that's a plus. But at the same time, at least 6 cm will “leave” on each wall (5 cm profile + 1.2 cm GVL thickness). And this is a solid minus, especially in small bathrooms. Another point: you can attach heavy things or equipment to drywall walls only if you have previously installed mortgages - a wooden bar or steel strips fixed to the wall. And this is additional costs and difficulties.
The walls in the bathroom are leveled with plaster according to the installed beacons
Whatever way you choose to level the walls and ceiling in the bathroom, you must take into account the high humidity of this room. Therefore, all materials are taken moisture resistant:
- The plaster is chosen on the basis of cement. You can use plaster, but in which it is indicated that it can be used in wet rooms. It would be nice if the composition also included antibacterial components - against the development of fungus and mold.
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If the option of leveling the walls with gypsum plasterboard is chosen, it is taken moisture resistant, the frame is made of a galvanized profile. When puttying, special compositions are chosen for rooms with high humidity.
After leveling the walls by any of the methods, the surfaces are prepared for finishing. For laying tiles, evenly plastered walls or primed drywall are sufficient. Putty is required for wallpapering and applying decorative plaster. The surface must be perfect for painting, therefore the putty is applied in several layers (usually two are enough, but sometimes more).
There is an option for finishing the bathroom, under which the walls are not leveled - PVC wall panels. They are mounted on the crate, so the degree of curvature of the walls is unimportant.
Bathroom wallpaper
Wallpaper in the bathroom can be a great design solution to create a cozy and comfortable place to stay.
Yes, some time ago, a wallpapered bathroom was considered a budget renovation option. Sometimes the wallpaper was replaced with oilcloth or self-adhesive film.
The paper base does not withstand for a long time in an atmosphere of high humidity, the wallpaper lags behind the walls, mold appears, and a fungus starts.
At the first opportunity, they were replaced with more expensive and durable ceramic tiles. I did it for life!
Currently, the production of non-woven wallpaper for bathrooms has been launched. The wallpaper is becoming less and less susceptible to external influences and can easily hold out in the bathroom for quite a long time.
Yes, of course, even the most moisture-resistant wallpaper for the bathroom cannot compete with ceramic tiles in terms of durability, but is this really such a plus? To change the interior of the bathroom, "packed in ceramics", you have to prepare housing, as for a major renovation. Where is it easier to re-paste the wallpaper? After all, there can be wallpaper and stone!
For some, a wallpapered bathroom is the designer chic of the latest generation of interiors. Wallpaper, of course, must be expensive. Sanitaryware with expensive wallpaper should also not be the easiest.
The most common wallpaper in the bathroom, which has a semantic association with the bedroom, that is, in addition to the Jacuzzi, it has a dressing table with a mirror or dressing table.Of course, the area of such a bathroom is not a standard few square meters of "Soviet" apartments.
What wallpapers are for the bathroom
Types of wallpaper for the bathroom:
- Vinyl
- Liquid wallpaper
- Wall mural
- Glass fiber
Wallpaper for the bathroom must be waterproof. They have a special designation on the packaging, it is difficult to make a mistake - three waves.
Suitable for the bathroom vinyl wallpaper. They easily tolerate prolonged contact with water and rough wet cleaning. Self-adhesive wallpapers belong to the same type, but they look quite cheap, therefore, designers are not considered as an option.
Liquid wallpaper. After a special post-treatment with acrylic paints and varnish, they are also quite suitable for finishing the bathroom.
Wallpaper. An interesting option, but for pasting the entire room, most likely, you will have to make such wallpapers to order. This will cost significantly more.
Glass fiber. A unique and ideal material for finishing the bathroom. Made of glass, they perfectly coexist with any environment. In terms of durability, glass fiber can even compete with ceramic tiles.
How to glue wallpaper in the bathroom?
Wallpaper in the bathroom is glued in the same way as in ordinary rooms: on a pre-aligned and primed wall using special glue, which is applied either to the surface for pasting or to a sheet of wallpaper.
The glue, however, will be slightly different in its properties from the universal wallpaper glue that is most often used. It must contain anti-fungal additives, and it must be water resistant.
