Transforming your bathroom into a relaxing, spa-like retreat starts with choosing the right wallpaper. Nature-inspired designs bring the calming effects of the outdoors inside, creating a soothing ambiance perfect for unwinding. From tropical motifs to woodland scenes, here are five nature-inspired wallpaper styles to give your bathroom a touch of tranquility.
1. Tropical Paradise
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise every time you enter your bathroom with prints featuring palm trees, ferns, and other lush greenery. These wallpapers evoke the serenity of a tropical island getaway, setting the stage to wash your cares away.
Key features:
- Palm leaf patterns in greens or metallic hues
- Large-scale monstera or banana leaf prints
- Colorful toucans, parrots, butterflies, and other tropical fauna
- Abstract patterns with palm fronds and jungle foliage
- Coordinating tropical plant prints for accent walls
Tropical prints look beautiful with wooden vanities and rattan or bamboo accessories. Stick to a color scheme focused on greens, blues, and sunny yellows. For maximum impact, wrap ceiling-high jungle prints around your whole bathroom.
Why Choose Tropical Wallpaper?
- Evokes a sense of peaceful isolation, like spending time in a secluded jungle paradise.
- Vibrant colors and organic shapes are mentally stimulating.
- Motifs of nature engender feelings of tranquility and wellbeing.
- Bold botanical patterns make a dramatic style statement.
“I put up palm tree wallpaper in my bathroom and now it feels like a private tropical oasis – it’s my favorite room in the house to relax in!”
2. Forest Retreat
Bring the peace and quiet of the forest into your home with woodland-inspired wallpaper prints. Serene landscapes with towering trees, secluded woods, and misty mountains create a soothing backdrop for baths and showers.
Key features of forest wallpapers:
- Photorealistic prints of pine, aspen, redwood and birch groves
- Stylized outlines of bare trees and falling leaves
- Subtle abstract patterns with textured barks and foliage
- Muted earth tones like olive green, brown, taupe, and slate
- Owls, foxes, deer and other forest fauna accents
For a cohesive look, incorporate other natural elements like woven river stone tile, driftwood framed mirrors, and granite or travertine countertops. Keep the color scheme subdued with neutrals accented by mossy greens and woodsy browns.
Why Choose Forest-Inspired Wallpaper?
- Peaceful scenery helps create a relaxing, meditative environment.
- Reminiscent of the refreshing outdoors and a retreat into nature.
- Natural motifs promote feelings of serenity and tranquility.
- Soft, neutral palette has a soothing effect on the mind and body.
“The beautiful birch tree print wallpaper in my bathroom makes it feel like a restful forest hideaway – I find it so calming!”
3. Botanical Gardens
Surround yourself with natural beauty with vibrant floral and botanical prints. Vines, branches, leaves, and bursting blossoms adorn the walls with the varied textures of a lush garden. It’s like bringing the vitality and freshness of your own private indoor conservatory into the bathroom.
Key botanical wallpaper features:
- Watercolor paintings of peonies, roses, magnolias and other flowers
- Stylized illustrations of leaves, ferns, branches and vines
- Large-scale blooms like peonies or poppies
- Flowing organic patterns with leaves and blossoms
- Metallic accents on petals and foliage for shimmer Pair botanical wallpaper with antique-inspired brass fixtures, floral shower curtains, and ceramic vessel sinks. Stick to an airy color scheme of pastels, sky blues, and subtle greens. For dramatic impact, cover the ceiling with printed floral vines.
Why Choose Botanical Wallpaper?
- Brings the vibrancy and freshness of a spring garden indoors.
- Botanical motifs symbolize growth, creativity and new beginnings.
- Soothing, calming effects of surrounding yourself with nature.
- Intricate floral designs provide visual interest and inspiration.
“My powder room feels like a beautiful conservatory with its peony wallpaper print – it never fails to lift my mood when I’m in there!”
4. Serene Waters
Capture the soothing movement of water in your bathroom with wallpaper prints depicting lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and oceans. These fluid designs have a relaxing, zen-like quality reminiscent of the hypnotic ebb and flow of waves and ripples.
