Vinyl vs Non-Woven Wallpaper: Pros, Cons & Which Is Best for Your Space

Trying to choose between vinyl vs non-woven wallpaper? Learn the key differences, pros and cons, and discover which wallpaper type is best for your space - whether it’s a cosy home or a high-traffic commercial setting.

At Jardell Hill Design, all of our wallpapers are supplied on premium non-woven backing as standard. However if your project calls for something more heavy duty like a restaurant or commercial space, we’re happy to upgrade your order to a vinyl finish for a small additional cost.

But what exactly does this mean?

What is the difference between non-woven wallpaper and vinyl wallpaper? Let's break it down.

What is non-woven wallpaper?

I have a more in-depth blog post about this which you can read by clicking - here - but in short terms, non-woven wallpaper is made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibres like cellulose and polyester. When talking about 'non-woven', we are talking about the type of backing material of the wallpaper. For context, paper-backed wallpaper is another type you might come across, but it tends to tear more easily and can stick to the wall during removal.

Non-woven backed paper on the other hand is breathable, tear-resistant, durable and easy to install.

What is vinyl Wallpaper?

Vinyl wallpaper refers to wallpaper with a PVC (plastic) coating on top of the printed decorative layer. Vinyl wallpaper can also be non-woven as it can be backed by non-woven material (or paper material). The “vinyl” part is all about the top surface.

As this type of wallpaper has a plastic coating, it is more resistant to wear and water but it’s not our go-to choice for eco-conscious interiors (non-woven wallpaper is a much more environmentally friendly option).

There are certain situations which make this choice more suitable; for example hospitality spaces like restaurants, cafes, and hotels and high-traffic commercial spaces where spills / splashes / scuffs are more likely. 

It is also a great choice if you are going to be using the wallpaper in a high humidity room such as a bathroom. 

Generally, it is not recommended to use non-woven paper where it will come into contact with water or humidity repeatedly, such as in a bathroom or shower room as the water can penetrate the breathable backing and loosen the adhesive, making it lift over time.

Vinyl vs Non-Woven: Which Wallpaper Should You Choose?

If you are decorating your home (a bedroom, living space, hallway, or any room where moisture isn’t a concern) then non-woven wallpaper is almost always the perfect choice. It's easier to install, easier to remove, and far more breathable than traditional paper or vinyl alternatives. The lack of PVC coating makes it the more environmentally concious choice.

However, if you're working on a bathroom or a commercial project with heavy wear and tear, upgrading to a vinyl-coated wallpaper may be the smarter, more durable option.