When it comes to updating your walls, most people go straight to paint or traditional printed wallpaper. But there’s another option that’s gaining popularity for all the right reasons—natural wallpaper. These materials not only look great, but also bring extra benefits to your home. In fact, choosing something like grasscloth wallpaper can instantly warm up a room and make it feel more personal.
Let’s break down why natural wallpapers are a smart choice and how they fit into different design styles and lifestyles.
What is natural wallpaper?
Natural wallpaper is made from organic fibers like jute, bamboo, sisal, cork, or grasscloth. These materials are often hand-woven or layered over a paper backing. Unlike synthetic wallpapers, they don’t just cover walls: they bring texture, depth, and a subtle richness that’s hard to fake.
Grasscloth, for example, is made from dried grasses that are dyed and then woven into sheets. Each roll is unique, which means you get real variation and character on your walls. You won’t find two pieces that are exactly the same, and that’s part of the charm.
Why people choose it
1. Natural texture adds warmth
One of the biggest perks of natural wallpaper is how it feels—both visually and to the touch. It softens harsh spaces and makes even modern rooms feel a little more grounded. That woven texture plays with light in a way that flat paint just can’t. This is especially helpful in rooms that can feel cold or lifeless, like a hallway or home office.
2. Eco-friendly appeal
If you care about the environment, this is a big plus. Many natural wallpapers are made with sustainable materials. They’re also often produced with fewer harsh chemicals. That means you’re putting fewer toxins into your home—good for the air and good for your conscience.
Great for accent walls and more
Natural wallpaper doesn’t do well in humid spaces like bathrooms. But it’s a great choice for bedrooms, dining rooms, and cozy living areas. It shines on accent walls, especially behind a headboard or a reading nook.
If you’re looking to bring a bit of nature indoors without a total overhaul, consider using wallpaper with natural themes too. Animal wallpaper peel and stick adds a fun, earthy feel. It works well in kids’ rooms, nurseries, and creative spaces. It sticks easily and removes cleanly. It gives the space a personal twist without long-term commitment.
Everyday benefits of natural wallpaper
Here are a few real-world advantages people notice once they install natural wallpaper:
- It hides wall imperfections. Uneven surfaces, minor dents, and scratches are much less noticeable under textured materials.
- It doesn’t look mass-produced. Each piece feels handcrafted, even if it came from a store.
- It works with many styles. Whether your home is boho, minimalist, rustic, or transitional, natural wallpaper blends right in.
Things to keep in mind
Of course, natural wallpaper isn’t perfect for every situation. It can be a bit more delicate than vinyl or traditional paper. For example, grasscloth can stain easily if you’re not careful. So it’s not the best choice for kitchens or anywhere kids might leave sticky fingerprints.
Here are a few quick tips if you’re thinking about using it:
Do:
- Use it in low-traffic, low-humidity areas.
- Pair it with soft lighting to highlight the texture.
- Keep furniture and decor simple so the wallpaper can stand out.
Don’t:
- Install it where it might get splashed or smeared.
- Scrub it hard—it’s best to dust gently with a dry cloth.
- Expect every roll to match perfectly. Embrace the variation.
Final thoughts
Natural wallpaper brings something special that paint and standard prints often miss. It’s warm, textured, and unique. It works well in grown-up spaces like bedrooms and offices. With the right pattern, it also adds charm to kids’ rooms. You might love the raw, organic look of grasscloth, or maybe you want a fun, nature-themed option like a peel-and-stick animal print. Either way, there’s a natural wallpaper that works for your space.Bottom line? If you want walls that do more than just sit there—walls with personality, depth, and a story—natural wallpaper is definitely worth a look.
