What is the difference between non-woven, vinyl and paper wallpaper?

Do you want to wallpaper your home but aren't sure which type is best for you? Wallpaper comes in various types, each with its own characteristics—and the right choice makes an immediate difference in both appearance and ease of use. Are you going for the classic look of paper wallpaper, the user-friendly non-woven wallpaper, or the strong, washable qualities of vinyl? Below, we clearly list the differences for you so you can choose based on atmosphere, space, and practical convenience.

Paper wallpaper

Paper wallpaper is a true classic. It usually consists of two layers of paper and has been a popular choice for many years, especially when you like to vary styles or quickly want to give a room a new look. Paper wallpaper is relatively light and can give a beautiful, refined look—especially with subtle designs or classic patterns.

A practical advantage is that paper wallpaper is often pleasant to work with and also easy to remove when you're ready for something new. However, paper wallpaper is more sensitive to moisture and less forgiving than, for example, vinyl: because it is thinner, you can see imperfections through the wallpaper more easily.

Please note: for paper wallpaper, a smooth, even surface is important. Do you have cracks, bumps, or other imperfections on the wall? Then paper wallpaper is usually not the most practical choice.

Is paper wallpaper suitable for you?

Paper wallpaper is a good fit for you if you:

• like to change things up regularly and want to quickly give a room a different look;

• are looking for wallpaper for rooms with less intensive use, such as a bedroom, attic, or children's room;

• want to create an accent (e.g., a cupboard wall, niche, or decorative wall) without needing the most robust solution.

Vinyl wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper consists of a base layer (paper or non-woven) with a repellent top layer. This makes vinyl wallpaper strong, practical, and easy to clean. This type is ideally suited for lived-in areas: rooms with a greater chance of stains, moisture, or intensive use.

Vinyl is also often heavier and can therefore better "hide" small imperfections in the wall. Ideal if your wall isn't perfectly smooth, but you want a neat end result. Brands like Arte, Casamance, and Elitis have strong collections of vinyl wallpaper.

Is vinyl wallpaper suitable for you?

Vinyl wallpaper is a good fit for you if you:

• are looking for a washable and easy-to-maintain solution;

• have children or pets and want a wall that can take a beating;

• are looking for wallpaper for the kitchen, hallway, or dining room, or for a space where moisture and use play a role.

Non-woven wallpaper

Non-woven wallpaper is not without reason the most popular type of wallpaper at the moment. It combines ease of use with many design possibilities. Due to its fiber structure, various effects can be incorporated—from subtle textures and weaves to patterns and luxurious finishes.

The big difference from paper wallpaper is that non-woven wallpaper is dimensionally stable: it absorbs less moisture, hardly shrinks or stretches, and therefore stays tighter. It is also pleasant to work with: you apply the glue to the wall, not to the wallpaper. This makes wallpapering more manageable and faster, especially if you are hanging multiple strips consecutively.

Is non-woven wallpaper suitable for you?

Non-woven wallpaper is a good fit for you if you:

• want a durable and easy-to-maintain choice;

• want to wallpaper quickly and neatly (glue on the wall);

• are looking for wallpaper suitable for daily use in living and workspaces;

• love a luxurious look through texture, relief, or refined finishes.

Which type will you choose?

The best choice depends on your space and how you use it. Think in two directions:

• Practical: washable, moisture-resistant, impact-resistant, forgiving for the substrate

• Atmosphere: color, pattern, texture, luxurious appearance, and how the space feels

At Selected Wallpapers, you will find a carefully curated assortment of high quality. Whether you are looking for a striking pattern, a calm texture, or a practical solution for a busy household: there is always a type of wallpaper that fits your interior plans. Let yourself be inspired by our vinyl wallpaper collection and choose the wallpaper that is right—both in appearance and in daily use.