Grasscloth Wallpaper

The Complete Guide to Grasscloth Wallpaper

Grasscloth wallpaper is one of the most sought-after wall coverings in interior design, prized for its natural beauty, organic texture, and timeless appeal. Made from woven natural fibers such as jute, sisal, seagrass, arrowroot, and hemp, grasscloth brings warmth, depth, and sophistication to any space. At The WorkRoom, we offer a curated selection of premium grasscloth wallpaper from leading designers and manufacturers, helping you find the perfect natural wall covering for your home or commercial project.

What Is Grasscloth Wallpaper?

Grasscloth is a type of wallpaper made from natural plant fibers that are handwoven and adhered to a paper or fabric backing. Unlike printed wallpapers that feature uniform, machine-made patterns, grasscloth showcases the inherent beauty of natural materials. Each roll is unique, with subtle variations in color, texture, and weave that create a rich, layered look on your walls. This natural variation is considered a hallmark of quality and authenticity—no two installations look exactly alike.

The tradition of using woven grass and plant fibers as wall coverings dates back centuries in Asian design. Today, grasscloth has become a staple of both traditional and contemporary interiors, appearing in luxury homes, boutique hotels, high-end restaurants, and designer showrooms around the world.

Types of Grasscloth Wallpaper

Not all grasscloth is created equal. The type of natural fiber used dramatically affects the look, texture, and durability of the finished product. Here are the most common varieties you will find in our collection:

Jute Grasscloth

Jute is one of the most popular fibers used in grasscloth wallpaper. It produces a medium-weight weave with a warm, golden-brown base tone. Jute grasscloth is versatile enough for both casual and formal settings and takes dye well, making it available in a wide range of colors from natural tan to deep charcoal and rich jewel tones.

Sisal Grasscloth

Sisal comes from the agave plant and produces a slightly coarser, more textured weave than jute. Sisal grasscloth has a robust, earthy quality that works beautifully in rustic, coastal, and transitional interiors. Its natural color palette ranges from creamy white to sandy beige and warm gold.

Seagrass Wallpaper

Seagrass produces a tighter, smoother weave compared to jute and sisal. It has a subtle sheen and a more refined texture, making it an excellent choice for formal living spaces and dining rooms. Seagrass grasscloth tends to have a green-tinged base tone that adds a fresh, organic quality to interiors.

Arrowroot Grasscloth

Arrowroot is one of the finest and most delicate grasscloth fibers. It creates an exceptionally smooth, almost silk-like texture with a refined, elegant appearance. Arrowroot grasscloth is typically more expensive than other varieties and is best suited for formal rooms and areas with low traffic.

Hemp Grasscloth

Hemp is an increasingly popular choice for eco-conscious homeowners. It produces a strong, durable fiber with a distinctive texture that falls between jute and sisal in coarseness. Hemp grasscloth is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, making it a practical option in addition to being sustainable.

Raffia Grasscloth

Raffia comes from palm leaves and produces a flat, ribbon-like weave with a distinctive visual character. Raffia grasscloth has a slightly glossy surface and a more uniform appearance than other grasscloth types, making it a sophisticated choice for modern and transitional interiors.

Why Choose Grasscloth Wallpaper?

Grasscloth wallpaper offers a combination of aesthetic and practical benefits that make it a perennial favorite among interior designers and homeowners:

Natural beauty and warmth. The organic texture of grasscloth adds depth, dimension, and visual interest that no paint or printed wallpaper can replicate. It transforms flat walls into textured surfaces that catch and play with light throughout the day.

Timeless style. While trends in wallpaper patterns come and go, grasscloth has maintained its appeal for decades. It works equally well in traditional, transitional, coastal, bohemian, and contemporary interiors, making it a sound long-term investment.

Eco-friendly and sustainable. Made from renewable plant fibers, grasscloth is one of the most environmentally responsible wall covering options available. Many manufacturers use sustainable harvesting practices and natural dyes, reducing the environmental footprint of your renovation.

Sound absorption. The natural fibers and woven construction of grasscloth provide modest sound-dampening properties, helping to reduce echo and create a quieter, more comfortable environment—particularly beneficial in open floor plans and rooms with hard flooring.

Unique character. Because grasscloth is handwoven from natural materials, every roll has subtle variations that give your walls a one-of-a-kind character. This natural variation is not a defect—it is the signature quality that distinguishes genuine grasscloth from mass-produced alternatives.

