Grasscloth and Sisal Wallcoverings — The Complete Guide to Natural Texture (2026)
Grasscloth and Sisal: The Texture That Transforms a Room
Grasscloth and sisal wallcoverings bring a depth and warmth to interiors that flat printed wallpaper simply cannot. Woven from natural plant fibres — sisal, jute, seagrass, hemp — these materials introduce organic texture, subtle colour variation, and a handcrafted quality that elevates any room. At Olive et Oriel, we offer textured wallcoverings that capture this natural aesthetic at more accessible pricing than traditional luxury brands, manufactured to your wall measurements, numbered panel by panel. This guide covers the different fibre types, where to use them, how to care for them, and how to get the grasscloth look without the grasscloth price tag.
Understanding Natural Fibre Wallcoverings
| Fibre | Texture | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sisal | Tight, fine weave | Durable, consistent, refined look | Living rooms, dining rooms, offices |
| Jute | Loose, visible weave | Softer, more casual, warm tones | Bedrooms, casual living areas |
| Seagrass | Smooth, woven pattern | Naturally stain-resistant, subtle sheen | High-traffic rooms, hallways |
| Hemp | Coarse, textured | Earthy, rustic, highly durable | Feature walls, accent spaces |
| Arrowroot | Delicate, papery | Lightweight, subtle texture | Formal dining rooms, entryways |
The Grasscloth Look at Accessible Pricing
Traditional grasscloth from heritage luxury brands is handwoven, meaning significant price tags and long lead times. At Olive et Oriel, our Paste the Wall Linen substrate offers a woven texture that delivers a similar organic, tactile quality. Our designs are printed on non-woven, eco-friendly material that is PVC-free, VOC-free, fire-rated, and breathable. The linen texture adds a natural depth that reads as grasscloth on the wall, while being easier to install and maintain.
Traditional Grasscloth vs. Olive et Oriel Linen Textured
| Feature | Traditional Grasscloth | OEO Paste the Wall Linen |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Natural fibres on paper backing | Non-woven, eco-friendly with linen texture |
| Price point | Premium luxury pricing | More accessible |
| Custom sizing | Standard roll sizes | Manufactured to your wall measurements |
| Installation | Specialist installer required | Paste the wall method — professional recommended |
| Moisture resistance | None — stains easily | Breathable, PVC-free |
| Colour consistency | Natural variation (by design) | Consistent print with textured base |
| Custom colours | Limited — dye dependent | Free colour customisation on any design |
| Fire-rated | Varies | Yes |
| VOC-free | Varies | Yes |
Where to Use Textured Wallcoverings
Living Rooms and Dining Rooms
These are the natural home of grasscloth and textured wallcoverings. A full room of linen-textured wallpaper creates a layered, collected look. Pair with natural materials — timber furniture, linen upholstery, ceramic accents — for a cohesive feel.
Bedrooms
Textured wallcoverings behind the bed create a feature wall that adds warmth and visual weight without additional furniture. The tactile quality of linen texture makes bedrooms feel more inviting.
Entryways and Hallways
First impressions matter. A textured wallcovering in an entryway signals quality and intention. For narrow hallways, choose lighter-toned textures to maintain a sense of space.
Home Offices
Natural textures reduce visual noise and create a grounded, focused environment. Grasscloth and linen-textured walls are a favourite in designer home offices for good reason.
A Note on Bathrooms
Traditional natural grasscloth is not suitable for bathrooms — natural fibres absorb moisture. If you want a textured look in a wet room, our Paste the Wall Smooth substrate is water and humidity resistant and offers a matte finish that pairs well with natural materials.
Care and Maintenance
- Dust regularly — a soft, dry cloth or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment
- Avoid water on natural grasscloth — it stains and warps the fibres
- For Olive et Oriel linen-textured wallpaper — wipe gently with a dry, lint-free cloth
- Keep out of direct sunlight where possible — natural fibres can fade over time with prolonged UV exposure
- Avoid rubbing or scrubbing — never use hard objects or plastic tools on the surface
Installation
At Olive et Oriel, our linen-textured wallpaper uses the paste-the-wall method. Apply high-quality non-woven wallpaper paste directly to the wall, one panel width at a time. Panels arrive labelled — Panel 1, Panel 2, Panel 3 — and are installed from left to right using pre-trimmed butt joins. Never overlap panels.
We strongly recommend engaging a professional for installation. Regardless of the installer's experience level, they must follow the provided installation instructions. For more on installation methods, see our complete removable wallpaper guide.
Ordering Samples
Texture is something you need to experience in person. Order a 48cm × 40cm sample ($4.99) to feel the linen texture and see how the design reads on your wall. Samples are dispatched within 2–5 business days. Free colour customisation is available on every design — if you want a grasscloth-inspired palette of warm neutrals, sage greens, or deep indigos, our team can adjust any design to suit. Browse our full collection to explore textured designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use grasscloth-style wallpaper on all four walls?
Yes. Lighter textures and tones work well across an entire room. Darker or heavily textured designs can feel more intentional as a feature wall.
How long does textured wallpaper last?
Paste the Wall Linen from Olive et Oriel lasts for years when properly installed. Traditional natural grasscloth is also durable, though more sensitive to moisture and staining.
Is free colour customisation really free?
Yes. Every design can be colour-adjusted at no additional cost. Email custom@oliveetoriel.com with your preferences.
