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Five years ago, textured wallpaper was everywhere - thick, chunky, and overwhelming. Then it vanished. Clean walls, matte paint, minimalism took over. But now, in 2025, it’s not just coming back - it’s evolving. People aren’t just sticking to the old-school grasscloth or flocked patterns. They’re choosing textured wallpaper that feels alive, tactile, and intentional. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s worth the investment, the answer isn’t yes or no - it’s textured wallpaper, but smarter.
Why Textured Wallpaper Is Making a Comeback
Flat walls feel sterile. After years of white paint and seamless finishes, homeowners are craving depth. Texture adds shadow, movement, and warmth without needing a single piece of art or furniture. In Melbourne’s older homes - think Victorian terraces and 1970s brick bungalows - textured wallpaper doesn’t just match the architecture, it restores it. A study by the Australian Interior Design Institute in early 2025 found that 68% of homeowners who installed textured wallpaper in the past 12 months reported feeling more relaxed in those rooms. Not because it looked expensive, but because it felt human.
It’s not about hiding flaws anymore. It’s about celebrating them. Textured wallpaper turns a plain wall into something that changes with the light. Morning sun catches the ridges. Evening lamps cast soft shadows. It’s dynamic. And in a world full of digital screens and flat surfaces, that physical presence matters.
What Textured Wallpaper Looks Like in 2025
Forget the 1980s velvet bumps and 1990s embossed florals. Today’s textures are subtle, natural, and grounded. Here’s what’s actually being used:
- Handmade paper with embedded fibers - Think linen, hemp, or recycled cotton pressed into pulp. It looks like it was made by hand, because it was.
- Mineral-based finishes - Made from crushed stone or plaster, these mimic the look of aged stucco or concrete without the mess.
- Low-profile grasscloth - Not the thick, fuzzy kind from the ’90s. Modern versions are tightly woven, with a matte finish that feels like fine linen.
- 3D geometric patterns - Tiny ridges and valleys in repeating shapes - triangles, waves, honeycombs - that create rhythm without overwhelming the eye.
- Woven wood veneer - Thin strips of bamboo or ash laid in subtle grids. Looks like woven baskets, but on the wall.
Colors are muted: warm greys, clay tones, oatmeal, slate blue. No neon. No glitter. No faux metallics. It’s all about quiet luxury.
Where It Works Best (And Where It Doesn’t)
Textured wallpaper isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. It’s like a good pair of shoes - the right one makes you feel confident. The wrong one makes you stumble.
Best for:
- Living rooms - Especially on one accent wall behind the sofa. The texture absorbs sound and softens the space.
- Bedrooms - Creates a cocoon effect. Paired with linen bedding and warm lighting, it feels like a spa.
- Entryways - First impression matters. A textured wall here sets a tone of care and craftsmanship.
- Home offices - Adds depth without visual clutter. Better than a whiteboard for mental focus.
Avoid in:
- Small bathrooms - Moisture is the enemy. Unless it’s specifically rated for humidity (and most aren’t), skip it.
- Kitchens with high grease exposure - Textured surfaces trap grease. Easy to clean? No.
- Rooms with poor lighting - Texture needs light to show its shape. In a dark corner, it just looks dirty.
How to Choose the Right One
Don’t buy wallpaper by scrolling online. Go to a showroom. Touch it. Hold it up to the light. Here’s what to test:
- Feel the thickness - Too thin? It’ll tear easily. Too thick? It won’t hang flat on uneven walls.
- Check the backing - Non-woven backing (like a fabric) is easier to hang and remove. Vinyl-coated? Harder to take down, but better for moisture-prone areas.
- Look at the pattern repeat - A short repeat (under 12 inches) is forgiving. A long repeat (over 24 inches) demands a straight, flat wall.
- Ask about lightfastness - Sunlight fades texture, too. Look for ratings like “Class 4” or “UV resistant.”
Brands like Farrow & Ball, Cole & Son, and local Australian makers like Wallpaper & Co. in Melbourne use natural pigments and non-toxic adhesives. You’re not just buying a wall covering - you’re investing in air quality.
