Wallpaper in the Bathroom

Papering small spaces has often been considered a "don't." Well, I say, don't let that stop you! Give your small bathroom an easy face-lift with a pretty patterned-paper or a bold design. Here are some tips to get you thinking about the possibilities.

1) Wallpaper just one wall. It's that simple. You choose where you want people to look by defining the focal point.

Choose a focal wall for your wallpaper. Photo: HousetoHome.co.uk

2) Place wallpaper above wainscoting. Installing wainscoting or similar paneling is a great way to gain balance without sacrificing your penchant for pattern. Wainscoting can be as high as you want: from chair-rail to picture rail height, which will determine how much wallpaper you want on the walls. The pattern below adds a modern touch to the classic wainscoting.

Photo: verticalhouse/Flickr

3) Try a vertical stripe. Vertical stripes draw the eye upward, making the ceiling appear higher. Although the photo above is from a small kitchen, vertical striped wallpaper will do wonders in a small bathroom too.

Vertical stripes tell your eye exactly where to go. Photo: Domino Magazine

4) Be bold with a graphic or heavy pattern, but be sure the rest of your pieces are plain. Use clean, simple fixtures and textiles that won't compete with the walls.

Bold wallpaper isn't a decorating no-no. Photo: Metropolitan Home

From top left, clockwise: Grand Jubilee in licorice from ModGreenPod, $60/roll; Imperial Trellis in soft aqua at Walnut Wallpaper, contact for price. Grammercy in leaf by Waverly, $22/roll at American Blinds, Wallpaper & More; Ribbed paper in black/beige by Ferm Living, $115/roll.

Final Thought: Be creative and be courageous. If it feels right, then it probably is.