5 Nature-Inspired Wallpaper Styles for a More Blissful Bathroom
Add a calm, relaxing feel to your bathroom with wallcoverings that feature birds, leaves, flowers and more
Lisa Batson Goldberg
September 10, 2017
When you think of your home’s bathroom, blissful might not be the first word that comes to mind. The truth is, when many of us think about our bathrooms, we probably conjure up images of scrubbing the tub, emptying the trash can or rushing around in the morning before we hurry off to work. But a bathroom can be as beautiful and relaxing as it is functional, and wallpaper can play a big role.
As a designer, I strive to make my clients’ spaces not only more beautiful, but also more enjoyable for those who spend time in them. This is why I love using wallpapers as inspiration when creating a peaceful and happy place, and there’s no better inspiration than nature when you’re looking to feel great in your home.
Wallpaper: Bird and Thistle, Brunschwig & Fils
Wallpaper: Bird and Thistle, Brunschwig & Fils
Spending time in nature makes us feel peaceful, relaxed and happy, which is why nature-inspired prints are my go-to for wallpaper. If you want to make your functional bathroom a more fun and enjoyable place, consider incorporating one of these nature-inspired wallpaper styles into its design.
Wallpaper: Birds & Butterflies, Schumacher
6 Reasons to Consider Wallpaper in Your Design
Wallpaper: Birds & Butterflies, Schumacher
6 Reasons to Consider Wallpaper in Your Design
1. Let the Birds Fly
If you want to add some color and visual interest (without making a massive statement), a bird wallpaper pattern might be ideal. Whether in design or in real life, there’s something whimsical and freeing about birds. The airiness of a bird print can give your bathroom a design feature as well as a happy feel.
Wallpaper: Daydream, Hygge & West
If you want to add some color and visual interest (without making a massive statement), a bird wallpaper pattern might be ideal. Whether in design or in real life, there’s something whimsical and freeing about birds. The airiness of a bird print can give your bathroom a design feature as well as a happy feel.
Wallpaper: Daydream, Hygge & West
Like birds themselves, bird wallpapers come in a plethora of sizes, shapes and colors, which means you have lots of choice when it comes to finding a wallpaper that works for your personal style.
Choosing a paper that highlights the birds — as well as other complementary aspects of nature — will make the room feel more playful and energized.
Wallpaper: Birds in Midnight, Galbraith & Paul
Choosing a paper that highlights the birds — as well as other complementary aspects of nature — will make the room feel more playful and energized.
Wallpaper: Birds in Midnight, Galbraith & Paul
Because the background of many bird wallpapers is light (like the sky), a bird-inspired wallcovering can be a subtler option than other nature-themed prints.
Inspiration: The light and fun wallpaper in this bathroom creates a soft and whimsical feel. The choice to cover the top portion of the wall gives a subtler effect, adding character but also maintaining a calm and neutral vibe in the space.
Wallpaper: Wading Flamingos in Blue, Anthropologie
Inspiration: The light and fun wallpaper in this bathroom creates a soft and whimsical feel. The choice to cover the top portion of the wall gives a subtler effect, adding character but also maintaining a calm and neutral vibe in the space.
Wallpaper: Wading Flamingos in Blue, Anthropologie
2. Go on a Vibrant Tropical Trip
Do we love tropical prints because they make us think of a warm breeze blowing by as we sit under a palm tree by the sea? Whatever the reason, tropical patterns are hot right now.
Wallpaper: Martinique, Beverly Hills Wallpaper
Do we love tropical prints because they make us think of a warm breeze blowing by as we sit under a palm tree by the sea? Whatever the reason, tropical patterns are hot right now.
Wallpaper: Martinique, Beverly Hills Wallpaper
Tropical prints are a bolder choice when it comes to wallpaper, as they often feature the bright and luscious colors of tropical plants and wildlife. This can create an intoxicating, energizing feel in a space.
Wallpaper: Blue Sunbird, Matthew Williamson
Wallpaper: Blue Sunbird, Matthew Williamson
Palm wallpaper prints are a great option if you’re looking for a bold statement but want to stick to a simpler color palette. Many combine vibrant green palm leaves with a white or other monotone background.
Wallpaper: Palm Jungle, Cole & Son
Wallpaper: Palm Jungle, Cole & Son
If you’re aiming for a bigger impact in your bathroom, look for more vibrant and complex patterns that include other tropical flowers and wildlife.
Inspiration: This colorful pattern paired with an otherwise white palette makes a real design statement in this bright and airy bathroom.
Wallpaper: Fontainebleau, Cole & Son
Inspiration: This colorful pattern paired with an otherwise white palette makes a real design statement in this bright and airy bathroom.
