Non-Woven Wallpaper: Pros, Cons, Best Uses & Where to Buy in 2025
- capelily
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Wallpaper in 2025 is available on a greater variety of sustainable substrates than ever before. Here we dive deep in one of our favorite wallpaper bases: Non Wovens.
With a plethora of materials to choose from including paper, grasscloths, silks, linens, corks, foils and more non-woven wallpaper is our favorite eco friendly ground at a lower prices point than some of the naturals like grasscloth, making it the perfect choice for a special wallpaper that doesn't break the budget. First and foremost we love how it looks: the texture and movement in the paper created by the natural cellulose fibers its made from is more interesting to look at than standard clay coated papers and it perfectly complements our natural floral designs.
If you’re in the market for new wallpaper be sure to check the specifications of the paper you're considering and order a few samples to compare the texture of different papers - it really makes all the difference!
In this article we dive into what non-woven paper is, different kinds and applications, the benefits of working with it and where to source our favorite designs.
What Is Non-Woven Wallpaper?
Non-woven wallpaper is constructed from a mix of natural cellulose pulp (from paper) and synthetic textile fibers - a unique combination creating a product that is not only sturdy and resilient but also breathable, making it less susceptible to damage from moisture or everyday wear and tear. The texture from the natural cellulose adds a naturally textured and luxurious aesthetic.
What are the Benefits of Non-Woven Wallpaper?
Some of the benefits of non woven wallpaper:
Luxurious, textured, matte finish - a good non woven wallpaper is, in our opinion, simply better looking than standard paper.
Breathable - non woven wallpaper is microporous, reducing the risk of mold or mildew, making it a great candidate for bathrooms or powder rooms.
Tear resistant - The fibrous nature of non woven wallpaper make it tear-resistant and less likely to shrink or expand with humidity.
Easy to hang- non woven wallpaper is considered the easiest type to hang (and remove) because of its Paste-the-wall application and because the fibers don't expand or contract when wet with paste, making it easier to manipulate and align panels.
Easily strippable. When its time to remove non-woven wallpaper peels off in whole sheets without water, steam, or scraping.
Wipeable- non woven fiber is easily wipeable with a soft cloth and mild soap and water making it more friendly for your average residential space compared to a grasscloth
In short: it’s the wallpaper you recommend to a friend who wants style without a meltdown.
Different Types of Non Woven Wallpapers:
It's important to understand that while all non wovens deliver the functional benefits listed above they are not all exactly alike aesthetically and you should compare samples and feel them for yourself before deciding on your favorite.
Standard Non-Woven (Cellulose + Synthetic Fiber Blend):
The most common "non-woven" used in digitally printed wallpaper. It's composed of a mix of natural cellulose pulp (from paper) and synthetic textile fibers (often polyester or nylon).
It has a smooth to slightly fibrous, matte finish.
It typically requires a “paste-the-wall” application.
Non-Woven Vellum
Non Woven Vellum is a cellulose-heavy non-woven with finer, more compressed fibers
The feel is a thicker, smooth, almost paper-like surface (like drawing vellum). There is less visible fiber texture.
Vellum is popular for murals and contemporary designs where smooth, fine details are required.
Non-Woven Fiber
Non Woven Fiber is exactly as it sounds: more fibrous. The higher fiber content makes it visibly more textured as well as giving it added strength and dimensional stability.
It has a luxurious, textile-like touch with visible non-woven texture. It is the most visibly textured of the non wovens and appears hand crafted as a result.
It is a very matte ground, with no sheen
It typically requires a “paste-the-wall” application.
This ground is our favorite for its naturalistic, textile-inspired quality
Is Non Woven Wallpaper More Sustainable?
While the cellulose (wood pulp) component may be renewable, biodegradable, and often sourced from FSC-certified forests there is also the Synthetic fibers to consider, which may not be biodegradable. The higher the synthetic ratio, the less sustainable it is.
The most sustainable non wovens are Uncoated, FSC-certified wallpapers using water-based inks and paste. Look out for eco non-woven wallpaper that uses recycled fibers + natural pulp with no PVC and comply with global certifications or regulation for chemical safety standards such as REACH or OEKO-TEX®.
Where Non-Wovens Work Best
Non-woven wallpaper is incredibly versatile and can be used anywhere in the home but here’s where we think it works best:
Kitchens & Bathrooms
Thanks to its breathable yet durable fibers, non-woven wallpaper works well in splash-prone areas, moisture-friendly wallcoverings, and wipe-clean kitchen or bathroom spaces. It’s a quick way to refresh these rooms without costly renovations.
Commercial Interiors
From boutique hotels to modern office wallcoverings, non-woven wallpaper adds polish while standing up to high-traffic use. Its wipe-clean surface makes it ideal for commercial decor projects that need both function and style.
Guest Rooms & Rentals
Because it’s easy to remove, non-woven wallpaper is rental-friendly. It’s a go-to choice for guest rooms, second home refreshes, or Airbnb properties where you want maximum impact with the ability to adjust in future as needed.
Summary of the Pros and Cons of Non-Woven Wallpaper
Like any design choice, non-woven wallpaper has both advantages and drawbacks.
Pros
Easy paste-the-wall or plaster the paper installation.
Breathable and moisture-resistant.
Durable, tear-resistant, and long-lasting.
Rental- and resale-friendly (peels off in sheets) and especially loved by wallpaper installers
Luxurious, textured aesthetic and available in countless patterns and textures.
Cons
Typically a little more expensive than standard paper wallpapers.
May require a professional installer for large or complex patterns.
Not fully waterproof (best for splash zones, not inside showers).
Styling Tips for Non-Woven Wallpaper
To accentuate the natural, textured nature of a non-woven wallpaper it pairs best with natural materials, your favorite art, printed fabrics, subtle home accessories, and indoor plants. We love to complement our designs with dried flowers, indoor plants and layered natural materials.
Non-Woven Wallpaper for Every Room in Your Home
What makes non-woven wallpaper so popular in 2025 is its ability to adapt to any space. From living rooms, guest rooms, kitchens, and hallways to offices and boutique hotels, it balances practicality with style.
Whether you’re a designer working on commercial decor, a homeowner updating your second home, or a realtor staging a property for sale, non-woven wallpaper is a smart, stylish investment.
FAQ: Non-Woven Wallpaper
Q: Can non-woven wallpaper be used in damp areas?
A: Yes, its breathable fibers prevent mold and mildew, making it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone spaces.
Q: What is non woven wallpaper made from?
A: A mix of natural cellulose pulp (from paper) and synthetic textile fibers
Q: How do you clean Non Woven Wallpaper?
A: Non Woven Fibre paper is wipeable with a soft cloth and mild soap and water
Q: Is non-woven wallpaper good for rentals ?
A: Yes, its strippable nature makes it renter- and resale-friendly, ideal for guest rooms, second homes, senior living facilities or Airbnb properties.
Final Thoughts
Non-woven wallpaper proves that interior design doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful. With its balance of style, durability, and ease of installation, it’s no wonder this wallpaper has become the go-to for so many design projects in 2025.
If you’re ready to explore non-woven wallpaper collections, browse our latest non woven wallpaper designs here.
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