What Is Grasscloth Wallpaper? Pros, Cons, and Care

Grasscloth wallpaper is one of those materials that people either love immediately or know nothing about. Walk into a beautifully designed living room or dining room with grasscloth walls and you will notice the difference instantly — there is a warmth, depth, and organic quality that no printed wallpaper or paint can replicate. But grasscloth is also one of the most misunderstood wallcoverings. It requires specific care, has limitations you need to understand, and costs more than standard alternatives. This guide gives you the full picture.

What Grasscloth Is Made Of

Grasscloth is a handcrafted wallcovering made from natural plant fibers woven onto a paper backing. The fibers vary by product:

• Jute: The most common fiber, with a coarse, visible weave. Jute grasscloth has a pronounced texture and an earthy golden-brown base colour.
• Sisal: Sourced from the agave plant, sisal produces a tighter, more uniform weave. It is slightly smoother to the touch than jute.
• Seagrass: Harvested from underwater meadows, seagrass creates a fine, delicate texture. It is softer and more refined than jute or sisal.
• Arrowroot: The finest and most expensive grasscloth fiber. Arrowroot produces a silky, almost shimmering surface with an exceptionally tight weave.
• Hemp: Durable and sustainable, hemp grasscloth has a natural, rustic quality similar to jute but with better longevity.

These fibers are hand-woven in horizontal rows and laminated to a paper backing for installation. The handmade nature means every panel is slightly different in colour and texture — this is not a defect, it is the defining characteristic that makes grasscloth special.

The Unique Appeal of Grasscloth

Texture and Depth

No printed wallpaper can match the three-dimensional quality of real grasscloth. The woven fibers create actual shadows and highlights that shift with the light throughout the day. In morning light, a grasscloth wall looks completely different than it does by lamplight in the evening. This dynamic quality makes rooms feel alive.

Warmth and Acoustics

Natural fibers absorb sound rather than reflecting it, making grasscloth an excellent choice for rooms where you want to reduce echo — dining rooms, studies, and bedrooms benefit noticeably. The material also adds insulating warmth, both physically and visually, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels inherently cozy.

Natural Variation

Each roll of grasscloth has natural colour variations because the plant fibers are not dyed uniformly. This creates a subtle, organic patchwork effect on the wall. Seams between panels will be visible — this is expected and is part of the aesthetic. If you prefer a perfectly uniform wall, grasscloth is not for you.

Pros of Grasscloth Wallpaper

• Unmatched natural texture: Nothing else on the market delivers the same organic depth.
• Timeless design: Grasscloth never goes out of style. It has been used in fine interiors for centuries and remains a designer favourite.
• Acoustic benefits: Absorbs sound, reducing echo in large or hard-surfaced rooms.
• Sustainability: Made from renewable plant fibers. Fully biodegradable.
• Adds perceived value: Real estate agents consistently note that quality grasscloth elevates a room's perceived value.
• Hides wall imperfections: The textured surface masks minor dents, bumps, and uneven surfaces.

Cons of Grasscloth Wallpaper

• Not washable: You cannot wipe grasscloth with a wet cloth. Water stains the natural fibers permanently.
• Stains easily: Food, drinks, oils, and even fingerprints can leave marks that cannot be removed. In homes with young children, this is a serious consideration.
• Absorbs odours: Cooking smells, cigarette smoke, and pet odours can become trapped in the natural fibers.
• Visible seams: Panel seams are always visible. While designers consider this part of the aesthetic, it bothers some homeowners.
• Higher cost: Grasscloth typically costs $80-$200+ per roll, significantly more than standard wallpaper.
• Professional installation recommended: The material is delicate, the adhesive must not touch the surface, and the natural fiber requires careful handling. This is not a DIY-friendly product.
• Not suitable for humid rooms: Moisture causes grasscloth to warp, stain, and eventually develop mould. Never install in bathrooms or kitchens.

Where to Use Grasscloth

Grasscloth works best in dry, well-ventilated rooms where it will not be subjected to moisture, cooking fumes, or heavy physical contact:

• Dining rooms: The most popular application. Grasscloth adds formality and warmth for entertaining.
• Living rooms: A grasscloth accent wall behind the sofa or fireplace creates a stunning focal point.
• Bedrooms: Behind the headboard for natural warmth and subtle texture.
• Studies and offices: The acoustic properties make it practical as well as beautiful.
• Entryways: Creates an immediate impression of quality and sophistication.

Where NOT to Use Grasscloth

• Bathrooms (any bathroom, including powder rooms)
• Kitchens
• Laundry rooms
• Playrooms or areas with young children
• Rooms with pets that scratch or rub against walls

Care and Maintenance

Grasscloth requires gentle, consistent maintenance:

1. Dust regularly. Use a soft, dry brush attachment on your vacuum or a microfiber duster to remove surface dust weekly or bi-weekly. Dust left on the fibers eventually bonds to them.
2. Address stains immediately. If something splashes on grasscloth, blot (never rub) with a dry cloth immediately. For light stains, a barely damp cloth pressed gently can sometimes help, but test an inconspicuous area first.
3. Keep away from direct sunlight. Natural fibers fade over time in direct UV exposure. Use curtains or blinds on windows that receive strong afternoon sun.
4. Control humidity. Keep indoor humidity below 55 percent. In Calgary's dry climate, this is rarely an issue, but humidifiers aimed directly at a grasscloth wall can cause problems.
5. Repair rather than replace. If a section becomes damaged, a skilled installer can sometimes replace individual panels, though colour matching with natural fibers is imperfect.

Faux Grasscloth: A Practical Alternative

If you love the look of grasscloth but need something more practical, faux grasscloth wallpaper is an excellent compromise. These are printed or embossed wallpapers — typically vinyl or non-woven — designed to mimic the texture and appearance of real grasscloth. They offer washability, lower cost, and suitability for any room, though they lack the authentic depth and natural character of the real thing.

Because grasscloth shows seams, stains easily, and cannot be cleaned like vinyl, professional installation is usually the safer choice. For Calgary grasscloth and specialty wallcovering installs, Wall Style Innovations - Window Film & Wallpaper can handle the wall prep, adhesive selection, and panel placement.

Ready to explore? Browse our grasscloth collection to see real and faux options, or visit our Calgary showroom to see and feel the texture in person — grasscloth is one material that truly must be experienced, not just viewed on screen.