Can I wallpaper my basement or cellar walls?

Hi Raphaël,
Thanks so much for getting in touch about this topic, which is relevant for many other DIYers, too! Your wife makes a very good point; basements do have their quirks when it comes to wallpaper and it’s important to be informed before starting any decoration project. The very first (and most important) issue to consider when wallpapering a basement or cellar is moisture. These subterranean spaces naturally tend to have higher humidity levels, which can cause trouble for wallpaper if not managed properly.

How does humidity affect wallpaper in a basement or cellar?

Before doing anything else, it’s absolutely crucial to check whether there’s any dampness and if there are leaks or water ingress in your basement or cellar. These are potential dangers to the overall structural stability of your basement and the biggest dangers for wallpaper: if they’re present, no adhesive, no matter how strong, will hold the wall décor of your choice up for long. Worse yet, hidden moisture behind wallpaper creates the perfect breeding ground for mould, which can damage both the wall and your health.
Remember: walls can appear perfectly dry to the eye and touch, yet still hold residual moisture, especially after heavy rain, snowmelt, or a change of seasons. That’s why I always recommend doing a couple of basic tests before planning any wallpapering project:

The plastic sheet test

Take a square of clear plastic or cling film (a good size is about 30 x 30 cm) and tape it tightly to a section of the basement wall using waterproof tape. Make sure all the edges are sealed. Leave it in place for 48 hours. If you find condensation on the side facing the wall, it’s a sign that moisture is coming through the masonry, and it needs to be properly sealed and treated before considering wallpapering. If the condensation is only on the outer side (facing the room), it could simply indicate high humidity in the air, which is more manageable.

Use a hygrometer to measure room humidity

To get a clearer picture of the overall air moisture level in your basement or cellar, it’s worth investing in a simple digital hygrometer. It’s an inexpensive device that can be easily found online or in DIY shops but provides exact and reliable data. Place it in the middle of the room, away from radiators, vents, or windows, and take readings over a couple of days. A consistent humidity level of 60% or lower is generally safe for wallpapering. Anything higher means you need a dehumidifier before you can think about wallpapering.

What if my basement or cellar seems too damp to wallpaper?

If your humidity readings are too high or you notice signs of damp like a musty smell, flaking paint, mould spots, or condensation on the walls, I strongly advise you to stop and investigate before going any further:

Look for visible signs of water ingress

Check for cracks, stains, or deposits on the wall surface. Pay particular attention to floor-to-wall joints, as this is where water often seeps in. After rainfall, inspect the walls again, as damp spots may appear only intermittently.

Fix the source of the problem first

If there’s a water leak or serious dampness, your wallpaper project will have to wait. Depending on the issue, you might need to take different steps, and I recommend you to involve a damp proofing specialist or contractor to assess the condition of your walls and recommend lasting solutions tailored to your home. While this might feel like a setback, you need to see it as a long-term investment that will prevent further damage later on.

Use a dehumidifier to stabilise the air

If there is no other problem, but your humidity readings are hovering above 60%, don’t panic, it doesn’t mean wallpaper is completely off the table. Basements are below ground level, often have limited ventilation, and tend to stay cooler - all factors that contribute to higher relative humidity, especially in spring and autumn. A good-quality dehumidifier can help bring that humidity level down to a wallpaper-safe range, ideally between 45% and 55%. Most modern models allow you to set your target humidity, and they’ll maintain it automatically. You’ll want to run it for a few days before wallpapering and keep it running afterwards if your basement is still prone to damp air.

Can you wallpaper over concrete, brick, or painted basement walls?

Basements and cellars come with all sorts of wall surfaces, the most common being bare concrete, painted drywall, or exposed brick. Each type has its own quirks when it comes to wallpapering, and some need more prep work than others to get the best results.

Bare concrete or cement block walls

Raw concrete is highly porous and uneven, meaning it will absorb adhesive too quickly and cause poor bonding or patchy results. It also often has small marks, seams and bumps that will show through wallpaper. That’s why the following preparatory steps are essential:

1. Clean the surface to remove dust, efflorescence, or mould.
2. Use filler or a skim coat of plaster/joint compound to smooth out imperfections and create a flat surface.
3. Once dry, sand lightly and apply a mould-resistant wallpaper primer to seal the wall.
4. I also recommend applying lining paper first to give the wallpaper a stable, even base.

Drywall (plasterboard)

Drywall is the easiest and most wallpaper-friendly surface, provided it's in good condition and properly primed. If the drywall is new and has never been painted, it must first be sealed with a wallpaper primer to prevent the adhesive from soaking into the paper layer and causing bubbling or tearing.
If the drywall is painted, you need to check that the paint is sound, clean, and not glossy. Very glossy finishes should be lightly sanded to ensure adhesive grip. Also check there is no flaking or mildew; if there is, repair and clean before continuing.

Exposed brick walls

Exposed brick walls look great, but they are also highly textured, have cracks and are very absorbent, making them challenging surfaces for wallpaper. I strongly advice against attempting to wallpaper directly onto bare bricks, it will end in disaster! To guarantee a successful outcome, you need to first apply a thin layer of plaster to flatten the surface, let it dry and then sand until smooth. You should then prime the surface with a mould-resistant wallpaper primer. Like for concrete walls, using lining paper as a buffer layer will provide an even better surface to wallpaper onto.