In addition, moldings are installed at the joints between the sheets, where the wallpaper can diverge from moisture.
Coloring and drawings of wallpaper for the bathroom
- one-color (palette without restrictions), the most common colors are blue-blue, beige, white;
- geometric pattern, ornament (“the cell is always in fashion”), you should avoid glossy wallpaper with a geometric pattern, as it will create a feeling of imitation tiles (“what’s the point then?”);
- floral motifs - the most comfortable option, preferably a small flower, or a combination of plain wallpaper with floral wallpaper.
- country - style and "colonial strip" can get a very original interior, if you combine it with some "cute little things";
- marine motifs - in the collections of elite wallpapers you can find whole panels on the marine theme, all kinds of boats and shells - just right for bathrooms.
- "abstract motifs" - a modern style, there are very original drawings that affect some special strings in the soul, "a la Imaginarium";
- black and white wallpapers, leather-look wallpapers, urban motifs - something that is not desirable for a bathroom, rest in such an environment is doubtful.
Time does not stand still. The world is changing, we are changing, so let the walls around us change as often as we want.
Wallpaper in the bathroom is beauty, obedient fantasy!
Wallpaper in the bathroom we weigh the disadvantages and advantages
The main disadvantages that impede decorating the bathroom with wallpaper are well known. First of all, it is hygroscopicity - the ability of the paper base to absorb (saturate) water vapor, due to which, over time, the wallpaper begins to swell, and then completely peel off. In addition, the adhesive itself, under the influence of temperature and moisture, loses its properties.
The advantages of wallpaper allow you to insist on considering them as a bathroom design element.
But, if, having provided for all these shortcomings, you choose the right materials (for example, glue - with increased adhesion and antifungal composition), then you can appreciate the undoubted advantages:
cost-effectiveness - the design of the bathroom and wallpapering will significantly reduce the cost of repairs compared to laying tiles.When wallpapering, the cost of a finished 1 sq.m wall covering (including materials and work) will be almost an order of magnitude less than when using tiles
The area of the bathroom is quite small, which saves both the cost of work and the time spent on it.
High-quality bathroom design using wallpaper will cost less than using tiles
ease of installation - it is quite possible to do it on your own, unlike installing plastic panels or laying tiles without involving specialists, which gives additional savings
Wallpapering is probably the most common skill
maintainability - if necessary, just glue the wallpaper if some part has moved away. If the old interior is tired, then it is enough to simply update it. Carrying out such a mini-repair will not require large financial investments and great efforts.
Decorating the walls of the bathroom with wallpaper makes it possible to experiment relatively often, in any case, compared to tiles
The wallpaper is easy to dismantle, but you will have to tinker with the tiles, plus - the dismantling of the tile is a very dusty process. If mold appears on the wall covering due to insufficient ventilation, it will be easy to remove the wallpaper, treat the walls with a disinfectant (anti-fungal) coating and paste new wallpaper
The very principle of working with wallpaper greatly simplifies the re-repair in the bathroom
decorativeness - the ability to select wallpapers that are diverse in pattern, color and texture, while no other wall covering option can offer such a wide selection of options
Well-chosen wall murals will perfectly complement the interior of the bathroom.
The ability to use wallpaper in the bathroom allows you to significantly expand the range of design ideas.
Painting
Painting is a traditional way of decorating walls in wet rooms, almost forgotten for some time due to the impracticality and unattractiveness of the resulting coating. The paint was only oil, the walls were not very smooth (to put it mildly), in general, the view turned out to be miserable. New technologies and materials make it possible to achieve a perfectly flat surface, a variety of colors - different effects. All this at low cost. This is gradually reviving the forgotten option for finishing the bathroom - painting the walls.
Wall preparation
For painting, a perfectly flat surface is required and it can be made so with the help of moisture-resistant putty. It can be applied to plaster or drywall. Regardless of the base, with sufficient skill, the surface becomes really perfect. Not a single flaw - it's possible.
The surface to be painted must be perfect.
The prepared walls or ceiling are primed with a composition with an antibacterial and water-repellent component, after drying, you can start applying paint.