Wallpaper: Fontainebleau, Cole & Son
3. Wander Into the Forest
There are so many soothing elements to a forest that it’s no wonder many of us are drawn to it in design. Forest-themed wallpapers (as well as murals) have become more popular in recent years, which means there are lots of options to choose from when creating your bathroom design.
Wallpaper: Woods & Pears, Cole & Son
There are so many soothing elements to a forest that it’s no wonder many of us are drawn to it in design. Forest-themed wallpapers (as well as murals) have become more popular in recent years, which means there are lots of options to choose from when creating your bathroom design.
Wallpaper: Woods & Pears, Cole & Son
A forest theme can be a subtler way to create a nature-inspired feel, as the tree images make for a soft, linear aesthetic. Forest prints often come in neutral colors, mirroring nature’s palette, meaning they’re perfect for those who love a rustic vibe.
The crisper the forest print — and the more neutral the color palette — the more soothing and subtle the space will feel.
Wallpaper: Woods, Cole & Son
The crisper the forest print — and the more neutral the color palette — the more soothing and subtle the space will feel.
Wallpaper: Woods, Cole & Son
As a designer who loves using wallpaper to create unique and beautiful designs, I find that forest wallpapers never fail to create a calm, relaxing and refined feel in any room, but especially the bathroom.
Wallpaper: Wintertree, Larsen
Wallpaper: Wintertree, Larsen
Inspiration: This long and linear forest print is the perfect backdrop to a reclaimed-wood countertop and ornate mirror, creating a rustic and beautifully curated look in a small space.
Wallpaper: Woods, Cole & Son
Wallpaper: Woods, Cole & Son
4. Pick a Bouquet of Flowers
Flowers are beautiful, whimsical and lush. Use them in a wallcovering and you can create a peaceful and traditional vibe (with pale rose wallpaper) or something bold and contemporary (with a vibrant bird of paradise print).
Wallpaper: Floral Wood Panelling, Albany
Flowers are beautiful, whimsical and lush. Use them in a wallcovering and you can create a peaceful and traditional vibe (with pale rose wallpaper) or something bold and contemporary (with a vibrant bird of paradise print).
Wallpaper: Floral Wood Panelling, Albany
Going bigger or brighter with the floral pattern only ups the drama. If you’re looking for a more lush and luxurious feel, consider an oversized or dark floral.
Wallpaper: Ellie Cashman Design
Wallpaper: Ellie Cashman Design
Flower prints can also add to a contemporary and streamlined feel. Using a simple, repetitive or more monochromatic pattern, which looks less overtly floral, will result in a sleeker, more refined look.
Wallpaper: Petal Pusher, Oh Joy!, Hygge & West
Wallpaper: Petal Pusher, Oh Joy!, Hygge & West
Inspiration: This traditional-style floral paper makes this bathroom feel peaceful, relaxing and luxurious. Adding other traditional elements such as the chair, gold mirror and pedestal sink push the design beyond blissful.
Wallpaper: de Gournay
Wallpaper: de Gournay
5. Fish Wallpaper
I love it when I see trends that are a little “outside the box,” and this is why I love fish wallpaper.
Wallpaper: Acquario, Cole & Son
I love it when I see trends that are a little “outside the box,” and this is why I love fish wallpaper.
Wallpaper: Acquario, Cole & Son
A fish motif can be a colorful and playful addition to a practical — dare I say boring — space. For a family bathroom, it can make a fresh and fun design statement while still creating a distinct and lovely look.
Wallpaper: Aquarium, Nina Campbell
Wallpaper: Aquarium, Nina Campbell
Fish may be fun, but they can still work in a refined space. Fish prints range from pale to sophisticated to bold and bright, and even to dark and dramatic. Choosing the appropriate style, color, size and vibe for your bathroom and your personality is key. It’s all about finding the right fish for you.
Trust what you’re drawn to in terms of patterns, because you’re the one who’s going to be living with it every day. When it comes to design, it’s always best to choose what makes you happy.
Wallpaper: de Gournay
Your turn: What’s your favorite style of nature-inspired wallcovering?
More
Botanical Bathrooms to Suit 9 Personality Types
Fresh Inspiration: 8 Powder Rooms With Pattern-Happy Wallpaper
Other Resources
Find a wallcovering professional in your area
Browse nature- and floral-print wallpaper
Trust what you’re drawn to in terms of patterns, because you’re the one who’s going to be living with it every day. When it comes to design, it’s always best to choose what makes you happy.
Wallpaper: de Gournay
Your turn: What’s your favorite style of nature-inspired wallcovering?
More
Botanical Bathrooms to Suit 9 Personality Types
Fresh Inspiration: 8 Powder Rooms With Pattern-Happy Wallpaper
Other Resources
Find a wallcovering professional in your area
Browse nature- and floral-print wallpaper
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These are so gorgeous.
wow!! fabulous, hard to pick a favourite.
Loving the Clouds in this bathroom