Let’s be honest — wallpaper and moisture don’t exactly have a great reputation together.
If you’ve ever seen wallpaper bubbling, peeling, or growing mould in a bathroom or damp hallway, you might assume it’s just not worth the hassle. And in a region like the Southern Highlands — where foggy mornings, cold stone walls, and steamy kitchens are part of daily life — it’s fair to ask: Can wallpaper even work here?
We get that question all the time. And the answer isn’t a simple yes or no — it’s more about how, where, and what you use.
At Southern Highlands Painting and Wallpapering, we’ve wallpapered everything from modern bathrooms to 1920s cottages with sandstone walls. We’ve seen what holds up — and what doesn’t. This article breaks down the real risks, the right materials, and the practical steps you can take to make sure your wallpaper works with your home’s climate, not against it.
Why Moisture and Wallpaper Don’t Always Mix
Moisture is the number one reason wallpaper fails — and it’s not just about steamy bathrooms.
In high-humidity environments, wallpaper adhesive can weaken, allowing edges to lift, bubbles to form, or mould to grow underneath. Once that happens, even the most expensive wallpaper can start to look tired — fast.
What moisture actually does to wallpaper:
- Weakens the glue
- Encourages mould
- Leads to bubbling and blistering
- Causes seams and edges to peel
Common signs of moisture damage:
- Curling edges or lifting seams
- Soft, squishy feeling under the wallpaper
- Black or grey mould patches (often hidden)
- Wallpaper that won’t stay stuck
If you’re seeing these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean wallpaper is a bad choice — but it does mean moisture is getting where it shouldn’t be. And that’s something you need to address before applying new wallpaper.
Is It the Wallpaper’s Fault — or the Room’s?
When wallpaper starts peeling or bubbling, it’s tempting to blame the product. But in most cases, it’s not the wallpaper that failed — it’s the environment it was put into.
Here’s the difference:
- Bad product choice = using paper wallpaper in a humid bathroom.
- Poor prep = applying wallpaper over damp or unsealed surfaces.
- Environmental mismatch = wallpaper in a room without ventilation or with hidden damp.
Especially in older homes, walls can hold hidden moisture that slowly escapes through to the wallpaper — breaking the bond from behind.
Before blaming the wallpaper, check the room. Is there condensation? Cold walls? A lack of ventilation?
Wallpaper isn’t fragile — it just needs the right conditions to succeed.
What Types of Wallpaper Handle Moisture Best?
Choosing the right type of wallpaper is essential in moisture-prone areas. Here’s how they stack up:
Paper Wallpaper
Worst for moisture
Absorbs water easily, making it prone to mould and peeling.
Best for: Bedrooms, hallways, dry spaces.
Vinyl Wallpaper
Best for moisture
Water-resistant and wipeable. Great for kitchens and bathrooms.
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, kids’ rooms.
Fabric-Backed Vinyl
Thicker, durable, and moisture-tolerant. Requires strong adhesive.
Best for: Feature walls, high-traffic or humid areas.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Convenient, but not great for humid spaces unless the wall is perfect.
Best for: Dry rooms or short-term use.
Always look for wallpaper labelled washable, moisture-resistant, or suitable for wet areas. And don’t forget — the adhesive matters just as much as the wallpaper.
Can You Use Wallpaper in a Bathroom or Kitchen?
Yes — but only if you do it properly.
What you need:
- Vinyl or fabric-backed wallpaper
- High-tack, mould-resistant adhesive
- Sealed, prepped walls
- Proper ventilation (exhaust fan)
- Strategic placement (avoid wet zones like showers)
Wallpaper can work beautifully in bathrooms and kitchens — but skip any of those steps, and it probably won’t last.
Why the Southern Highlands Climate Can Be Tricky
Humidity is a fact of life in the Highlands. Here’s what makes it harder on wallpaper:
Humid Winters
Cold mornings and damp air = condensation on walls.
Older Homes
Solid stone and brick walls often “breathe” moisture, especially if unsealed.
Condensation Risk
Exterior walls get cold, interior air is warm = trapped moisture.
Poor Ventilation
Older homes may lack fans or rangehoods, allowing steam to build up.
None of these are deal-breakers. But they do require careful planning and prep if you want your wallpaper to last.
How to Prevent Peeling and Mould Before It Starts
Test for Moisture
Use a moisture meter before installing. If the wall’s damp, stop there and fix the cause.
Prime and Seal
Create a stable, sealed surface with a wallpaper-compatible primer.
Use the Right Glue
Always choose high-tack, mould-resistant adhesive for bathrooms, laundries, or kitchens.
Improve Ventilation
Install exhaust fans or open windows regularly.
Seal Edges
Pay extra attention to corners and edges — these are where moisture sneaks in.
Get these steps right, and you’ll dramatically reduce the chances of peeling, mould, or bubbling later on.
When to Call a Wallpaper Pro — and Why It Matters
Wallpapering in damp or humid spaces isn’t just about sticking paper to a wall. It’s about:
- Reading the wall correctly
- Choosing the right product and glue
- Sealing everything properly
- Handling weird walls, patchy plaster, and heritage quirks
A good installer will test for moisture, prep the surface correctly, and use techniques most DIY jobs miss — especially in older Southern Highlands homes.
If you’re investing in wallpaper for a bathroom, kitchen, or tricky space — get it done by someone who knows how to make it last.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Wallpaper in the Southern Highlands — If You Do It Right
Moisture and wallpaper can be a tricky mix — but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea altogether.
With the right prep, the right product, and an installer who knows how to handle humidity and heritage walls, wallpaper can last for years — even in bathrooms, laundries, and Southern Highlands homes that see their fair share of damp.
If you’re ever unsure about whether wallpaper will hold up in your space, don’t guess. A quick chat with a professional can help you avoid costly mistakes — and give you a wallpapered finish that’s built to last.
Need help choosing or installing wallpaper in a tricky room?
Southern Highlands Painting and Wallpapering has seen it all — and fixed it all. We’d be happy to take a look at your space and give honest advice on what will work (and what won’t).