Grasscloth Wallpaper by Color

While grasscloth is often associated with natural tan and beige tones, modern manufacturing techniques have expanded the color palette dramatically. Today you can find grasscloth in virtually any color, from soft neutrals to bold saturated hues.

Blue grasscloth ranges from soft sky blue to deep navy and creates a serene, calming atmosphere in bedrooms and coastal-inspired spaces. Green grasscloth echoes the natural origins of the material and works beautifully in living rooms and studies. Gray grasscloth offers a sophisticated neutral foundation for contemporary and transitional interiors. White and cream grasscloth brings texture without overwhelming color, ideal for small spaces and bright, airy rooms. Gold grasscloth adds warmth and a touch of glamour, particularly striking in dining rooms and entryways. Black grasscloth makes a dramatic statement and pairs beautifully with metallic accents and bold artwork. Pink grasscloth creates soft, romantic spaces in bedrooms and dressing rooms. Navy grasscloth delivers a classic, library-inspired look that never goes out of style.

Best Rooms for Grasscloth Wallpaper

Grasscloth wallpaper can enhance almost any room in your home, but some spaces are particularly well-suited to its natural texture and character:

Living rooms and family rooms. Grasscloth creates a warm, inviting backdrop for everyday living. Use it on all four walls for an enveloping effect, or on a single accent wall behind your sofa or media center to add texture without overwhelming the space.

Dining rooms. This is one of the most popular applications for grasscloth. The textured surface creates a sense of occasion and elegance that elevates both casual family dinners and formal entertaining. Candlelight plays beautifully across the grasscloth weave, creating a warm, atmospheric glow.

Bedrooms. Grasscloth behind the headboard creates a luxurious focal point that adds depth and warmth. Its natural, organic quality promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for restful spaces.

Entryways and foyers. First impressions matter, and grasscloth makes a strong one. Its textured surface adds visual interest to transitional spaces and signals quality and attention to detail from the moment guests walk through your door.

Home offices and studies. Grasscloth creates a sophisticated, professional atmosphere that is conducive to focus and productivity. It also serves as an excellent backdrop for bookshelves, artwork, and built-in cabinetry.

Powder rooms. Small powder rooms are an excellent place to experiment with bold grasscloth colors. The limited wall area makes even premium grasscloth affordable, and the enclosed space amplifies its textural impact.

A note on moisture: Traditional grasscloth is not recommended for full bathrooms, kitchens, or other high-moisture areas, as the natural fibers can absorb humidity and become susceptible to staining. For wet areas, consider vinyl wallpaper or peel-and-stick wallpaper designed for moisture resistance.

How to Choose Grasscloth Wallpaper: A Buying Guide

Selecting the right grasscloth wallpaper involves considering several factors beyond color and pattern:

Fiber type and texture. Decide how much texture you want. Arrowroot and seagrass offer subtle, refined textures, while sisal and hemp provide more pronounced, rustic character. Consider the overall style of your room and how the grasscloth will interact with your furnishings and decor.

Color consistency. Remember that natural variation is inherent in grasscloth. If you prefer a more uniform look, choose options with tighter weaves and solid dye coverage. For maximum texture and character, select loosely woven varieties that showcase the natural color variations of the fibers.

Scale of the weave. Grasscloth weaves range from very fine to very coarse. Fine weaves tend to read as elegant and formal, while coarse weaves feel casual and organic. Match the scale of the weave to the formality and size of your room.

Backing material. Most grasscloth comes on a paper or non-woven backing. Paper-backed grasscloth is traditional and typically less expensive, while non-woven backings offer easier installation and removal. Ask about backing options when ordering.

Ordering and waste. Grasscloth typically comes in double rolls. Because of the natural variation between rolls, it is essential to order enough grasscloth from the same dye lot to complete your project. We recommend ordering ten to fifteen percent extra to account for cutting waste and future repairs.

Samples. We strongly recommend ordering samples before committing to a full order. Grasscloth looks and feels different in person than it does on screen, and seeing the actual texture, color, and weave in your space under your lighting conditions is essential for making the right choice.

Grasscloth Wallpaper Installation

Installing grasscloth wallpaper requires more skill and care than hanging standard printed wallpaper. While experienced DIY homeowners can tackle it, we generally recommend hiring a professional wallpaper installer for the best results.

