There was a time when wallpapering literally meant covering your walls in patterned paper (and stubborn glue!). But we’ve come a long way since then. Today, most wallpapering projects involve temporary or removable wallpaper that’s easy to install and remove. And if you’re a stickler for a good finish, healthy walls, and a PVC-free home, peel and stick fabric wallpaper is the way to go.

The world of home décor has its fair share of fads, but self-adhesive fabric wallpaper isn’t one of them. If anything, it’s one of the most practical wall treatments for renters and homeowners who like frequent décor changes. Let’s walk you through the basics of peel and stick fabric wallpaper, and why you need to shop for some right away!

Is it really made of fabric?

Yes, fabric wallpaper can be made from a wide variety of fabrics. Typically, lightweight fabrics like polyester are used in their construction. You can actually create your own wallpaper by cutting out panels of fabric and sticking them to your walls using liquid starch as an adhesive. But it’s way easier (and cleaner) to go for self-adhesive fabric wallpaper that you can just peel and stick.

Here at WallsByMe, our removable wallpapers are all made of lightweight and durable polyester. They’re printed with non-toxic inks and backed with a high-quality adhesive that does not damage your walls or paint when removed. Pro tip: always retain your wallpaper backing after installation. When it’s time for you to move, you can simply take down the wallpaper, reapply the backing, and carry it with you to your new home!

How is fabric wallpaper better than vinyl?

Vinyl wallpaper first came up as a durable, easy-to-clean alternative for paper wallpaper. But it presents its own challenges. For one, the vinyl coating that helps it withstand moisture, sunlight, and cleaning, also gives it a telltale finish that doesn’t sit well with sophisticated interiors. Secondly, vinyl wallpapers tend to shrink over time, and their adhesives tend to leave their mark on your walls. And of course, there’s the inherent problem of PVC-based inks and other toxins that they bring into your home.

In contrast, fabric wallpaper offers a rich tactile finish that complements premium upholstery and stylish furniture. High-quality peel and stick fabric wallpaper – like what we have here at WallsByMe – will be thick enough to hide minor imperfections or light textures in your wall. In fact, our designs are 95% block-out so you don’t even have to worry about overlaps or dark-colored surfaces showing through!

A big advantage of fabric wallpaper is that it’s printed with non-toxic inks, keeping your home PVC-free and safe for your loved ones. It won’t shrink or curl like vinyl wallpaper. And it’ll be breathable, meaning you won’t have a mold problem to deal with when you take down your wallpaper. In addition to this, our entire collection features high-quality adhesives that will not damage your paint or walls when removed.

How long will it last?

As long as you want it to! High-quality peel and stick fabric wallpaper will retain its appearance for significant lengths of time. As long as you don’t use harsh cleaning agents on your wallpaper and don’t install it in areas that are constantly exposed to moisture, you can expect it to hold up quite well. You can also expect it to leave your walls good as new, whether you take it down after a few weeks or a few years. Which is what makes fabric wallpaper the perfect choice for creating customized themes, flaunting classic floral or geometric patterns, or mimicking trendy textures through high-quality prints.

It’s always a good time to give your home a fabulous fabric makeover! Head over to our newly updated removable wallpaper range to see how fabric can transform your living space. If you’re unsure about how a particular design will look, order a sample to test it out.