What is non-woven wallpaper?

Dear Philippe,
I can understand your confusion, one would think that “wallpapers” would be made out of paper, as the name indicates. Indeed, that was the case for a long time, however nowadays “non-woven” models are the most common on the market.

What are non-woven wallpapers?

The name “non-woven” refers to the back of the wallpaper, the one that you stick to the wall. Non-woven wallpapers are made from a mix of synthetic fibres (polyester or nylon) and natural fibres (cotton or wood pulp), blended together with a binding agent to produce a flexible yet sturdy material. Non-woven wallpapers have many advantages over paper-based models and these days the vast majority of patterned wallpapers on the market today are non-woven.

What are the main advantages of non-woven wallpapers?

There are several reasons why non-woven wallpaper is often preferred over other types of wall covering. Let’s take a look at the main ones:

• Easy to install
  Compared to paper-based models, non-woven wallpapers are far easier to install as the adhesive is applied directly to the wall. Also known as “paste the wall” wallpapers, they are quicker and easier to hang. You don’t need to soak each single strip in wallpapering paste and wait until it is ready to be put up on the wall, like it has to be done for paper-made wallpaper! Since non-woven wallpapers don’t expand or contract during the installation process, the risk of ending up with visible seams on the wall is much lower.
• Easy to remove
  Looking for a change? Non-woven wallpapers can be removed from the wall in a dry state. Just pick up the edge of a strip and start pulling it away from the wall. No laboursome and fiddly scraping is needed, like it used to be in the old days! Non-woven wallpapers leave no residue on the surface, so new non-woven wallpaper can be applied immediately.
• Breathable
  Non-woven wallpaper allows air to pass through its breathable fibres. Moisture doesn’t remain trapped between the paper and the wall. This eliminates the risk of mould, a common problem with older wallpapers.
• Light-resistant
  Compared to other models, non-woven wallpapers offer excellent resistance to direct sunlight. Their colours fade less over time, prolonging their life span whilst preserving their visual appeal.
• Low flammability
  Most non-woven wallpapers are treated with a special finish that delays flame ignition. This means that they are suitable to be used to decorate shops, bars and other public spaces. We recommend checking the fire regulations for public spaces in your country and make sure the wallpaper comes with the required fire certifications.

Can I use a non-woven wallpaper model in my bathroom?

Compared to traditional paper wallpapers, non-woven wallpapers are more resistant to moisture. This makes them a far better choice than paper-based models for bathrooms, where humidity levels can be high. Unless you hang vinyl coated non-woven wallpaper or your wallpaper is treated with a special sealant (wallpaper protection) after installation, non-woven wallpaper should be installed away from areas directly exposed to water. Always ensure adequate ventilation to minimise the impact of humidity on the surface of the wallpaper, preventing excess moisture buildup.

Your wallpaper expert
Isabel