What is the best type of wallpaper for a basement or cellar?

Once your basement walls are dry and prepped, the next step is choosing a wallpaper that not only suits your style but can also handle the unique environment of a below-ground space. Let’s see our options:

Vinyl wallpaper

A very popular choice and one that frequently comes up when searching online for “best wallpaper for a damp room”, vinyl wallpaper is frequently mentioned as the best solution for kitchens and bathrooms as it has a washable, wipeable surface. For this reason, many assume that makes it the safest option for basements, too. However, the reality is quite different: vinyl wallpaper is not breathable, and any moisture trapped behind it will have nowhere to escape, leading to mould growth, damage to the adhesive, and other unwanted consequences.
So, should you avoid vinyl wallpaper altogether? Not necessarily! In special-use basement rooms like kitchenettes or entertainment areas, where there’s regular cleaning or increased surface moisture (for example, from cooking steam or a crowd of guests), it can serve a purpose. As long as it is used exclusively on interior partition walls that are fully dry and well insulated, and with stable humidity and proper heating, it can be an option. In all other circumstances, you should opt for a non-woven model.

Non-woven wallpaper

If you’re looking for a wallpaper that performs well in a basement without the risks that come with vinyl, non-woven wallpaper is your best option. It’s made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibres that are breathable, tear-resistant, and easy to install. As it allows moisture to pass through, it reduces the risk of trapped damp. Furthermore, it works perfectly with lining paper!

Paper-based wallpaper

Paper wallpaper has its charm, is often budget-friendly and comes in some beautiful prints, but it’s also quite fragile and highly absorbent. In a space where humidity levels are even slightly unstable it can wrinkle, peel, or develop mould. I recommend considering it only for interior drywalls in your basement as long as it is completely dry, insulated, and climate-controlled year-round. Generally speaking, non-woven wallpapers would be preferential as they are more durable and still available in as many colours , patterns and finishes as paper-based ones.

Peel and Stick wallpaper

Peel and stick wallpaper is designed for convenience (no paste, no mess, and easy removal), but its simplicity comes with significant limitations. Most peel and stick models are made from a vinyl-coated top layer and a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. Just like traditional vinyl wallpaper, the vinyl layer is not breathable, trapping damp behind it. Furthermore, the acrylic adhesive frequently used in these wall coverings is highly sensitive to moisture and humidity. For these reasons, I advise you not to use it for your basement.

Does lighting matter when picking wallpaper colours for basements?

Yes, it does, and it’s one of the most overlooked aspects when decorating a basement or cellar. Because these spaces tend to have little or no natural light, you need to be careful which wallpaper colours and patterns you pick.

Dealing with limited natural light

Unlike the upper floors, sunlight rarely reaches basements. Even if there are small windows, they often face shaded areas or are partially below ground level. As artificial lighting becomes the main source of illumination, it directly impacts how wallpaper colours are perceived. A model that looked great online might appear dull, shadowy, or even the “wrong” colour once it’s on the wall. This is why I always encourage getting samples first and test them in the actual lighting conditions of your basement.

As a general rule, avoid very dark or matte wallpapers unless you’re creating a dramatic feature wall. These tend to absorb light and can make basements feel closed-in. Instead, choose lighter colours as they reflect more light and make the room feel bigger and brighter. Also consider models with a subtle sheen, metallic accents, or light-reflective textures, since they help bounce artificial light around the room.

Valuable tips for successfully wallpapering your basement

Having wallpapered quite a number of different basements and cellars over the years, I‘ve put together a few extra tips that you should consider:

Acclimate your wallpaper rolls in the basement for at least 24 hours

Before you start cutting or pasting anything, let your wallpaper adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity. Leave the unopened rolls in the basement for at least 24 hours. This helps prevent expansion or contraction after hanging, which could lead to bubbling or misaligned seams.

Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels during installation

Temperature levels in basements tend to fluctuate more than in other rooms - but for wallpapering, consistency is key. Aim to keep the room at a stable temperature between 15°C and 25°C, with humidity below 60%. Avoid wallpapering during very humid or cold days (see also What is the best time of the year to wallpaper?), and make sure the space is free from draughts, fans, or heaters blowing directly on the wall.

Choose vertical stripes to add the illusion of height

If your basement has a low ceiling, vertical patterns are your best friend as they naturally draw the eye upward and make the walls appear taller. This optical illusion is especially useful in compact or windowless cellars where ceilings tend to feel low.

Use bold patterns to create stunning feature walls

A bold or patterned feature wall can create a stylish focal point that anchors the whole room, as long as you choose a light, neutral tone for the other walls. Place the feature wall where it gets the most light, it from a window, ceiling spots, or accent lighting, to show off the pattern properly without making the room feel cramped.

Consult with a professional if you’re unsure

Even if you are an experienced DIY enthusiast, sometimes it’s a good idea to get professional help. If you feel the task might be above your skill level, or you‘re facing challenges you are unsure about, consulting a professional wallpaper installer or damp specialist before proceeding might save you money and trouble in the long run.

I hope you find the above advice useful, Raphaël. Keep me posted on your project!
Isabel