Bathroom paint types
But not all paints can be used in the bathroom, since not all of them are moisture resistant. The following paints are suitable:
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Water-based paints based on latex and acrylates. Acrylic water emulsion is an inexpensive option that tolerates high humidity, but should not be used in close proximity to a bathtub, shower and washbasin. Latex emulsion forms a dense waterproof film on the surface and even slightly “tightens” irregularities, if any. How to paint walls with water-based paint, see here.
- Alkyd paints. In appearance, they are very similar to oil, but they have better characteristics, they can be glossy, semi-gloss, matte. Of the advantages - it has an average vapor permeability and a low price. Disadvantages - emphasizes all the irregularities, change color over time - acquire a yellowish tint.Another drawback is that they are made on the basis of organic solvents (white spirit, gasoline, turpentine), so the smell is strong before drying.
- silicate paints. The main plus is that fungus or mold will not appear on the walls and ceiling painted with this paint. There are other advantages: very high vapor permeability, strong and durable coating. Disadvantage: until the composition is dry, it is very harmful to humans. As soon as crystallization has occurred, the coating becomes absolutely harmless, but it is necessary to work in protective clothing and a respirator and leave the house before drying. Another unpleasant moment: no other paints “fall” on silicate paints. If you want to change the type of paint, you have to clean everything off.
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Based on silicones. This compound is 100% waterproof. It does not conduct water in any form - in the form of steam, too. Therefore, when finishing this type, you will have to do very powerful ventilation.
- Chlorinated rubber. Paints of this type are used in swimming pools for painting bowls, so they are suitable even for walls near the bathroom or in the shower. But you also have to take care of good ventilation and removal of the coating before the next painting.
As you can see, there are many options for finishing the bathroom with paint. Most can be used with a limited repair budget, but chlorinated rubber and silicone are not very cheap.
Decorative plaster
If he talks about new finishing materials for the bathroom, then first of all it is worth remembering about decorative plaster. It can be applied to relatively flat walls or to a plastered surface. Usually they prefer to first level the walls, then apply decorative plaster. It belongs to expensive materials, therefore it is desirable to minimize consumption.
Venetian plaster coated with two coats of wax
For finishing the walls of the bathroom, moisture-resistant options are chosen, and these are mainly facade compositions. They do not change color for a long time, they can be washed with a stiff brush with detergent, but they are very rough to the touch. Options for finishing the bathroom with facade plasters are in the photo below.
One of the options for finishing the bathroom is Venetian plaster, covered with two layers of wax. With this combination of materials, water in any form simply rolls off it. In terms of practicality, this option is no worse than paint, but definitely more beautiful. Cons - high price and complexity of application.
Read about how to apply decorative plaster here.
Humidity zones where wallpaper can be glued
In order for the wallpaper in the bathroom to serve you as long as possible, you should know the places where it is allowed to glue the wallpaper.
The first such place is the opposite wall from the bathroom. Spray and steam rarely reach there. Also outside the influence of moisture is a space further than half a meter from a shower or bath. It is also worth noting that ordinary paper wallpapers are completely unsuitable for a bathroom, as they do not tolerate high humidity rooms and will peel off the walls without even a year.
There are places in the bathroom where it is strongly not recommended to stick wallpaper due to high humidity.
How to add volume to a small bathroom with wallpaper
When choosing a wall covering in the bathroom, you should not experiment with an abundance of patterns, textures. This can make the space feel very uncomfortable and cramped. The best option would be wallpaper in light, beige, brown, gray tones with a glossy texture and without an abundance of patterns. The pattern on the wallpaper in the toilet should be as simple as possible. It can be stripes, rhombuses and squares, peas. For a small bathroom, wallpaper with diagonal stripes is perfect to help expand the space. When planning, it is also worth taking into account the possibility of combining wallpaper colors with tiles, skirting boards, doors and ceilings.
Waterproof wallpaper for the bathroom.
What wallpaper can be glued in the bathroom Variety, the right choice
Wallpaper from modern manufacturers can give the bathroom a very cozy, but this one is no less modern. The trend of recent years is a combination of different types of wallpaper and textures. Below we will analyze in more detail the main and most popular types of wallpaper for the bathroom.
