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Style
Grasscloth and Natural Wallpapers Explained
Natural fiber wallcoverings add warmth and texture, but they need the right room and a little care.
The Beauty of Natural Texture
Grasscloth and other natural wallcoverings bring an organic warmth that printed papers cannot quite match. Made from woven plant fibers, they add subtle texture and depth, turning a wall into a tactile, light-catching surface. They suit relaxed, layered, and nature-leaning interiors especially well.
What Counts as Natural Wallpaper
The category includes a range of woven and fibrous materials.
- Grasscloth: woven natural grasses bonded to a paper backing.
- Other fibers: jute, sisal, and similar woven materials.
- Faux versions: textured prints that mimic the look with more durability.
Brands like Sandberg and York Wallcoverings offer textured and natural-look options, and many companies make faux-grasscloth designs for easier upkeep.
Embracing the Character
Natural materials vary subtly from panel to panel, with slight differences in color and weave. This is part of their charm, not a flaw. Seams are often visible by design, contributing to the handcrafted look. If you want perfect uniformity, a faux version may suit you better.
Where It Works Best
Grasscloth shines in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and studies, spaces that benefit from warmth and stay relatively dry. It is generally best kept away from high-moisture and high-splash areas like bathrooms and behind kitchen counters, where humidity and stains can be an issue.
Caring for Natural Wallcoverings
Natural fibers are more delicate than vinyl. Dust gently and avoid heavy scrubbing or excess water. In busy households or damp rooms, a faux-textured paper offers a similar look with easier maintenance. Chosen for the right room, natural wallpaper rewards you with unmatched warmth and depth.
FAQs
Are the seams on grasscloth supposed to show?
Often, yes. Visible seams and subtle panel-to-panel variation are part of grasscloth's handcrafted character, not a defect. If you prefer a perfectly uniform look, a faux-grasscloth print may suit you better.
Can I use grasscloth in a bathroom or kitchen?
It is generally best avoided in high-moisture or high-splash areas, since natural fibers are sensitive to humidity and stains. Reserve grasscloth for drier rooms like living rooms, bedrooms, and studies.
Keep reading
A Style Guide to Botanical and Floral Wallpaper
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How to Pull Off Maximalist Pattern at Home
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Creating Dark and Moody Rooms With Wallpaper
Deep, enveloping color can make a room feel intimate and luxurious when you layer light and texture thoughtfully.