Installation Tips That Actually Matter
Most people mess this up. You don’t need a pro, but you do need patience.
- Prep the wall - Sand any bumps. Fill cracks. Prime with a wallpaper primer, not regular paint. It’s the difference between a wall that lasts 10 years and one that peels in 2.
- Measure twice, cut once - Textured paper is unforgiving. If you cut it too short, you can’t stretch it.
- Start from the window - Light flows in from windows. Starting here hides seams better.
- Use a smoothing tool, not your hands - Fingers leave oils. A plastic smoother removes bubbles without smudging.
- Let it dry for 48 hours - Don’t rush. Textured papers expand and contract. Move furniture back until it’s fully set.
One Melbourne designer I spoke to said: “I’ve seen more wallpaper fail from rushed drying than from bad glue.”
Cost and Value: Is It Worth It?
Textured wallpaper ranges from $30 to $150 per roll. A typical living room needs 4-6 rolls. That’s $120 to $900. Sounds steep? Compare it to paint.
Paint costs $50-$80 per gallon. You’ll need two coats. Labor? If you hire someone, $40-$60/hour. Total for a room? $400-$800 - and it looks flat in six months.
Textured wallpaper lasts 10-15 years. It doesn’t chip. It doesn’t crack. It doesn’t fade quickly. And it adds perceived value. Real estate agents in Melbourne report that homes with well-chosen textured walls sell 12% faster, according to a 2025 survey by Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
It’s not a cheap update. But it’s one of the few that pays back in comfort, not just dollars.
What to Pair It With
Textured wallpaper doesn’t shout. It whispers. So your furniture and accessories should too.
- Furniture - Natural wood, woven rattan, linen upholstery. Avoid shiny metals or glossy plastics.
- Lighting - Warm LEDs (2700K-3000K). Pendant lights with fabric shades cast the best shadows.
- Art - One large piece. Not a gallery wall. The texture is the art.
- Rugs - Wool or jute. Avoid synthetic fibers. They compete with the wall’s natural feel.
Don’t over-decorate. Let the wall breathe. That’s the whole point.
Final Thought: It’s Not a Trend. It’s a Return.
Textured wallpaper isn’t trendy. It’s timeless. Humans have decorated walls with texture for thousands of years - from ancient Egyptian reed mats to Japanese washi paper. What’s new isn’t the idea. It’s the intention. Today, we’re choosing texture not because it’s fashionable, but because we’re tired of everything feeling fake.
When you run your fingers along a wall and feel something real - woven, layered, handmade - it doesn’t just look good. It feels like home.
Is textured wallpaper hard to remove?
It depends on the backing. Non-woven textured wallpaper peels off cleanly with a little water and a scraper. Vinyl-coated or heavily glued types may need a steamer. Always test a small area first. Most modern textured papers are designed for easier removal than older versions.
Can I use textured wallpaper in a rental?
Yes - if you choose removable, non-woven options. Brands like Tempaper and Brewster offer peel-and-stick textured wallpapers that won’t damage walls. Always get landlord approval first, but many now accept them because they’re easier to remove than paint.
Does textured wallpaper make a room look smaller?
Not if you choose the right pattern. Light colors and subtle textures - like fine linen or soft stone - actually make spaces feel larger by adding depth. Avoid dark, heavy textures in small rooms. A single accent wall in a neutral tone won’t shrink the space - it’ll elevate it.
Can I hang textured wallpaper over existing paint?
Yes, but only if the paint is in good condition. No peeling, cracking, or gloss. If the wall is shiny, sand it lightly. Then apply wallpaper primer. Skipping this step is the #1 reason wallpaper bubbles or peels later.
What’s the difference between grasscloth and other textured wallpapers?
Grasscloth is made from natural fibers like hemp, jute, or reed woven into a paper backing. It’s organic, irregular, and each roll is unique. Other textured wallpapers - like mineral or 3D geometric - are manufactured with consistent patterns. Grasscloth feels more rustic and artisanal. The others offer more modern, uniform looks.