Ordinary paper wallpapers do not have moisture resistance, which means that they are not suitable for the bathroom.
Vinyl wallpapers
Many people prefer vinyl wallpaper. They cost an order of magnitude more expensive than conventional wallpaper, but they have moisture resistance, which allows them to be resistant to moisture and temperature extremes. They are quite heavy, so they require careful surface preparation and a special adhesive that can hold them. Their service life is quite high from 10 years and above. They don't bubble or peel off the walls.
Vinyl wallpapers.
Fiberglass trellis and liquid decorative materials
Outwardly, they look like plaster, as they are made from powder with various fillers: cotton or cellulose fibers, seaweed, tree bark. The material is soundproof and moisture resistant. The option will cost more than ordinary wallpaper, but cheaper than tile, which is also often used to decorate bathrooms.
Tapestry wallpaper.
Original and practical glass wallpaper
These wallpapers are made from cellulose and fiberglass inclusions. The output is a light gray canvas, which is subsequently painted in the desired color. They are very durable because of the glass in the composition, they are not afraid of water vapor, temperature changes, they can be washed using aggressive chemical detergents.
Glass fiber for the bathroom.
Note! Wallpaper made of this material is environmentally friendly and fire resistant.
Washable paper wallpaper
These wallpapers are ideal for wall decoration in bathrooms, as the paper in their composition is treated with a special water-repellent solution. Thanks to him, moisture is not absorbed into the paper, but is collected in drops. This is very convenient, since the wallpaper is not afraid of dust, dirt, or mold. Also, the cost of washable wallpaper does not differ from ordinary paper ones.
Washable paper based wallpaper.
Wallpaper in the bathroom we select the style
The use of wallpaper in the bathroom means combining them with other surfaces - tiled or simply painted.
The combination of different types of wall decoration will quickly achieve the desired effect.
The combination of wallpaper with other types of wall decoration will also help protect the wallpaper from direct contact with water.
It is important to choose wallpapers that will match in style, avoid excessive clutter of textures and colors - this will create the impression of clutter and chaos. Wallpaper designed in light colors will create a joyful, sunny mood, green and blue will add a sense of cleanliness
The blue color of the wallpaper will help to multiply the feeling of cleanliness in the bathroom.
In small bathrooms, dark colors should be avoided - they visually reduce the volume.
Light colors allow you to create the desired interior without visually reducing the space.
A neat pattern on light-colored wallpapers will not only allow you to win back space, but also set the mood of the bathroom you need.
Wallpaper with classic patterns will create a calm, peaceful mood.
The simple pattern and color will look great in any bathroom style.
Wallpapering a small area can fundamentally change the interior for the better, while significantly reducing the cost of materials
And a few more tips for choosing wallpapers for different styles:
high-tech - in order to fully realize the designer's ideas, liquid wallpaper is suitable for a high-tech style bath. They are characterized by a simply fantastic range of colors and their shades in their width.
Several shades of gray combined with beautiful and lively lines will become essential elements of a high-tech bathroom.
classic style and Provence - neutrality of colors, wallpapers of light shades are suitable here, more beige, white and light peach. Moisture-resistant wallpapers imitating brickwork or stone are well suited. As an option - liquid wallpaper with a certain relief
Delicate and warm peach color will allow you to fully enjoy the bath procedures
Natural motifs and soft blue color will help to beat the Provence style in your bathroom.
oriental style, avant-garde, pop art - festive, bright and elegant styles. Separation of colors, a combination of dull and bright colors, various wallpapers - with and without a pattern, are well suited here. For a bright bathroom, you can even order wallpaper with a special pattern or choose the appropriate photo wallpaper.
A wide selection of wallpapers will allow you to quickly choose exactly the wallpaper you need
The variety and availability of wallpaper for the bathroom poses an interesting challenge for you, significantly expanding the range of possible solutions.
Lighting and mirrors are central elements of the bathroom
We have repeatedly focused your attention on the importance of the correct selection of lighting and mirrors. In bathrooms with no natural light sources, special attention should be paid to the choice of pendant lamps, lampshades, chandeliers and other sources of artificial lighting, as the lack of light will make the room gloomy and unsightly, nullify all efforts to select wallpaper, accessories and furniture.
