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Types of wall coverings: from wooden panels to wall textiles
11 October 2022
Are you furnishing or designing a space from scratch? Then it’s essential to carefully consider the options when it comes to wallcoverings. Walls take up a large surface area, meaning that the wall finish—together with the flooring—largely defines the overall look.
There are many different types of wallcovering, ranging from tiles, wood, plastic, cork, and paper to textile. Each type has its own effect, advantages, and disadvantages. You can choose something basic or go for a statement piece.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the various types of wallcoverings you can use in interior design. So keep reading!
What is wallcovering?
Wallcovering refers to any material applied to a wall to decorate, protect, or insulate it. When used for decoration, wallcovering is often a key element in determining a room’s atmosphere.
The materials used vary widely—from wood and plastic to paper and textile. Each comes with its own pros, cons, and character. Your choice depends on the room you’re decorating and the ambiance you aim to create.
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Different kind of wallcoverings
There are countless options for wall coverings, but which one should you choose for your space? Depending on the design you’re going for, it’s important to consider that not all types of wall coverings are suitable for every room. Let us highlight the most important options for you.
Wall tiles
Tiles are widely used in kitchens and bathrooms because of their moisture resistance. The variety is endless: large tiles, rectangular tiles, small square tiles, mosaics, or fish scale tiles. They come in various materials like ceramic, natural stone, slate, or porcelain—and in virtually any colour.
Tiles are ideal for wet spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or toilets. However, they are less suited to living rooms or bedrooms, as they can appear and feel cold.
Wooden wall covering
Wood is another popular wallcovering choice in interior design, although more often used for floors. Still, it can add warmth and a natural feel to a room. There are many wood types to choose from, and planks come in various widths. Wood can be applied to an entire wall, as partial paneling, or as wainscoting.
While tiles are perfect for wet areas, wood is not. It can rot when exposed to moisture and is sensitive to temperature changes, which may cause shrinking, swelling, or warping.
Plastic wall covering
Plastic wall claddings are becoming more common, especially in bathrooms. They are waterproof, impact-resistant, and generally affordable. These panels are now available in a variety of styles and colours, and materials such as plexiglass, PVC, or polycarbonate.
Along with tiles, plastic is the best option for wet spaces. For living or bedrooms, they’re less suitable due to their colder appearance.
Cork wall covering
Cork is a unique and natural wallcovering that exudes warmth. It also offers sound insulation and thermal comfort, making it a great choice for bedrooms and living rooms. An added bonus: cork walls can double as pinboards. Cork usually comes in tile form and is available in various colours and textures.
A downside is that cork discolours easily, so it’s best used in areas without direct sunlight or where light is evenly distributed. Heavy objects can also leave marks on it.
Acoustic wallcoverings
Acoustic wallcovering improves a room’s sound quality. It’s ideal for areas where people gather, like restaurants, hotel lobbies, or offices. Acoustic wallcoverings come in many forms, including wallpaper and wall panels.
Panels can feature artistic elements like printed images, wood accents, or designs. Acoustic wallpaper is often a textile covering with an acoustic backing and comes in various colours and patterns.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is the most commonly used wallcovering for bedrooms and living areas—and for good reason. It offers endless options in colours, patterns, and styles to suit any mood. It’s available in a range of price points and materials.
Types of wallpaper
As mentioned, wallpaper comes in many types: textile wallpaper (wall textile), paper wallpaper, non-woven wallpaper, vinyl wallpaper, and fiberglass wallpaper. Below, we’ll explain the differences, pros, and cons—and then go into more detail about textile wallpaper, our specialty
Paper wallcovering
This is the most well-known and commonly used type. Available in a wide variety of colors, designs, textures, and thicknesses, it’s applied with wallpaper glue.
Disadvantages of paper wallpaper
- Not moisture-resistant
- Paper wallpaper is not washable
- Requires a smooth surface
Non-woven wallpaper
Made from fibers such as textile, synthetic, or paper fibers, this type is more durable than paper wallpaper and is easy to paint over.
Advanatages of non-woven wallpaper
- Durable
- Easy to paint over
- Easy to apply & remove
- It is a breathable material
- Also suitable for walls with minor cracks and flaws
Disadvanatages of non-woven wallpaper
- More expensive than paper wallpaper
- Light-coloured non-woven wallpaper can be semi-transparent
Vinyl wallpaper
This has a base layer (usually paper, non-woven, or cotton) and a top layer made of plastic. This top layer makes it moisture-resistant or even waterproof.
Disadvantages of vinyl wallpaper
- More expensive than paper and non-woven wallpaper
- Harder to apply due to its thickness and weight
- Requires special glue
- Difficult to remove due to the glue
Fibreglass wallpaper
Made from glass fibers, this type is strong and water-resistant. It’s perfect for damaged walls and can easily be painted over.
Disadvantages of fibreglass wallpaper
- Not decorative
- Difficult to remove
- Can cause skin irritation
- Rough surface
Wall textiles
Introducing walltextile, the ultimate luxury wall covering made from a blend of textile and synthetic fibers. Our high-quality fabric wallpapers come in a variety of eye-catching designs and textures, from velvety pebble patterns to supple leather in a range of colors. Ideal for creating a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere in your living and sleeping areas, walltextile is the epitome of premium wall décor.
Disadvantages of textile wallpaper
- More expensive than paper wallpaper
- Not moisture-resistant
- Difficult to clean
Wall textiles from DWC
We offer a wide range of different collections of wall textiles. Whatever your interior style, you will find the perfect wall textile with us. Our unique colors and textures bring the right atmosphere to any room, with a touch of luxury.
Want to create a boutique hotel vibe? Explore our velvet wall textiles. Designing a sleek office space? Consider our leather-look options. Setting up a calming bedroom? Our linen textures are ideal.
Many of our textiles are available in multiple colors—from neutrals like white, cream, sand, or brown to bold shades like canary yellow, royal blue, or cherry red.
Find your perfect wall textile with us!
Wall coverings for professional interior projects
At our Amsterdam factory, we design and produce a range of high-quality wall textiles that are a favorite among interior designers. Our flexibility enables us to offer tailored solutions to our clients — including bespoke colors, materials, and non-woven backing options. We also offer our wall textiles as individual fabrics for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to their interior design. If you are a professional interested in partnering with us or purchasing any of our wall covering products, please sign up today to start enjoying the benefits of our exclusive professional program.
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