Key features of water-inspired wallpaper:
- Photographic prints of crashing waves and roaring rivers
- Abstract blurred watercolors with ripples and splashes
- Koi ponds with stylized fish and lily pads
- Coastal motifs like shells, seagrass, and starfish
- Waterfall or rain shower accents for accent walls
Set the scene with monochromatic blue, green, and gray tones. Add natural texture with driftwood shelves, woven sea grass baskets, and ceramic vessel sinks. For spa-like ambiance, incorporate tealight sconces, candles, and aromatherapy.
Why Choose Water-Inspired Wallpaper?
- Evokes a sense of tranquility reminiscent of the ocean or streams.
- Fluid patterns are mesmerizing and help quiet a restless mind.
- The color palette has a cooling, calming effect on mood.
- Brings a touch of the serenity of water indoors.
“I love unwinding in my bathroom surrounded by the waterfall print wallpaper – it’s so soothing and zen, like my own private spa.”
5. Rustic Woodland
Create a cozy, rustic retreat with woodgrain wallpaper printed or embossed with natural wooden textures. Paired with other earthy elements like stone and clay, your bathroom takes on the charm of a comfy cabin nestled in the woods.
Key features of woodland wallpaper:
- Distressed gray wood plank prints
- Weathered barnwood style embossed textures
- Vertical pallet board patterns
- Birch tree bark and burlap accents
- Faux whitewashed brick for accent walls
Incorporate homespun touches like woven baskets, stoneware canisters, and antiqued metal utility fixtures. Stick to a homey color palette of taupes, slate blues, and warm neutrals accented with touches of sage green or brick red. For a cohesive look, add stacked stone tile and reclaimed wood shelving.
Why Choose Rustic Woodland Wallpaper?
- Warm, natural wood tones are inherently comforting and welcoming.
- Textured woodgrain connects to traditional craftsmanship and heritage.
- Distressed finishes add cozy, well-worn character.
- A rustic retreat away from the cares of daily life.
“My wood plank wallpaper makes getting ready in the mornings so much more relaxing. My bathroom feels like a cozy cabin hideaway!”
How to Pick the Right Nature Wallpaper for Your Bathroom
When choosing a nature-inspired wallpaper, consider the overall look, color scheme, and ambiance you want for your bathroom. Here are some tips for picking wallpaper that aligns with your design vision:
Consider the mood you want to create. Are you aiming for a calming spa-like feel or a tropical paradise? Make sure the style of nature print matches the atmosphere you hope to evoke.
Pick colors that promote tranquility. Cool greens, moody blues, warm neutrals, and muted earth tones tend to be more relaxing than loud, bright hues.
Choose appropriate scales and focal points. Large-scale tropical leaves make more of an impact than tiny delicate florals. Pick statement prints for key walls and use subtle patterns as accents.
Find prints suited for humidity. Wallpaper needs to withstand moisture. Vinyl, pre-pasted, and peel-and-stick options hold up better than paper in humid bathroom environments.
Coordinate with fixtures and materials. Tropical motifs pop against rattan or bamboo while forest scenes match wonderfully with wood, granite, and travertine.
Consider ease of installation. Pre-pasted removable wallpaper is the easiest to install and remove. More complex print motifs may require a professional installer.
Order samples before committing. Order sample swatches online or get test strips at home improvement stores. Seeing a print on your walls helps ensure it works with your lighting, cabinetry and tile.
Bathroom Wallpaper Design Ideas
Get inspired to give your bathroom a dose of nature with these gorgeous wallpaper design ideas:
Go Tropical
Make your bathroom an exotic getaway with rainforest and jungle motifs. Cover walls in palm leaves, banana leaves, or giant monstera leaves. Accent with macaws, parrots, butterflies or tropical flowers. Add a rattan shelf, woven blinds, or bamboo mat.
Bring the Forest In
Line your bathroom walls with tranquil forest scenes or stylized birch trees. Incorporate natural elements like stacked stone tiles, timber shelving, granite counters, and ceramic vessels sinks. Add glass leaf knobs and greenery with potted plants or orchids.
