Beyond Aesthetics: The Functional Benefits of Natural Wallcoverings

.Side view of entrance stairway with dark wood banister. Nautical map and textured grasscloth on wall.

Entry way with Sisal, Smolder

 

What is Grasscloth Wallpaper? 

Grasscloth is an earth-friendly wallpaper made from the fibers of various plants like jute, hemp, seagrass, and many more. The raw materials are harvested, dried, and hand-dyed using various vegetable dyes that give these natural wallcoverings their unique and subtly varied appearance. With woven fibers, grasscloth wallpaper has a signature textural appearance that lies at the heart of the hundreds of variations of styles, colors, and visual patterns.  

 

Two rows of earth friendly, tall upright stacks of drying jute fibers in a wetland. Blue skies

 

    What is the grasscloth texture that results from this weaving of natural fibers? The physical and visual pattern can vary dramatically depending on the material–for example, our linen textile Camp has a much tighter and smaller weave compared to the Japanese Paperweave Billow, which has thicker fibers and a larger visual knit. Styles like Prairie and Spectator can even create the effect of a wood-looking wall covering because of their thick fibers that have retained a natural color tone. This endless variation and wide spectrum of finishes make grasscloth a dynamic design material.

     

     Four fanned out natural wallcovering grasscloth sample memos in neutral tones

     

    But is grasscloth wallpaper good for every room? This earth-friendly wallpaper option is certainly versatile and adaptable, but some spaces may not be an ideal fit, like a full bathroom that gets regular shower and bath use. The added moisture in the air does not mix well with grasscloth wallcoverings, so keep it to the other rooms of the house, or even half-bathrooms that don’t experience a steamy environment.

     

    Three ways grasscloth natural wallcoverings add function to form 

    Beyond the visual and stylistic benefits, grasscloth earth-friendly wallpaper has a functional dimension that makes it a smart design material. So, if you’re choosing a wallcovering and are wondering what is the benefit of grasscloth wallpaper above other options, here are three ways that grasscloth’s performance and features make it a practical choice.

    1. Durability

    While the fine lines and intricate weaving of many grasscloth styles can give a delicate appearance, its construction is highly durable. This makes it a suitable option for high-traffic areas away from moisture. With a thick paper backing, the delicate natural fiber wallcovering is constructed to be long-lasting. For even more durability and to further extend the lifespan of the wallpaper, install grasscloth above wood paneling or wainscoting which will protect the paper from pets, scuffs, furniture, and everyday wear and tear.

    2. Sound-absorbing

    Does grasscloth wallpaper absorb sound? Yes. Grasscloth brings a cozy feel to any space, large or small, and this is partially achieved through the material’s sound-absorbing quality. While this is an added benefit of every grasscloth style, if you’re looking for an enhanced effect, explore the textile wallcoverings since they have the best sound-absorbing capabilities. What is the best fabric for wallpaper when looking to maximize sound-absorption in a room? This choice depends on your visual style, and whether you want a subtle look like Camp or Dunlin, or a classic grasscloth natural color like Fawn or Wheaten.

     

     Closeup corner image of a neutral-toned natural wallcovering under a cabinet shelf. Small white bowl on countertop

     

    3. Earth-friendly wallpaper materials

    Grasscloth organic wallcoverings are made of natural, breathable materials that don’t off-gas or use heavy metals, formaldehyde, or other toxins in the paper or the glue. The materials are also hypoallergenic and we only use eco-friendly, sustainably manufactured products that do not harm the earth in any phase of the production process. Grasscloth wallcoverings are made from vegetable dyes and natural plant fibers like linen, flax, ramie, and cotton.

     

    Two people hand-dipping long grass fibers in a pail of earth-red dye for production of earth-friendly natural wallcoverings

     

    Designing interiors that stand the test of time

    When designing a lasting space, durability is important but so is visual style. It’s essential to choose functional elements that are practical for everyday living and won’t fall out of style just a few seasons later.

     

    How do I choose a timeless wallpaper?

    The classic look of grasscloth wallpaper makes this natural wallcovering a popular option. When choosing a style, keep these tips in mind if you want to design a timeless space.

    • Blend old and new: Incorporate design elements from different eras and integrate them with details from the present day to pull from the best of every period.
    • Choose classic patterns and colors: Avoid overly trendy patterns or fads that will go out of style quickly, and stick with subtle combinations.
    • Use natural materials: Woods, textiles, cotton, or linens have been popular across eras and are reliably timeless. These materials can be easily integrated into your grasscloth wallpaper choices.
    • Keep practicality in mind: When a material proves to be too difficult to maintain, it tends to fall out of favor. Pick styles and install your wallpaper in ways that make it simple to maintain so it lasts as long as possible.

     

     Closeup image of bed with light wooden headboard. A large white painting hangs behind on a dark charcoal colored natural grasscloth wallcovering

    Room by: Exult Design 

     

    Grasscloth is an earth-friendly wallpaper available in endless textures, patterns, and colors to fit any design vision. With its ecological production process and functional versatility, it serves as a reliable choice that transcends just visual beauty and offers functional excellence as well.

    If you’re interested in learning more about the options available with grasscloth wallcoverings, how to choose a pattern, and our current collection, contact us today or explore our shop.