Materials guide

Types of Wallpaper Explained: Paper, Non-Woven, Vinyl, Grasscloth and More

The main wallpaper types are traditional paper, pre-pasted, non-woven (paste goes on the wall), vinyl, natural fibers such as grasscloth, murals and peel-and-stick. Vinyl is the most practical for bathrooms and kitchens, non-woven is the easiest to hang and remove, and natural fibers belong in dry, low-traffic rooms.

In short

  • Non-woven: easy to hang, strips off dry later, works in most rooms.
  • Vinyl and vinyl-coated: washable, best for bathrooms, kitchens and kids' rooms.
  • Grasscloth, silk, cork: beautiful texture, dry rooms only, dust to clean.
  • Check the care rating on the label: spongeable, washable, extra washable or scrubbable.

Wallpaper types at a glance

TypeHow it is hungBest roomsWatch out for
Traditional (unpasted) paperPaste on the back, booked before hangingLiving, dining, bedroomsTears when wet, not washable
Pre-pastedActivated with waterBedrooms, offices, small roomsPaste can be uneven; edges may need extra adhesive
Non-wovenPaste on the wallMost roomsHigher cost than basic paper
Vinyl and vinyl-coatedHeavy-duty pasteBathrooms, kitchens, hallways, kids' roomsNeeds good ventilation behind it in wet rooms
Grasscloth, sisal, silk, corkPaste on the wall, often over a linerDining, living, offices, powder roomsVisible seams, stains from water and paste
MuralsNumbered panels, usually non-woven or vinylFeature walls, commercial spacesMust be measured before ordering
Peel-and-stickSelf-adhesiveRentals, small areasShorter life, poor on texture and in humidity

What the care label means

  • Spongeable: wipe lightly with a damp sponge, no cleaning products.
  • Washable: damp sponge for surface dirt; avoid scrubbing.
  • Extra washable: wet cloth with mild soapy water; fine for kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Scrubbable: soft brush and mild detergent with moderate pressure; good for high-traffic areas.

Definitions as summarized by Wallcover.com. Also check the batch number on every roll: rolls from different print runs can differ in color.

Choosing for a Georgia home

Humid summers make material choice matter in bathrooms and laundry rooms. Use extra-washable or scrubbable vinyl there, and keep natural fibers for dry rooms. See wallpaper and Georgia humidity.

Next step: see our wallpaper installation service or request a free estimate.

Where we work: neighborhoods and ZIP codes

We install every type listed above in homes across Gwinnett County, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Woodstock and Canton.

Gwinnett County

  • 30017 Grayson
  • 30096 Duluth
  • 30092 Peachtree Corners
  • 30071 Norcross
  • 30093 Norcross
  • 30043 Lawrenceville
  • 30045 Lawrenceville
  • 30046 Lawrenceville
  • 30019 Dacula
  • 30052 Loganville
  • 30078 Snellville
  • 30039 Snellville
  • 30518 Buford / Sugar Hill
  • 30519 Buford

Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek

  • 30004 Alpharetta / Milton
  • 30005 Alpharetta
  • 30009 Alpharetta
  • 30022 Alpharetta / Johns Creek
  • 30024 Suwanee / Johns Creek
  • 30097 Johns Creek / Duluth

Woodstock, Canton and Hall County

  • 30188 Woodstock
  • 30189 Woodstock
  • 30115 Canton
  • 30114 Canton
  • 30107 Ball Ground
  • 30542 Flowery Branch
  • 30506 Gainesville

Also serving: Buckhead and North Atlanta; Roswell and East Cobb; Cumming. Not sure we cover your street? Send your ZIP code with a quote request.

About WallPros. WallPros LLC is a wallpaper installation company based in Grayson, Georgia, serving Gwinnett County, North Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, East Cobb, Cumming and the rest of Metro Atlanta for 10 years. We install, remove and prepare walls for homeowners, interior designers and builders.

Sources

  1. Wallcover.com — Wallpaper symbols and care ratings explained

FAQ

Common questions

What is the easiest wallpaper to install and remove?

Non-woven wallpaper. Paste goes on the wall, strips can be adjusted, and it usually comes off dry in full strips.

Which wallpaper is best for a bathroom?

Vinyl or vinyl-coated paper rated extra washable or scrubbable, hung with a moisture-resistant adhesive.

Is grasscloth real grass?

Grasscloth is woven from natural plant fibers such as seagrass, jute or sisal on a paper backing.

Get a free estimate

Tell us the room, the wallcovering and the wall condition. We reply within one business day.

Request a quote
Free estimateReply in 24h

Free estimate

Tell us about your walls

Send a few details and we'll reply within one business day to schedule a site visit.