Is This Unconvential Decor Idea Worth Adding To Your Bathroom? Here's What To Know

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Homeowners often incorporate unique bathroom design ideas to liven up the space. From themed bathrooms to quirky toilet paper holders, there are endless ways to make this happen. One unconventional decor idea that's a little less common is paper-backed fabric. Just as the name suggests, this is a thin fabric with paper on one side. It essentially serves the same purpose as wallpaper. However, is this decor option worth adding to your bathroom? It turns out that it may not be the best idea.

The problem with adding paper-backed fabric to your bathroom walls is that they are not ideal for warm, moist environments. Unfortunately, bathroom humidity can damage the fabric, causing it to peel or even develop mold. As a result, you may want to consider moisture-resistant bathroom wall options instead. Any vinyl wallpaper is a better option. The vinyl material will not become damaged or grow mold and mildew in your bathroom, as long as it is installed and maintained properly.

Paper-backed fabric provides a long list of perks. It makes a room feel cozier, gives your walls a textured look, and can even absorb sound and insulate a bit better than regular wallpaper. This might leave you wondering whether it's possible to get this unconventional decor idea to work in your bathroom. Although it's not the ideal choice, you can make it more compatible with the moist environment by installing wainscoting on the bottom half of the wall, where water and excess humidity are most likely to come into contact with the material. This will act as a protective layer that keeps the paper-backed fabric dry.

Along with wainscoting, you'll also need to keep your bathroom as dry as possible. You can reduce bathroom humidity by using your extractor fan while showering and for 30 minutes afterward. It's also a good idea to squeegee your shower walls after each use and dry any other wet bathroom surfaces immediately. And, if possible, crack a window to increase ventilation post-shower. 

With all of these steps, paper-backed fabric is clearly a very high-maintenance choice for bathroom walls. This is why you are more likely to see vinyl wallpaper in bathrooms with patterned walls instead. Unless you are really set on making paper-backed fabric work in your bathroom, consider selecting a vinyl material like the Theper Striped Wallpaper as a simple and reliable option.