Non-Woven or Vinyl — Which Wallpaper Mural Is Better?

Non-woven or vinyl — the short answer

For most living spaces, a non-woven wallpaper mural is the better choice. It is easier to install (the paste goes on the wall, not on the wallpaper), lets water vapour pass through (the wall breathes, lower risk of mould) and has an elegant, matt surface with no reflections. A vinyl wall mural makes sense mainly where the wall needs frequent cleaning — in hallways, commercial spaces or right next to a kitchen worktop.

At wallarena we print all our wall murals on high-quality non-woven material — below we explain why we chose it.

Material comparison: non-woven vs vinyl

Why non-woven wins in bedrooms and living rooms

Bedrooms and living rooms are the rooms where we spend most of our time — the material on the wall should not affect the indoor climate. Non-woven lets water vapour through, so no moisture builds up under the wallpaper. The matt surface reflects neither lamp light nor the glow of the TV — the design looks equally good by day and in the evening. This matters especially with large, dark designs: a misty forest or a night landscape can turn into a mirror on glossy vinyl.

Among the most popular bedroom designs are landscapes and nature: forest in the mist, sea and beach, soft boho motifs.

Can you clean a non-woven wallpaper mural?

Yes, to a basic extent: dust it dry with a soft cloth, and treat individual marks with a slightly damp sponge without detergents. A non-woven wall mural is not made for heavy scrubbing — if the wall is exposed to grease or frequent touching (for example right next to a kitchen worktop), a glass panel or a different finish in that area is the better solution.

How does installing a non-woven wallpaper mural work?

It is the easiest installation of all wallpaper types: the paste is applied directly to the wall and the dry strip is pressed on from top to bottom. No soaking, no folding of strips — the material does not stretch and does not bubble. Two people can paper a 3 × 2.5 m wall in about an hour. When it is time to remove it, non-woven comes off dry, in whole strips — no scraping and no damage to the plaster.

Or maybe a canvas print instead of a wall mural?

If you do not want to cover the whole wall, a canvas print is the alternative — it hangs like an ordinary picture, with no paste and no interference with the wall. A good solution for smaller accents or rented flats. At wallarena, both canvas prints and non-woven wallpaper murals are available at affordable entry-level prices.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is a non-woven wallpaper mural suitable for the kitchen?
Yes, for walls away from the cooking zone. Right at the worktop and hob, glass or tiles are the better choice, with the wall mural on the remaining walls.

Is a non-woven wallpaper mural suitable for the bathroom?
In a well-ventilated bathroom, on walls outside the shower zone — yes. Non-woven is vapour-permeable and handles temporary humidity better than is often assumed.

Which is cheaper — non-woven or vinyl?
Non-woven is usually cheaper per metre and also more economical to install (less paste, faster work, easy removal).

Does the wall under a non-woven wallpaper mural have to be perfectly smooth?
Small imperfections are masked by the non-woven material, but larger holes should be filled — the design looks best on a smooth, primed wall.