Wall preparation. Walls must be smooth, clean, dry, and primed with a wallpaper-specific primer. Any imperfections in the wall surface will telegraph through grasscloth and become visible. Fill holes, sand rough spots, and apply a quality primer sealer before hanging.

Adhesive application. Unlike many modern wallpapers, grasscloth typically requires paste to be applied to the wall rather than to the back of the wallpaper. This prevents the natural fibers from absorbing excess moisture and helps avoid staining. Always follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions.

Seam management. Grasscloth seams are typically more visible than those on printed wallpaper. An experienced installer will reverse-hang alternate strips to minimize the visual impact of seams and create a more uniform appearance across the wall.

Trimming and cutting. Use sharp razor blades and change them frequently. Dull blades will tear the natural fibers rather than cutting them cleanly, resulting in rough, visible edges at seams and around trim.

Caring for Grasscloth Wallpaper

Grasscloth requires a bit more maintenance awareness than painted walls, but with proper care it will maintain its beauty for years:

Dust regularly. Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum or a dry microfiber cloth to gently remove dust from the textured surface. Work from top to bottom and avoid pressing too hard, which can crush the fibers.

Address spills immediately. Grasscloth is more susceptible to staining than vinyl or coated wallpapers. If something splashes onto the surface, blot it gently with a dry, clean cloth. Do not rub, and do not use water or cleaning solutions.

Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause grasscloth colors to fade, particularly darker shades. Use window treatments to protect grasscloth walls in sun-drenched rooms.

Touch up carefully. If a small area becomes damaged, it may be possible to patch it with leftover grasscloth from the original installation. This is another reason to order extra material with your initial order.

Grasscloth vs. Faux Grasscloth Wallpaper

If you love the look of grasscloth but need something more practical for high-traffic areas or moisture-prone spaces, faux grasscloth is worth considering. Faux grasscloth is a printed or textured wallpaper designed to mimic the appearance of natural grasscloth without using actual plant fibers.

Advantages of faux grasscloth include lower cost, easier cleaning, better moisture resistance, simpler installation, and a wider range of colors and patterns. However, nothing matches the depth, warmth, and tactile quality of real grasscloth. The natural fibers create subtle light play and visual complexity that printed alternatives cannot fully replicate. For most living areas, genuine grasscloth is the superior choice. Reserve faux grasscloth for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces where moisture resistance and easy cleaning are priorities.

Popular Grasscloth Wallpaper Brands

The WorkRoom carries grasscloth wallpaper from many of the world’s finest manufacturers, including Phillip Jeffries, Thibaut, Schumacher, York Wallcoverings, Brewster, and others. Each brand brings its own aesthetic sensibility, quality standards, and color palette to the category. Browse our full collection below to explore the options, or contact our team for personalized recommendations based on your project requirements and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grasscloth Wallpaper

How durable is grasscloth wallpaper?

Grasscloth is moderately durable when properly installed and maintained. It resists normal wear well but is more susceptible to moisture damage and staining than vinyl wallpapers. It is best suited for rooms with moderate traffic and controlled humidity levels.

Can grasscloth wallpaper be painted over?

While it is technically possible to paint over grasscloth, doing so eliminates its natural texture and beauty. If you want to change your wall color, removing the grasscloth and starting fresh is generally the better approach.

How long does grasscloth wallpaper last?

With proper installation and care, quality grasscloth wallpaper can last ten to fifteen years or more. The longevity depends on the fiber type, room conditions, and how well it is maintained.

Is grasscloth wallpaper expensive?

Grasscloth tends to be more expensive than standard printed wallpapers, reflecting the natural materials and handcraft involved in its production. Prices vary widely depending on the fiber type, brand, and quality. Arrowroot and specialty fibers command premium prices, while jute and sisal offer more accessible price points.

Does grasscloth wallpaper smell?

New grasscloth wallpaper may have a mild, natural plant scent when first installed. This is normal and typically dissipates within a few days to a couple of weeks. The scent is generally pleasant—earthy and organic rather than chemical.

Can I use grasscloth wallpaper in a rental?

Traditional grasscloth requires paste and is not easily removable without damaging walls, making it unsuitable for most rental situations. For renters who love the grasscloth look, peel-and-stick grasscloth options provide a damage-free alternative that can be removed cleanly when you move out.