There are many different types of wallpaper, including vinyl, non-woven, traditional paper, peel and stick, grasscloth, and textured wallpaper. Each offers different benefits in terms of durability, appearance, maintenance, and installation.
The best type of wallpaper depends on the room, your budget, and the look you want to achieve. Some wallpapers are designed for durability and easy cleaning, while others focus on decorative textures and luxurious finishes. Here are…
10 Popular Types of Wallpaper and What Makes Each Unique
1. Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is one of the most popular types of wallpaper because of its durability and ease of maintenance. It features a vinyl surface that resists moisture and can often be wiped clean, making it a practical choice for busy households.
Best for: Kitchens, hallways, bathrooms with adequate ventilation, and other high-traffic areas.
2. Non-Woven Wallpaper
Non-woven wallpaper is made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. It’s known for its dimensional stability, breathable construction, and relatively straightforward installation. Many non-woven wallpapers use a paste-the-wall application method and can be removed in full sheets when properly installed.
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and homeowners looking for a convenient installation process.
3. Traditional Paper Wallpaper
Traditional paper wallpaper is made primarily from paper and is available in an extensive range of colors, prints, and patterns. It can create a beautiful decorative finish but is generally less resistant to moisture and wear than vinyl wallpaper.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal dining rooms, and low-traffic spaces where durability is less of a concern.
4. Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper features a self-adhesive backing that allows it to be installed without separate wallpaper paste. It’s a popular choice for DIY projects and temporary decorating, although performance depends on the wall surface and adhesive.
Best for: Accent walls, rental properties, and temporary decorating projects.
For a closer comparison, read our guide on Peel and Stick Wallpaper vs. Traditional Wallpaper.
5. Grasscloth Wallpaper
Grasscloth wallpaper is made from natural fibers such as jute, sisal, and other grasses woven together to create a distinctive textured surface. Its natural variations give each installation a unique appearance, making it particularly popular in luxury interiors.
Because natural grasscloth can be sensitive to moisture and staining, it’s generally better suited to dry, lower-traffic spaces.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and elegant accent walls.
6. Textured Wallpaper
Textured wallpaper adds depth and dimension through raised patterns, embossed surfaces, or materials designed to resemble fabric, stone, or plaster. Some textured wallpapers are subtle, while others create a dramatic architectural effect.
Durability and cleaning requirements vary depending on the material used.
Best for: Feature walls, bedrooms, living rooms, and spaces that benefit from additional visual texture.
7. Fabric Wallpaper
Fabric wallpaper uses textiles such as linen, silk, or other woven materials to create a soft, sophisticated wall finish. These wallcoverings often have a luxurious appearance but may require specialized installation and careful maintenance.
Best for: Formal living rooms, bedrooms, and decorative spaces where elegance is a priority.
8. Flock Wallpaper
Flock wallpaper features raised, velvet-like patterns created by applying short fibers to an adhesive-coated surface. The result is a rich, tactile finish commonly associated with traditional and luxury interior design.
Flock wallpaper can be more delicate than standard vinyl or paper wallcoverings, so it works best in areas with limited contact.
Best for: Formal dining rooms, bedrooms, and statement walls.
9. Foil and Metallic Wallpaper
Foil and metallic wallpaper incorporates reflective finishes that add shimmer and visual interest to a room. Designs range from subtle metallic accents to bold gold, silver, and bronze patterns.
These wallpapers can create a striking effect under natural or artificial lighting, although some finishes require especially careful wall preparation and installation.
Best for: Accent walls, dining rooms, bedrooms, and contemporary interiors.
10. Natural Fiber Wallpaper
Natural fiber wallpaper includes wallcoverings made from materials such as bamboo, cork, raffia, and other plant-based fibers. These materials introduce organic texture, warmth, and natural variations that manufactured wallpaper may not replicate.
Like grasscloth, many natural fiber wallcoverings require careful handling and are best suited to dry environments.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and nature-inspired interiors.
Which Type of Wallpaper is Best?
The best wallpaper depends on your priorities. If durability and easy cleaning are most important, vinyl wallpaper is often a strong choice. For convenient installation, non-woven and peel and stick options may be appealing.
If you’re looking for a premium decorative finish, grasscloth, fabric, textured, and metallic wallpapers offer distinctive materials and appearances.
Consider the room’s moisture levels, foot traffic, wall condition, and how long you plan to keep the wallpaper before making your selection.
What Type of Wallpaper is Best for Each Room?
Different rooms have different requirements, so it’s important to select wallpaper suited to the environment.
| Room | Wallpaper Types to Consider |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | Non-woven, paper, grasscloth, textured |
| Living Room | Grasscloth, fabric, non-woven, metallic |
| Kitchen | Washable vinyl |
| Bathroom | Moisture-resistant vinyl approved for bathroom use |
| Dining Room | Flock, fabric, grasscloth, traditional paper |
| Hallway | Durable, washable vinyl |
| Home Office | Non-woven, textured, natural fiber |
Always review the manufacturer’s recommendations before installing wallpaper in areas exposed to moisture, heat, or frequent contact.
Shop Wallpaper at Loconsolo Paints
Not sure which type of wallpaper is right for your home? Loconsolo Paints offers thousands of wallpaper styles, patterns, colors, and textures to explore.
Visit our wallpaper showrooms in Brooklyn and Queens to browse wallpaper books, compare materials, and discover options suited to your space and budget.
Our knowledgeable team can help you explore different wallpaper collections, and our interior designer is available for personalized consultations to help coordinate wallpaper, paint colors, and other decorative finishes.
Explore our wallpaper collections or visit Loconsolo Paints to find the right wallpaper for your next project.