Grasscloth & Textured Wallpaper: Choosing, Styling and Caring

Textured wallpaper is having a long, deserved moment: it gives a wall warmth and depth without committing to pattern. But "grasscloth" covers two very different products, and choosing the wrong one for the room is the most common mistake we see. Here's the honest guide.

Real grasscloth vs grasscloth-effect

Natural grasscloth is actual woven plant fibre laminated to a paper backing. It's beautiful and irregular — visible seams and shade variation between strips are part of the look, not a defect. It marks easily, can't be scrubbed, and dislikes moisture. It belongs in adult, low-traffic rooms.

Grasscloth-effect and textured vinyl (most of our Textured & Grasscloth collection, including the Casamance woven-texture ranges) gives you the same visual warmth on a washable, durable, non-woven or vinyl base. Seams match, colour is consistent, and it wipes clean. For hallways, family rooms, kitchens and anywhere with children — this is the one.

Where texture earns its keep

• Rooms with downlights or wall-washing light — flat paint shows every trowel mark; texture turns raking light into a feature.
• Studies and master bedrooms — quiet depth that reads expensive without demanding attention.
• Whole rooms, not just feature walls — texture is the rare wallpaper category that's better on four walls than one.

Styling it

Textured neutrals do their best work as a backdrop: linen, timber, boucle and stone all get richer against a woven wall. If you want contrast, pair texture with one bold element — art, a coloured bedhead — rather than more pattern. And check our Earthy & Natural collection for the tonal palette that loves these surfaces most.

Caring for it

• Effect/vinyl textures: dust with a soft brush; wipe washable ones with a damp (not wet) cloth and mild soap. Full detail in cleaning & caring for wallpaper.
• Natural fibres: vacuum gently with a brush head. Blot — never rub — spills immediately. No water, no cleaners.

Before you buy

Texture is the single hardest thing to judge from a photo. Order the $10 sample, hold it flat against your wall under your actual lighting, evening included — then decide.

Still unsure? Order a $10 sample, or email us at mary@wallpapertrader.com — we're happy to help you get it right.