What Is the Difference Between Textile and Standard Wallpaper?

On textile wallpaper the surface you see is not a print but real yarn or fabric laminated onto a paper or non-woven backing. On standard wallpaper the design is printed on the paper or on a vinyl layer. The difference shows in touch, look, care and price.

How they are built

The face of a textile wallcovering is made of fibres such as linen, silk, cotton, viscose or jute, and you can pick out the individual yarns. Printed wallpaper imitates texture with embossing; in a textile the texture is real.

Look and feel

A fabric surface absorbs light, so the wall looks matt, deep and warm. With natural fibres there can be a slight difference in shade between strips. This is not a fault but part of the material's character.

Care and durability

Standard vinyl wallpaper can be wiped with a damp cloth. A textile surface cannot be wiped with water, absorbs stains and may fade in sunlight sooner than printed paper. That is why it is used on calm walls that hands do not touch.

Why choose textile wallpaper?

Because no print gives the depth of real fabric. It creates a refined atmosphere in bedrooms, studies, meeting rooms and hotel rooms, and it softens echo a little.

Does fabric-effect vinyl count as textile?

No. Its surface is vinyl and only the look resembles fabric; because it can be wiped, it is preferred to textile on heavily used walls. You can see both types on our fabric and textile wallpaper page and at ithalduvarkagit.com.