Wallpaper is back in a big way, and the options have never been better. But trying to narrow down the choices, it’s easy to get stuck on one fundamental question: do you go with a printed pattern or a textured surface?
Both are beautiful. Both can be completely transformative. The difference comes down to what you want the wall to do and how you want the room to feel.
Here’s how to think it through.
What Printed Wallpaper Does Best
Printed wallpaper is all about visual storytelling. It brings pattern, color, and personality to a room in a way that paint simply can’t. Whether it’s a bold botanical, a classic stripe, a hand-painted chinoiserie, or a subtle geometric, printed wallpaper sets a mood and anchors the design of an entire space.
Pro: The design range is virtually unlimited. From quiet and understated to maximalist and dramatic, printed wallpaper can take a room anywhere you want it to go.
Pro: It’s an incredibly effective way to introduce color and pattern without committing to furniture or textiles that are harder to change down the road.
Pro: In smaller spaces like powder rooms, entryways, and dining rooms, a strong printed wallpaper can make a space feel intentional and designed rather than simply decorated.
Con: Pattern can be unforgiving on walls that aren’t in perfect condition. Seams, imperfections, and uneven surfaces tend to show more with printed papers, particularly on smaller repeating patterns.
Con: Trend sensitivity is real. A very specific printed pattern can date a room in a way that texture rarely does. It’s worth thinking about whether you’re choosing something you’ll love in ten years, not just right now.
Bottom Line: Printed wallpaper is the right choice when you want the wall to make a statement, set a mood, or carry the design of the room. It rewards commitment and works best when you lean into it fully.
What Textured Wallpaper Does Best
Textured wallpaper operates differently. Rather than drawing the eye with pattern, it engages with light and shadow, adding depth and dimension to a wall in a way that feels rich without being loud. Grasscloth, sisal, linen weaves, embossed papers, and plaster-effect surfaces all fall into this category.
Pro: Texture reads as sophisticated and layered in almost any context. It works across a wide range of interior styles, from coastal and organic to tailored and traditional, without ever feeling out of place.
Pro: It’s more forgiving on imperfect walls. The surface variation inherent in most textured wallpapers does a much better job of disguising minor flaws than a flat printed paper would.
Pro: Textured wallpaper tends to have longer staying power than printed. Because it’s not tied to a specific pattern or colorway in the same way, it ages gracefully and rarely feels dated.
Con: Natural fiber textures like grasscloth and sisal can be more challenging to maintain. They absorb moisture and can be difficult to clean, which makes them a better choice for lower-traffic, lower-humidity spaces.
Con: Seams can be visible on natural fiber wallpapers, particularly in raking light. This is considered part of the character of the material by most designers, but it’s worth knowing going in.
Bottom Line: Textured wallpaper is the right choice when you want the room to feel layered and considered without a strong pattern leading the way. It’s the quiet choice that never stops working.
How to Decide for Your Space
The good news is that this doesn’t have to be an either-or decision across your entire home. The most interesting interiors often use both, printed wallpaper in spaces where drama and personality are the goal, textured wallpaper in spaces where warmth and depth are what’s needed.
A few questions worth asking before you commit.
How much natural light does the room get? Textured wallpaper in particular responds beautifully to natural light, with the surface catching and releasing light throughout the day. In a darker room, a lighter printed paper can add brightness that texture alone won’t provide.
What condition are the walls in? If your walls have seen better days, texture is your friend. If they’re in good shape and you’re ready to commit to a pattern, printed paper will look sharp.
How long are you planning to stay? If this is a forever home, invest in what you truly love. If you’re thinking about resale in the next few years, a textured paper in a neutral colorway is a safer long-term bet than a bold printed pattern.
FAQ
Q: Can wallpaper go in a bathroom? Yes, with the right product. Look for vinyl-coated or moisture-resistant wallpapers specifically rated for high-humidity spaces. Natural fiber textures like grasscloth are not recommended for bathrooms.
Q: How do I know how much wallpaper to order? Your installer can calculate this based on your room dimensions and the pattern repeat of your chosen paper. Always order a little extra, at least one additional roll, to account for mistakes and future repairs.
Q: Is peel-and-stick wallpaper a good option? Peel-and-stick has improved significantly and is a great option for renters or anyone who wants a lower-commitment way to try wallpaper. For a permanent installation, traditional wallpaper will give you a more professional result.
Q: What is grasscloth exactly? Grasscloth is a natural fiber wallpaper woven from grasses like jute, sisal, or seagrass and backed with paper. It’s one of the most popular textured wallpaper options because of its organic warmth and natural variation.
Q: Can I wallpaper over existing wallpaper? It’s generally not recommended. Removing existing wallpaper before installing new paper gives you the cleanest, most professional result and helps avoid bubbling and adhesion issues down the road.
Explore Wallpaper at DesignShop
Whether you’re drawn to a statement print or a beautifully layered texture, DesignShop carries samples across a wide range of wallpaper styles so you can see exactly how they work in your space before you commit. Order your samples today and find the wall you’ve been looking for.