Not All Wallpaper is Created Equal
If you've started researching wallpaper, you've probably encountered the term "non-woven" and wondered what it means — and whether it matters. It does. The material your wallpaper is made from affects how it looks, how long it lasts, how easy it is to hang, and how it behaves on your walls over time.
Here's everything you need to know about non-woven wallpaper and why it's the material of choice for premium wallpaper today.
What is Non-Woven Wallpaper?
Non-woven wallpaper is made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibres — typically polyester and cellulose — that are bonded together rather than woven. The result is a material that combines the best properties of both: the breathability and natural feel of cellulose with the strength and dimensional stability of polyester.
Unlike traditional paper wallpaper or vinyl wallpaper, non-woven wallpaper doesn't expand or contract when it gets wet. This single property makes it significantly easier to hang and significantly more durable over time.
Why Non-Woven is Superior to Traditional Wallpaper
Dimensional Stability
Traditional paper wallpaper expands when paste is applied and contracts as it dries — which can cause bubbling, misalignment, and seams that open over time. Non-woven wallpaper doesn't expand or contract, which means seams stay tight and patterns stay aligned.
Easier to Hang
With non-woven wallpaper, paste is applied directly to the wall rather than to the paper. This "paste the wall" method is faster, cleaner, and more forgiving — you can reposition the wallpaper after hanging, which is invaluable when matching patterns. Read our full step-by-step guide to hanging wallpaper for detailed instructions.
Breathable
Non-woven wallpaper is breathable, which means moisture can pass through it rather than becoming trapped behind it. This reduces the risk of mould and makes it suitable for rooms with some humidity variation.
Tear-Resistant
The bonded fibre construction makes non-woven wallpaper significantly more resistant to tearing than traditional paper wallpaper — both during hanging and in everyday use.
Easier to Remove
When it's time to redecorate, non-woven wallpaper can typically be removed dry in large strips, without soaking or steaming. This makes the removal process far less disruptive than traditional wallpaper.
Non-Woven vs Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is durable and washable, but it's not breathable — which can trap moisture and encourage mould in some environments. It also has a plastic quality that can look less refined than non-woven. For luxury interiors where the quality of the finish matters, non-woven is the superior choice.
Why Carta Noor Uses Non-Woven
Every wallpaper in the Carta Noor collection is printed on premium non-woven material. We chose non-woven because it's the best substrate for reproducing the fine detail and rich colour of our heritage-inspired patterns — and because it gives our customers a hanging experience and a finished result that matches the quality of the design itself.
When you invest in a luxury wallpaper, the material it's printed on matters as much as the pattern. Non-woven ensures that your wallpaper looks beautiful on day one and continues to look beautiful for years to come.
Explore our full collection — every design is available on premium non-woven material, with options including Alhambra Geometric, Persian Garden Tapestry, and many more.