Feeling Fresh: Brighten Your Bathroom With These Quirky Wallpaper Ideas

Well chosen bathroom wallpaper can transform the dingiest of rooms . Here’s our guide to brightening your space with quirky colours and patterns.

Whether you’re whistling through your morning routine or lighting candles for a warm soak in the evening, your bathroom is more than just a functional environment – it's a space to prepare for the day ahead and unwind before resting.

While a full bathroom makeover is enough to fill most homeowners with dread, there are a number of ways to switch things up without breaking the bank. Sometimes, a burst of quirky colour is all you need to breathe new life into a space.

Below, we’ll discuss the ways in which DIY designers can use bold colours and quirky designs to their advantage.

Small Spaces

People often assume that small spaces are doomed to be dingy, but this isn’t the case. Even in the tightest of spaces, the right wallpaper can create an illusion of expansiveness and provide a burst of character. Lighter colours and subtle patterns tend to open up the room, making it feel airier and more spacious. Consider vertical stripes or small geometric patterns to elongate the walls, drawing the eye upwards and creating a sense of height. Mirrored or glossy finishes can also reflect light around the room, enhancing the sense of space.

Home Image Direct offers an array of options in our small pattern wallpaper collection that are perfect for smaller bathrooms. These designs not only maximise the perception of space but also add a chic and elegant touch, proving that small spaces can indeed make a big impact.

A Little Colour Goes A Long Way

Ask any designer, and they’ll tell you the power of well-placed colour. The right shade or tone can dramatically alter the mood and feel of a bathroom. Bright, lively colours like sunshine yellows or ocean blues can energise the space, making it feel vibrant and full of energy, while softer hues like pale greens or lavenders can create a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere, ideal for relaxation. For larger bathrooms, a darker colour can create a feeling of sophistication and depth.

When it comes to choosing the right colour for your space, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider what it is you hope to achieve. If, for example, you wish to breathe life into a once gloomy room, a burst of bright colour across one wall could be just what the doctor ordered (we’ll discuss feature walls a little later).

Quirky Patterns

Who says bathrooms have to be plain and boring? Certainly not us! For fans of extravagance and larger-than-life decor, quirky patterns are a fantastic way to inject fun and personality into a bathroom. Opt for designs that make a statement, such as eccentric motifs, bold graphic prints, or even whimsical themes. From abstract art to rich marble-esque prints, there’s a whole world of bathroom-friendly patterned wallpaper to choose from.

Patterns with bold colours or unexpected designs can also create a sense of movement and dynamism in the space, making even the smallest bathroom feel alive and vibrant. The key is in finding a pattern that resonates with your personality and complements the overall design aesthetic of your home.

Bringing Nature Indoors

Of course, loud patterns and quirky prints aren’t to everybody’s taste; those hoping to curate a feeling of serene calm may find that natural designs are just what they’re looking for. From the cool blue of the ocean to the deep greens of the forest, these styles tend to relax a space, transforming a once-sterile environment into a peaceful retreat, away from the rushing and fussing of everyday life.

That said, incorporating natural elements into your bathroom doesn’t mean sacrificing colour for the sake of tranquillity. In fact, nature-inspired wallpapers are incredibly versatile and can complement a wide range of interior styles. From minimalist and modern to rustic and traditional, our natural collections range from muted pastels to rich, vibrant hues.

The Feature Wall

Last but not least, let’s talk about feature walls. Sometimes referred to as accent walls, this popular interior design technique involves decorating a single wall in such a way that it ‘pops’ in comparison to others. A feature wall is a chance to incorporate more daring designs that you might hesitate to use throughout the entire room. In doing so, a burst of energy can be introduced, without overwhelming the space.

Take, for example, a bright floral pattern. Used on all four walls, it would feel a little like taking a shower in an oil painting; not everyone’s cup of tea. Used on one wall, however, this pattern would create a sense of depth and interest, drawing the eye and making the bathroom feel more dynamic and curated. The choice of an accent wall allows for creative expression, enabling a balance between boldness and subtlety without running the risk of sensory overload.

If you’re looking to brighten your home with breathtaking designs, take a look at our collection of quality wallpaper.