How to choose the right wallpaper for a child's room
Wallpaper Guide For Parents
Everything you need to know about durability, washability, safety, and style — before you buy a single roll
Choosing wallpaper for a child’s room is exciting — but it comes with a few more questions than decorating a living room. Will it survive crayon attacks? Is it safe for a baby’s nursery? Can I actually remove it if we rent? The good news: once you understand the different wallpaper types and what to look for, the choice becomes much simpler. Here’s everything you need to know.
🧱 The four types of wallpaper explained
Not all wallpaper is created equal — and for a kid’s room especially, the material and application method make a real difference to how it holds up over time. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of your options
Peel and stick wallpaper is the most popular choice for kids’ rooms — no paste, no professional, no drama
OPTION 1
Polyester peel and stick
(BEST FOR RENTALS)
Works like a big sticker — no paste, no tools, no professional needed. Removable in one piece, PVC-free and ISO certified safe for nurseries. Extra thick textile-like finish at 340g/m².
OPTION 2
Vinyl peel and stick
BEST FOR BATHROOMS
Waterproof and scratch-resistant — the go-to for kids’ bathrooms, playrooms and high-traffic walls. Canvas-like texture, B1 fire rated and removable in one piece. Heavier at 370g/m².
OPTION 3
Traditional non-woven
BEST FOR PERMANENT ROOMS
Applied with wallpaper paste for a classic flat finish that doesn’t shrink over time. PVC-free and semi-glossy. Ideal for full room makeovers or commercial spaces like kindergartens.
OPTION 4
Pre-pasted non-woven -DIY friendly
DIY FRIENDLY
Like traditional wallpaper but with built-in adhesive — just wet with water and apply. Slightly thicker than standard non-woven at 214g/m² and no extra paste to buy
💧 Durability and washability
Kids and walls are a famously dangerous combination. Sticky fingers, felt-tip pens, the occasional juice explosion — your wallpaper needs to handle it all without falling apart. Here’s what to know about each type.
Vinyl wallpaper’s scratch and water resistance makes it a smart pick for playrooms and kids’ bathrooms
THE MOST DURABLE CHOICE
Waterproof and wear-resistant, making it the clear winner for bathrooms, playrooms and walls that see a lot of action. Wipe clean with a damp cloth
DURABLE AND GENTLE
Handles everyday wear well and is safe for nurseries. Spot clean with a damp cloth, but avoid soaking — it’s not fully waterproof like vinyl.
NOT WASHABLE
A damp cloth with gentle pressure is fine for the odd mark, but these aren’t designed to be scrubbed. Best kept for bedrooms rather than playrooms or bathrooms.
❤️ Safety — what parents need to know
This is the question we get asked most often, and understandably so. Here’s what to look for when checking if a wallpaper is safe for a baby’s nursery or young child’s room:
A beautiful nursery feature wall — safe, non-toxic wallpaper makes all the difference for peace of mind
LOOK FOR
PVC -free
(BEST FOR RENTALS)
Avoids the off-gassing associated with PVC plastics in enclosed spaces — especially important in a room where children sleep
LOOK FOR
ISO certified inks
BEST FOR BATHROOMS
Eco-solvent type inks certified safe for indoor use and sensitive environments including baby nurseries
LOOK FOR
B1/M1 fire rating
BEST FOR PERMANENT ROOMS
The highest fire resistance rating for interior wallcoverings — important for children’s bedrooms and commercial spaces like kindergartens
Good News:
Both our polyester and vinyl peel and stick wallpapers carry ISO certification for use in sensitive environments including baby nurseries, and are PVC-free with B1 fire resistance ratings.
One thing to check:
Always ensure the surface you're applying wallpaper to is clean, dry and free of old paint that might contain lead — particularly in older homes. The wallpaper itself may be safe, but preparation matters too.
🏠 Which type for which room?
Different rooms in a child’s world have very different demands. Here’s a quick guide to matching your wallpaper type to the space:
Bedroom or Nursery
Polyester peel and stick is ideal — soft texture, PVC-free, easy to change as they grow and certified safe for the youngest sleepers.
Playroom
Vinyl peel and stick every time — waterproof, scratch-resistant and stands up to the chaos. Easy wipe-down after craft sessions.
Kids' Bathroom
Vinyl peel and stick only — humidity and splashing make non-woven unsuitable. Vinyl handles moisture without peeling or bubbling.
Kindergarten or classroom
Traditional or pre-pasted non-woven for a more permanent installation. Commercial-grade durability with a professional finish.
🎨 Style — what actually lasts
We’ve covered the practical side — now the fun part. When it comes to style in a child’s room, there are two schools of thought: go bold and joyful now, or pick something that can evolve. The answer really depends on your wallpaper type.
Peel and stick gives you the freedom to go bold — swap it out whenever they’re ready for something new
pEEL AND STICK
Go bold — you can change it
Because peel and stick comes off cleanly in one piece, you’re not locked in. Pick the dinosaurs, the fish or the giant polka dots. When they’re ready for something new, swap it out without drama.
TRADITIONAL / PRE-PASTED
Think long-term
With permanent wallpaper, you want something that can grow with the child — illustrated botanicals, geometric patterns or timeless colour palettes tend to outlast the “favourite character of the month” phase.
Our favourite approach:
Use peel and stick for the main feature wall behind the bed or on an accent wall — that's where you let personality shine. Keep the rest of the room in paint or a subtle pattern so the whole room doesn't need updating every time tastes change.
✅ Quick decision guide
Different rooms in a child’s world have very different demands. Here’s a quick guide to matching your wallpaper type to the space:
Renting or want flexibility?
Peel and stick (polyester or vinyl) — removable in one piece, no damage to walls.
Bathroom or high-humidity room?
Vinyl peel and stick only — fully waterproof and moisture-resistant.
Permanent install for a full room or school?
Traditional or pre-pasted non-woven — professional finish, great for large spaces.
Baby nursery or sensitive environment?
Polyester peel and stick — PVC-free, ISO certified, B1 fire rated..
Not sure about the pattern?
Order a sample first — see it in your actual room light before committing.
ready to find the perfect wallpaper?
Browse our full collection of kids’ wallpaper — all available in peel and stick or traditional formats, with free samples and worldwide express shipping.