'Grasscloth does a job that paint just cannot do' – 7 reasons why interior designers love this timeless wallpaper style

Although traditionally considered a classic wall covering, I used to think of paint or wallpaper before even considering grasscloth. That changed the moment I saw one impeccably styled room adorned in the material – I immediately wanted the same effect in my own space.

I like to think I’m familiar with most wallpaper ideas, yet when I first spotted grasscloth in the home of one of my favorite interior designers, I was captivated. Its appeal lies not only in the subtle texture it brings but also in the sense of refinement it adds, acting as a finishing touch that unifies and elevates a room.

It’s no wonder interior designers adore grasscloth. From serene bedrooms to heritage-style living rooms, this material imparts enduring elegance and effortless sophistication. Here are seven reasons why designers continue to favor this traditional wall covering.

1. It frames architecture

Fusing traditional and modern elements, this living room features elegant pale blue grasscloth walls. The subtle hue adds just the right touch of color, giving the space an airy, light-filled quality that harmonizes beautifully with both antique and contemporary furniture.

Interior designer Kerri Pilchick shares her approach to the design: 'For this living room, I wanted to create large monochromatic planes to make the room feel more expansive. I used similar shades of blue for the millwork and draperies, but wanted the walls to have added texture, so I installed grasscloth wallpaper.'

A favorite among wallpaper designers, grasscloth brings depth and dimension to the living room color scheme without relying on a pattern. Kerri explains: 'I use grasscloth when I want color and texture without a busy pattern. Its natural variation and texture feel warmer and more interesting than paint. One thing to note for clients is that the seams are always visible due to the nature of the material, and the color can vary. A skilled installer will know how to position the panels so that an entire wall isn’t darker in one area than another.'

2. It enriches

Grasscloth is a living room wallpaper idea that's perfect if you're looking for a timeless richness and warmth. In this vibrant living room, grasscloth covers the walls entirely. Instead of panelling sections, the designer of the space opted for a bold forest green color to create presence, drama, and richness, emphasising the impressive scale of the space.

Paired with the colorful accents, the deep green fabric is the perfect room color that quietly frames and provides warmth without detracting from the furniture and decor. 'Nothing adds warmth to a room like grasscloth,' explains interior designer Kim Scordo. 'The texture and rich color that grasscloth holds make it an easy choice for those spaces that may lack architectural details. Grasscloth does a job that paint just cannot do.'

Kim adds, 'The beauty of grasscloth is that introducing other colors or textures is easy. You have your base color to build off of in your grasscloth.'

3. It changes with the light

A wallpaper trend that never feels dated, grasscloth is celebrated for its versatility – its appearance subtly shifting with the light throughout the day.

Interior designer Rosanna Bossom explains: ‘We use grasscloth for its natural texture and timeless look. It brings a depth that flat paint or printed wallpaper simply can’t achieve. The seams are part of its charm; embracing these small imperfections is what gives each installation its unique character. One of my favorite aspects is how the texture transforms as the light changes. Always view a large sample in the space, because the color and weave can look completely different depending on the lighting.’

For homes leaning toward the traditional, grasscloth offers a heritage-inspired alternative to country wallpaper ideas. In the bedroom designed by Rosanna (pictured above), the wallpaper feels perfectly warm, adding depth and luminosity that allow the antique furnishings to take center stage.

4. It's the perfect backdrop

Grasscloth is impactful when left bare or paired with art and wall decor. While a wall decorated with art is usually enough, sometimes a striking, brightly colored fabric is just what a display needs to come together.

Interior designer Stella Weatherall explains, 'Grasscloth is a great backdrop for hanging pictures and for layering with patterned fabrics.' Explaining the process behind the design (above), Stella adds, 'This is a basement bedroom with not a huge amount of direct sunlight, so rather than trying to make it light with paint, I decided to use a grass cloth. I find the texture gives that enveloping and cocoon-like feel, and the richness of this particular deep red grass cloth adds so much warmth.'

Sharing her picture hanging tips, Stella adds, 'Tip for hanging – make sure your hanger centres the grass cloth panels and seams on each wall. The seams are visible, so if they are off centre, it can be quite jarring when you come to picture hanging as nothing lines up!'

5. It's versatile

The biggest reason I haven’t painted my walls is that grasscloth brings a warmth that paint simply cannot. Available in a variety of shades, its textured weave enriches a room, gently framing the space while still allowing furniture and décor to shine.

Like wallpaper, grasscloth comes in many colors and patterns, making it a versatile way to decorate a home according to your interior design style.

Interior designer Meghan Eisenberg explains: ‘Grasscloth is so subtle, there are really no rules. It allows you to play with pattern and color freely, and you can go more minimal or more traditional depending on your preference.’

Meghan adds, ‘I see grasscloth as a step up from painted walls. It’s a way to add color without painting walls, but with more depth and texture than paint. Grasscloth can dress up a space (like in this photo) with abaca silk, or create a more casual feel using a typical grasscloth.’

7. It doesn't compete

Of course, you want your wallpaper to be noticed, but not so much that it overwhelms the room. This is where grasscloth excels.

Explaining the design choices behind the traditional dining room pictured above, interior designer Anne Pulliam says: ‘The room is next to a foyer that has a large-scale wallpaper. We wanted to choose something that didn’t compete, but could still add texture, depth, and sophistication.’

Anne adds: ‘Grasscloth brings warmth, texture, and depth, making it an excellent way to elevate a space. Pair it with smooth finishes, layered lighting, and bold-framed artwork to balance the natural weave. Keep in mind that seams and color variation are part of its charm, and it’s best suited for dry areas where its delicate, handmade quality can shine.’

My favorite grasscloth picks

Whether you're looking for the perfect hallway wallpaper idea or you want to add depth to your bedroom, grasscloth is an unbeatable choice that quietly elevates any room it's used in.