Wallpaper Terminology Explained: A Complete Guide to Wallpaper Types & Installation
- Kylie Harber
- May 25, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 21
If you've ever found yourself wondering:
What's the difference between non-woven and woven wallpaper?
Is peel and stick actually removable?
What does "paste the wall" mean?
Do I need a professional installer?
You're in the right place.
After designing wallpaper murals and bespoke patterned wallpapers for homes, hotels, workplaces and public spaces across Australia for the last 9 years, I've learned there is a surprising amount of terminology that can feel overwhelming at first.
This guide explains the most common wallpaper terms in plain English, so you can confidently choose the right wallpaper for your project.
{i left my heart} in Brisbane - Brisbane Map Wallpaper Mural, Installed 2018
Wallpaper Types
Wallpaper has been decorating homes for centuries. Long before paint became the default wall finish, hand-painted papers and printed wall coverings were used throughout Europe and Asia to bring colour, pattern and storytelling into a room. Some of the earliest wallpapers were created in China before spreading to Europe in the 16th century, where they became a more affordable alternative to hand-painted murals and tapestries.
Today, wallpaper has evolved significantly. There are dozens of materials, installation methods and finishes available, each suited to different spaces and budgets. Here are the main types of wallpaper, and the benefits of each.
What is Non-Woven Wallpaper?
Non-woven wallpaper is the material I recommend for the majority of residential wallpaper projects.
Rather than being made from traditional paper, it's manufactured using a blend of natural cellulose fibres and synthetic fibres pressed together. The result is a wallpaper that is incredibly stable, resistant to shrinking or stretching and much easier to install than older paper wallpapers.
Because it doesn't expand significantly when wet, installers can simply apply adhesive directly to the wall before hanging the wallpaper.
That's why you'll often hear non-woven wallpaper described alongside the phrase "paste the wall wallpaper."
Benefits
Stable and durable
Doesn't expand much when wet or shrink as it dries
Easier to install
Easier to remove years later
Excellent print quality
Ideal for murals with precise panel alignment
Nearly all of my bespoke wallpaper murals are printed onto premium non-woven wallpaper because it provides beautiful colour reproduction while making installation straightforward for professional installers.
What is Woven Wallpaper?
"Woven wallpaper" generally refers to wall coverings made from actual woven fibres or textiles. The major benefit of these wallpapers is the opportunity to create incredible texture and warmth in your space.
Examples:
Grasscloth
Linen wallpapers
Silk wallpapers
Natural fibre wallcoverings
Because they're made from natural materials, you may see subtle colour variation, visible joins and texture differences between panels. That's completely normal and often part of their charm!
These wallpapers are usually chosen for their tactile quality rather than intricate printed artwork.
What is Vinyl Wallpaper?
Vinyl wallpaper has a layer of vinyl applied over the printed surface, making it highly durable and washable.
Perfect for:
Hotels
Healthcare
Schools
Restaurants
Commercial offices
High-traffic residential spaces
Commercial-grade vinyl wallpapers are often required where strict fire ratings and durability standards apply.
The benefit here is a robust finish that can handle high traffic areas. Clients choose commercial vinyl because it can withstand years of daily use while maintaining vibrant colour.
One thing I've noticed over the years is that many commercial vinyl wallpapers have a more saturated colour and a slight sheen. While that's perfectly suitable for many commercial environments, it's not always the aesthetic I'm aiming for in high-end residential or hospitality spaces, where I generally prefer a softer, matte finish.
That's why I've spent considerable time sourcing a premium Type II commercial wallcovering that combines the durability architects and designers need with the refined, matte appearance of my fine art giclée prints. It delivers the best of both worlds– commercial performance without sacrificing elegance.
Are you an architect or interior designer?
If you'd like to experience the colour, texture and finish for yourself. Order a wallpaper sample pack here.
What is 'Peel and Stick' Wallpaper?
This is the perfect solution for the DIY'ers!
'Peel and stick' wallpaper is essentially a giant sticker. Unlike traditional wallpaper, there’s no need for glue (or wallpaper paste) to install it. It has a backing sheet that you can peel off, as you press the wallpaper to the wall, smoothing and peeling as you go.
It's a fantastic option for confident DIYers and renters looking for a temporary solution.
Benefits
No wallpaper paste required
DIY friendly
Can usually be repositioned during installation
Often removable without damaging walls
Great for renters
I've tested peel and stick wallpapers from several manufacturers over the years, and the quality varies enormously. Some feel almost like thick paper, others have a lovely fabric finish, while some are vinyl-based.
Because every manufacturer uses different materials and the 'stickiness' varies, I always recommend ordering a sample first. Test how it sticks to your particular wall and, just as importantly, how easily it removes before committing to an entire room.
The downside
Peel and stick wallpaper isn't suitable for every wall.
Many Australian homes use washable acrylic paints (such as Dulux Wash&Wear), which are formulated to resist stains. Unfortunately, the same technology that makes dirt less likely to stick can also reduce how well removable wallpaper adheres.
If the adhesive can't properly grip the wall, corners may slowly begin lifting over time.
If you're unsure what paint is currently on your wall, speak with your wallpaper supplier before ordering. Preparing the wall with an appropriate acrylic paint and allowing it to cure fully (usually at least 10 days) can significantly improve adhesion.
Wallpaper Applications
What is 'Paste the Wall' Wallpaper?
This is the installation method used for most modern non-woven wallpapers.
Instead of applying adhesive to the wallpaper, the installer rolls paste directly onto the wall before hanging each dry panel.
Because the wallpaper stays dry during installation:
it's lighter to handle
doesn't expand as much
is less likely to tear
aligns beautifully across large murals.
Although experienced DIYers can certainly install paste-the-wall wallpaper themselves, I almost always recommend hiring a professional installer.
What is 'Paste the Paper' Wallpaper?
Paste-the-paper is the traditional wallpaper installation method.
Instead of applying adhesive to the wall, paste is rolled onto the back of each wallpaper panel before it's hung.
The pasted wallpaper is then folded onto itself (called "booking") for several minutes, allowing the paper to absorb moisture before installation.
Although this was once the standard method, many modern wallpapers no longer require it.
Interestingly, several experienced wallpaper installers I've worked alongside still prefer this technique—even with certain modern wallpapers. Their reasoning is simple: they feel they achieve more even adhesive coverage and stronger long-term adhesion.
Like many trades, there's often more than one correct technique. An experienced installer will choose the method that best suits both the wallpaper material and the wall surface.
Should You Use a Professional Wallpaper Installer?
Hands down, yes!
Although experienced DIYers can certainly install paste-the-wall wallpaper themselves, I almost always recommend hiring a professional installer for large murals.
Many of my wallpaper murals span entire walls several metres wide. Professional installers achieve beautifully aligned joins, crisp trimming around ceilings and skirting boards, and a finish that's difficult to replicate without experience. They also have all the best tools (and lasers) for the job.
It's one of those trades that looks deceptively simple until you watch someone who's been doing it for twenty years.
Welcome to the wonderful world of wallpaper and good luck with choosing and installing your next wallpaper!
If you can't find a design you absolutely LOVE, consider hiring me to create a bespoke patterned wallpaper or bespoke wallpaper mural, designed just for you!
