Plaster and wallpaper in the bathroom – which wall coverings are suitable for wet rooms?

What is the best way to cover bathroom walls? In the bathroom, it is not only classic tiles that can create an attractive wall design: wallpaper or plaster can also – if chosen and applied correctly – enhance the room and give it an individual charm. There are, however, a few criteria to bear in mind, as not every type of wall covering is suitable for rooms such as bathrooms, where humidity is present from time to time.

Which wallpapers are suitable for the bathroom?

Wallpapers are made from a range of different materials. As a result, some are more suitable than others for use in damp rooms such as the bathroom. Showering or bathing creates steam, which has to be able to escape. If the wrong wallpaper is used, however, the moisture can seep in – and in the worst case, this can lead to mould growth.

It is therefore important that the steam can bead off the wallpaper. This works best with smooth, dense wallpapers or those made from waterproof materials: coated wallpapers, as well as those made from non-woven fabric, fibreglass or vinyl, help prevent moisture from penetrating. Their suitability for wet rooms can be identified by the wave symbols specified in the European standard for wallcoverings (DIN EN 235).

Alternatively, wallpaper can also be sealed with a transparent coating known as “elephant skin”. This glossy finish makes the wallpaper water-repellent. Dirt, grease and scratches are then also less able to damage it. This type of sealing can be applied both over patterned wallpaper and over coats of paint on smooth or textured wallpaper.

Even standard woodchip wallpaper can work well in the bathroom. It is naturally water-resistant, though not waterproof. Proper and regular ventilation is still essential, as moisture penetrates it more easily than specialist wallpapers. With a transparent sealant or a coat of waterproof paint (for example latex paint), bathrooms can also be styled individually using paper wallpaper or woodchip wallpaper. Even so, more delicate wallpapers are best avoided in areas exposed to splashing water.

Plastering bathroom walls

In addition to tiles or wallpaper, bathroom walls can also be plastered. Plaster normally consists of sand and water, along with mineral or non-mineral binders such as lime, gypsum, clay or cement. Pigments can also be used to colour the plaster, while other ingredients may be added to create texture, for example. Plaster already protects walls from external influences such as moisture, but certain types of plaster are better suited to bathrooms than others:

Lime plaster and lime-cement plaster help regulate the indoor climate, making it harder for mould to form. With plastered walls, moisture is first absorbed into the plaster and is later released back into the room air.

Classic gypsum plaster is best used in damp rooms such as bathrooms only if moisture-repellent substances have been added, turning it into a “wet-room plaster”. Even a clay-gypsum mixture improves the plaster’s regulating properties.

The ingredients are also important: the wall covering should not contain potentially harmful plasticisers. This is why plaster is often regarded as a more ecological choice than certain wallpapers.

PS: If you do not feel confident drilling into plaster or walls, the “MÖVE STAND TOWEL RAIL” or the “MÖVE STAND TOILET ROLL HOLDER” offer elegant ways to display towels or toilet paper attractively.

Caring for bathroom walls properly

Washable and waterproof wallpapers are – if applied correctly – very easy to care for. They can be wiped clean and moisture cannot penetrate them. However, if there are gaps between the wallpaper strips or deep surface damage, mould can form between the wall and the wallpaper.

With plastered bathroom walls, hygiene is an important factor, because if dust or organic matter builds up on the wall, the pores in the plaster can absorb and release steam less efficiently.

Ultimately, many wall coverings are suitable for the bathroom. A balanced mix can ensure that each material contributes its positive qualities to the room.