Surround Yourself with Flowers
Choose vibrant blooms, flowering vines, or modern abstract florals to envelop your bathroom with the beauty of a garden. Decorate with brass accents, antique-style faucets, and decorative flower boxes or planters. Use a pastel color scheme.
Relax with Watery Vistas
Install wallpaper printed with crashing waves, rippling pools, or crashing waterfalls and get transported to the serene shores. Decorate with shells, driftwood, and crystals. Stick to coastal blues, greens, and neutrals. Add candles or slim wall sconces.
Bring the Great Outdoors In
For a woodsy feel, dress walls in weathered wood planks, whitewashed faux brick, or textured barnwood. Mix in touches of sage greens, warm taupes, and brick reds. Display collected rocks, driftwood, or stacked stone surfaces. Add woven baskets.
Installing Nature Wallpaper in Wet Areas
Special considerations are needed when installing wallpaper in bathrooms due to the high humidity and potential for water damage. Here are some tips for properly installing wallpaper in wet areas:
Use moisture-resistant wallpaper. Choose vinyl or coated options specifically designed for bathrooms. Avoid paper wallpaper prone to peeling and warping.
Properly prep walls. Remove old wallpaper, wash walls with TSP cleaner, fill holes, sand bumps, and prime walls with moisture-resistant primer. Smooth walls help wallpaper adhere.
Only apply on clean, dry walls. Don’t hang wallpaper on freshly painted or damp drywall. Allow a minimum of 24 hours for paint to cure before wallpapering.
Use adhesive made for wet areas. Special pastes for bathrooms resist moisture and prevent edges from peeling up. Use a pasting machine for even application.
Seal seams. Use a seam roller and seam adhesive to seal edges so moisture cannot penetrate behind the wallpaper.
Caulk perimeter edges. Seal the joints between the walls and ceilings, corners, and trim with a flexible silicone caulk before installing wallpaper.
Consider hiring a professional. For optimum results, consider hiring an experienced wallpaper installer who can properly prep problematic bathroom walls.
FAQs about Nature-Inspired Bathroom Wallpaper
Still curious about how to use wallpaper to bring more nature into your bathroom? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What are the best materials for bathroom wallpaper?
Vinyl, pre-pasted, washable, and peel-and-stick wallpapers are the most suitable for humid bathroom conditions. Avoid regular paper which can warp and peel.
How do I choose wallpaper patterns for a small bathroom?
Stick to small-scale prints to avoid overwhelming a compact space. Florals, organic geometrics, or subtle tree silhouettes keep things airy. Avoid large statement patterns.
Should I get removable wallpaper for my rental bathroom?
Yes, removable and peel-and-stick wallpapers are great for renters who want to personalize without permanently altering walls. These can be easily peeled off when moving out.
What wallpaper goes well with marble tile?
Marble pairs nicely with metallic silver leaf patterns, painterly florals, or colorful abstract designs. Avoid murals or scenes which can compete with the bold veining in marble.
Can you put wallpaper on the ceiling?
Yes, with the right adhesive and installation method, many wallpaper styles can be applied to ceilings. Floral vines, jungle canopies or starry skies create stunning ceiling accents.
How do I clean bathroom wallpaper?
Use a mild soap and warm water solution with a soft sponge. Blot gently instead of scrubbing. Test cleaners on a small patch first. Avoid cleaners that contain bleach or abrasives.
Bring Tranquility Home with Nature-Inspired Wallpaper
Surround yourself with the peaceful imagery and soothing colors of nature by bringing your favorite landscapes into your bathroom with wallpaper. Whether drawn to tropical jungles, wildflower meadows, autumnal forests, or the tranquility of water, nature-inspired wallpaper can help transform your bathroom into a relaxing, spa-like oasis.
With the right style, colors, and motifs that speak to you personally, nature wallpaper can create an ambiance perfect for starting and ending each day blissfully. So explore the many beautiful options, and discover the inspiring tranquility of bringing more nature-inspired design into your daily life.