The right wallpaper does more than beautify your walls. It sets the mood, determines how easy it is to maintain and how easily you can switch later. Below you will find a complete overview of the different types of wallpaper, with clear pros and cons and practical tips. That way you can quickly choose the wallpaper that fits your room, style and budget.
Which types of wallpaper are there? Properties by type
Paper wallpaper
Paper wallpaper is the classic choice and often the most affordable. It consists of one or more layers of paper and comes in countless colors and prints. Ideal if you want to switch regularly or have a small budget.
Pros:
- Affordable and a wide choice
- Beautiful for fine patterns and a matte, paper look
- Good for rooms with little wear, such as bedrooms
Cons:
- More fragile and less resistant to knocks
- Shows irregularities more quickly
- Usually not washable
Practical tip: finish the wall surface smoothly and use the right wallpaper glue for paper. If you have kids or want easy cleaning, look at vinyl or non-woven wallpaper as an alternative.
Non-woven wallpaper
Non-woven wallpaper has a sturdy non-woven backing, so you paste the wall instead of the wallpaper. That is quick and clean. The material tears less easily and hardly expands or shrinks.
Pros:
- Quick to hang without a pasting table
- Seamless-looking, even with large strips
- Available smooth and with a subtle texture
Cons:
- Usually a bit more expensive than paper
- Irregularities stay partly visible with thin versions
Note: there are different kinds of non-woven wallpaper, from thin to extra strong. If you are looking for a smooth, paintable base, look at renovation non-woven.
Vinyl wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper has a plastic top layer on a paper or non-woven backing. You can choose hard vinyl for a flat, sturdy finish or foam vinyl for extra texture.
Pros:
- Washable and very hard-wearing
- Good for high-traffic or humid rooms, such as the hallway, kitchen or powder room
- Hides small irregularities better
Cons:
- Breathes less: make sure there is good ventilation
- Can be harder to remove
If you are torn between vinyl wallpaper vs non-woven wallpaper, choose vinyl for maximum cleanability and non-woven for ease of hanging.
Fiberglass wallpaper (glass fabric)
Fiberglass wallpaper, also called glass fabric, is woven from glass fibers and is known for its high resistance to knocks. After hanging, you paint it in any color you like.
Pros:
- Extremely strong and crack-bridging
- Ideal on older or less even walls
- Flame retardant and durable
Cons:
- Removing it takes more work
- The fibers can prick while hanging: wear gloves
If you are looking for a smooth, paintable wall without a visible weave, renovation non-woven is an alternative.
Renovation non-woven
Renovation non-woven is a smooth, sturdy non-woven that bridges cracks and gives a smooth, plaster-like result after painting. It is popular in new builds and renovations.
Pros:
- Smooth, even look after painting
- Crack-bridging and resistant to knocks
- Quick and clean to apply
Cons:
- The finish depends on the wall surface: preparation remains important
- You still have to paint for the final result
There are different kinds of renovation non-woven wallpaper in thickness and weight. Heavier versions hide a bit more.
Textile wallpaper
Textile wallpaper is made of natural or synthetic fibers and gives warmth and luxury. It improves acoustics and has a hotel-chic look.
Pros:
- Deep, rich textures such as linen, silk or velvet
- Improves sound comfort
Cons:
- More sensitive to stains: less suitable for wet or busy rooms
- Hanging it takes precision
Cork wallpaper
Cork wallpaper is a natural choice with character. It insulates against sound and heat and instantly gives an organic look.
Pros:
- Natural look with a unique grain
- Insulating and comfortable
Cons:
- Seams can be a bit more visible
- Less suitable for humid rooms
Tip: you can use cork as a decorative wall and even as a pinboard.
Photo wallpaper
With photo wallpaper you turn one wall into a real eye-catcher. Think of jungle, flowers, cities, marble or 3D illusions. It often comes on a non-woven backing, so you paste the wall.
Pros:
- High impact: instantly a theme or mood
- Available in standard sizes and custom sizes
- Sharp prints from top brands
Cons:
- Hanging takes precision when matching strips
- Less flexible if you want to change style quickly
At Behang.nl you will find collections from ARTE, Eijffinger, BN Walls, Cole & Son, Boråstapeter, Khrôma, Casamance, Luxury Walls and Riviera Maison, among others.
Buying guide: which wallpaper suits your room?
- Intensity of use: for hallways, kitchens and kids' play areas, vinyl or strong non-woven is ideal. For a quiet bedroom, paper or non-woven wallpaper is often just fine.
- Moisture and cleaning: choose vinyl in wet or splash-prone zones. Watch the ventilation.
- Wall surface: uneven walls? Go for glass fabric or renovation non-woven. Light pits are masked better.
- Speed and ease: non-woven wallpaper is the fastest to hang, since you paste the wall, not the strip.
- Finish: if you want to paint, choose glass fabric or renovation non-woven. Want a pattern right away? Go for non-woven, vinyl, paper or textile.
- Style: from retro and art deco to hotel chic and botanical, choose a print that fits your furniture and the incoming light.
Non-woven vs vinyl vs paper: a short comparison
- Non-woven wallpaper: quick to hang, smooth result, wide choice of designs. A good all-rounder.
- Vinyl wallpaper: best choice for washability and wear resistance, especially in busy or humid rooms.
- Paper wallpaper: affordable and decorative, but less resistant to knocks and less easy to maintain.
Which wallpaper glue do you use?
- Paper wallpaper: standard wallpaper glue for paper, paste the strip and let it soak in.
- Non-woven and renovation non-woven: special non-woven glue, apply glue to the wall for quick and clean work.
- Vinyl: use a glue suitable for heavy wallpaper types for the best adhesion.
- Glass fabric: fiberglass glue or dispersion glue, often a bit thicker for direct grip.
Tip: watch our ARTE instruction videos on Behang.nl and order wallpaper tools and glue along with your wallpaper. Free shipping from €99.
2 types of wallpaper on 1 wall: is that possible?
Yes, and it can look very stylish. For example, combine a calm base with a bold photo wallpaper for a wainscoting effect, or make vertical panels with decorative trim. Finish the transition neatly with a paint strip or profile tape, make sure both types of wallpaper end at the same height and use the right glue for each material. In humid zones, vinyl in the splash zone is a smart choice, with a different type above it.
Frequently asked questions about types of wallpaper
Which types of wallpaper are there?
The most chosen types are paper wallpaper, non-woven wallpaper, vinyl wallpaper, renovation non-woven and glass fabric wallpaper. There are also textile wallpaper, cork wallpaper and photo wallpaper. Each material has its own strengths for hanging, durability and look.
What is better, non-woven or vinyl wallpaper?
For ease of hanging and smooth seams, non-woven wallpaper is great. For maximum washability and wear resistance, vinyl wallpaper is better, especially in the kitchen, hallway and powder room. In living rooms and bedrooms, non-woven often works excellently.
What is the difference between non-woven wallpaper and regular wallpaper?
With non-woven wallpaper you paste the wall, and the material is tear-resistant and dimensionally stable. Regular wallpaper usually means paper wallpaper: you paste the strip, and it is more fragile and less washable.
Is paper or vinyl wallpaper better?
That depends on the room. Paper is affordable and decorative, but less resistant to knocks and moisture. Vinyl is more durable and washable, ideal for busy and humid places. For quick, neat work, non-woven is a good middle option.
Ready for a new look? Discover all types of wallpaper at Behang.nl, from subtle textures to bold prints, and choose the color or theme that fits your interior.