As for mirrors, they not only act as a full-fledged element of decor, but also perform an important function - they visually make the room more spacious, by reflecting the decor of the room.
Pendant lamp in the bathroom in dark colors
Hanging lamp in the bathroom in dark colors.
If the interior of your bathroom is made in dark colors, then do not overdo it with light sources, the lighting should be sufficient, but at the same time dim and not bright. So, the photo below provides the right example of selecting lighting for a dark bathroom from designers at Ryan Street & Associates.
The walls of the Mediterranean bathroom are covered with unusual matte black wallpaper, against which silvery accessories and a designer washbasin made of natural, untreated stone look great. Dim, not bright lighting creates a mysterious and mysterious atmosphere in the room, while the room does not look gloomy and sinister.
Mediterranean bathroom in dark colors.
The bathroom in the photo below from the designers of Insignia Design Group is made in light, gray colors. The walls of the room are covered with textured gray wallpaper, the floor and ceiling are painted in neutral white.
The designers added an oval mirror in a thin black frame, living plants, unusual vases and figurines, as well as stylish pendant lamps located directly above the dressing table with a washbasin to a small room. The small room lacks any sources of natural light, but pendant lights on the ceiling and walls provide just the right amount of artificial light, so the room looks bright and comfortable.
Small bathroom with stylish lamps and mirrors.
The small bathroom in the last photo is equipped with a large rectangular window and a hanging chandelier, so the designers of Royal Home Improvements boldly used dark matte wallpaper to decorate its walls, without fear of creating a gloomy and sinister atmosphere. The walls of the room are decorated with a large number of framed photographs, mirrors and ceramic hanging decorations. The stylish room even has a small round table with perfume and photo frames. The ladies' bathroom turned out to be very stylish, unusual and unique in its own way.
Ladies bathroom with dark matte wallpaper.
We sincerely hope that you enjoyed our collection of small bathroom wall decorating ideas and that you will definitely use them in practice to create your own stylish bathroom!
Live wallpapers with unusual ornaments and patterns
To date, the market has a wide selection of patterned wallpapers with 3D patterns that, at a certain viewing angle, change and seem to move! These wallpapers will be a great addition to the bathroom interior, will appeal to creative and imaginative homeowners who love everything new and unusual.
However, it is the walls of the room that deserve special attention, pasted over with unusual wallpaper with 3D patterns, which visually seem voluminous and protrude above the surface of the walls.
Bathroom wallpaper with unusual, three-dimensional 3D drawings.
The walls of the small bathroom in the next photo are pasted over with patterned light wallpaper depicting red birds and feather clouds. Light, airy wallpaper and the simplicity of the interior by Barker Freeman Design Office Architects pllc create a very simple and cozy atmosphere in the room, not burdened by frilly interior items and accessories.
A small room with light patterned wallpaper.
The interior of the Victorian bathroom in the photo below is dominated by black and white tones, silvery shiny accessories and elements. Designers from Mosaik Design & Remodeling decorate the walls of the room with patterned black and white wallpaper, against which a large mirror in a patterned frame and a glossy dressing table with a washbasin look advantageous.
Victorian bathroom with patterned wallpaper on the walls.
Plastic panels
PVC wall panels are another inexpensive alternative to bathroom tiles. Their charm is that the walls can not be leveled: they are attached to the crate, which will hide all the bumps. The second advantage is that they are inexpensive and are mounted quickly. Another plus is a large number of colors, including plastic panels imitating laid ceramic tiles, mosaics, and decorative panels.
Plastic on the walls for the bathroom - there are different options
Another positive point: under the plastic wall panels you can easily hide all communications, and they are also easy to clean. But so that mold does not start under the finish, the walls must be primed with an antiseptic composition and ensure good ventilation.
The disadvantages of this method of finishing the bathroom - the crate takes up a fairly solid volume, which is important. And the second minus is that the panels are fragile and jumpers are pressed into them with considerable effort.
Having hit with an elbow, you will not break through the strips of normal quality, but there will be a dent for sure, and this spoils the appearance.
