Last updated on August 30th, 2023
Textures are everything in home decor. The sheen of your bronze lamp is the perfect contrast for the rough drugget on your floor. And what is better than a medley of velvet, cotton, and faux fur materials on your throw cushions and your carpet? Well, you get the picture.
And if you enjoy the charm of these contrasts, maybe it’s time for you to explore the beauty of grasscloth wallpaper. This gorgeous material will not only add pizzazz but also rock your look. Read on for more.
What is Grasscloth wallpaper?
Grasscloth wallpaper is a collective term for fabric hand-woven from natural plant fibers such as sisal, seagrass, arrowroot, bamboo, and jute. The fibers are stripped from the plants and left to dry in the sun. The manufacturing techniques use traditional hand-woven looms. The product is typically manufactured in countries such as China, Tanzania, and Brazil. The grasses are cultivated in a variety of styles and textures.
Sisal is the most common fiber and is typically used in rope-making. This fiber is ideal for wallpapers as it is inherently strong, and its ability to take dyes makes it a versatile fiber. The fibers are woven and applied to the backing to form a wall covering. Jute wallpapers have characteristics similar to sisal, with slightly thicker but softer fibers. Seagrass and bamboo wallpapers use thicker and more rigid fibers and provide a more textured appearance.
How do you install it?
In principle, grasscloth wallpaper is much the same as the standard fare. It comes in rolls that are around 30-36 inches in width. And like its brethren, it too has to be fixed to the walls using adhesive. The similarity ends there. The grasscloth wallpaper isn’t as sturdy as the standard version and needs non-staining pastes for application. You can apply the paste directly to the back of the wallpaper or the wall. The seams of grasscloth wallpaper can be challenging to conceal. However, the seams can add an appealing touch to your wall too.
As these are natural fibers, you have to make peace with the color variance in your wallpaper rolls. If you look hard enough, you will find peel-and-stick versions on the market too. Simple to put up and easy to remove when you need a change.
Is it suitable for all areas of your home?
Undoubtedly, grasscloth oozes style and appeal. However, this isn’t the sturdiest of products and is best avoided in high-traffic areas. Also, moisture and grasscloth are not the best bedmates. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are a strict no-no too. Bathrooms have high levels of humidity. Greasy fumes, oil splatter, and spills in the kitchen are not conducive to this material. Faux grasscloth has wider use, but it’s best to err on the side of caution to avoid problems later. A splash of paint or tiles is a better bet for these areas.
Maintaining your glasscloth wallpaper
Lightly dust the walls regularly to maintain the beauty of this material. Avoid moisture or wet cleaning products, or you will damage the surface. A vacuum cleaner is the easiest way to deep clean, as it removes dirt from the uneven surface.
Does a splash of paint work on grasscloth?
You can probably splash a bit of paint on your grasscloth wallpaper, but the results can be dicey at best. It may take some work to cover all the areas due to the weave. If you are bored with what you have and want to paint it over, make sure to conduct a patch test in a corner to see if the color takes evenly before taking the plunge.
You will need to wipe the surface and apply an oil-based primer first. Two to three coats are preferred. Finish off with a couple of coats of paint, letting it dry between coats.
Our thoughts
You can play it safe with a splash of paint or standard wallpaper. Or you can go out on a limb and try new things for that extra zing. At homebliss.in, we believe in innovation, keeping up with trends, and making the most of what you have. It’s a tightrope walk. And we love it!
