Grasscloth vs. Vinyl Grasscloth Wallpaper: Which Should You Choose?
June 12, 2026 – Mayflower Wallpaper
Quick Answer
Both are beautiful. Natural grasscloth is the original — handwoven from real plant fibers and prized for its organic depth and artisanal character, at its finest in refined, lower-traffic rooms like formal living rooms, studies, and bedrooms. Vinyl (faux) grasscloth captures that same handwoven look in a washable, hard-wearing material, making it the practical choice for kitchens, baths, hallways, and busy family spaces. The right pick simply comes down to the room.
Few textures feel as instantly warm and high-end as grasscloth. That handwoven, natural weave adds depth and quiet luxury to a room in a way flat paint never can. When you shop for it, you’ll find two options: natural grasscloth, woven from real plant fibers, and vinyl (or faux) grasscloth, which recreates that weave in a durable printed material. Neither is “better” — they simply suit different rooms and different lives. Here’s how to choose.
What is grasscloth wallpaper?
Grasscloth is a textured wallcovering made from woven natural fibers — jute, sisal, hemp, or arrowroot — laminated onto a paper or non-woven backing. The appeal is the texture: subtle variation, a visible weave, and a soft, organic look that reads as calm and sophisticated. Natural grasscloth uses real plant material and is treasured as one of the most luxurious wallcoverings available. Faux or vinyl grasscloth reproduces that same weave with embossed, printed vinyl, offering the look in a more hard-wearing form.
What’s the difference between natural and vinyl grasscloth?
Natural grasscloth is the genuine article, beloved for its handcrafted authenticity and the way real fibers catch the light. Vinyl grasscloth trades a little of that organic character for everyday durability and easy cleaning. Here’s how they compare — with the understanding that each one shines in the right setting:
| Factor | Natural Grasscloth | Vinyl / Faux Grasscloth |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Real woven fibers; unmatched organic depth | Embossed weave; remarkably true to the original |
| Character | Subtle panel-to-panel variation — the prized hallmark of a handcrafted material | Consistent color for a uniform, seamless look |
| Cleaning | Spot-clean gently; best in rooms it can be enjoyed in | Fully scrubbable — wipes clean with a damp cloth |
| Moisture | Suited to dry, lower-traffic rooms | Handles humidity — at home in baths & kitchens |
| Best for | Formal living rooms, studies, and bedrooms; collectors who want the genuine material | Kitchens, baths, hallways, family rooms, and rentals |
Should you choose natural or vinyl grasscloth?
It comes down to the room and the role it plays. If you’re dressing a formal living room, a study, or a principal bedroom — a space to be admired rather than scrubbed — natural grasscloth rewards you with an authenticity nothing else matches, and its gentle variation from panel to panel is exactly what designers love about it. If you want that same handwoven beauty in a kitchen, bath, hallway, or family room, vinyl grasscloth gives you the look with a surface you can wipe clean and trust for years. Many of our customers use both — natural where it’s celebrated, faux where it has to work.
Where does Mayflower’s faux grasscloth fit?
At Mayflower, we specialize in faux grasscloth — the handwoven look rendered in a scrubbable, embossed Type II vinyl, the same commercial-grade material used in fine hospitality interiors. That makes it a natural fit for the harder-working rooms in a home: a powder room where texture needs to survive the steam, an entryway or hallway that sees daily traffic, a kitchen, or a child’s room. It pairs just as easily with traditional and modern interiors — the neutral weave is a chameleon.
Shop Mayflower’s faux grasscloth by color
Our Textured Grasscloth & Vinyls collection spans soft neutrals to dramatic darks, all in the same durable embossed vinyl. A few favorites to start with:
- Cream & White grasscloth — like our Cream Faux Grasscloth (FJ40168), a warm flax-and-vanilla weave.
- Gray grasscloth — including the elegant Pearly Platinum (FJ42009) ribbed texture.
- Blue grasscloth — such as Powder Blue (FJ40107), soft and serene for bedrooms.
- Green grasscloth — coastal Seaglass tones that bring the outdoors in.
- Brown and Black grasscloth — for moody, high-contrast walls, like the Gunmetal & Copper (FJ41709).
Every roll covers about 60.75 sq ft (27″ wide × 9 yards). Not sure how much you need? Use our wallpaper calculator or send us your wall dimensions and we’ll do the math for you.
Why Mayflower?
Family-owned and designed in Rhode Island, printed at East Coast mills. Our faux grasscloth is a durable, scrubbable embossed vinyl that holds up in real homes. Free shipping on orders over $50, and samples ship free — so you can see and feel the texture on your own wall before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Is natural or vinyl grasscloth right for me?
Both are excellent — it depends on the room. Choose natural grasscloth for formal, lower-traffic spaces where you want the genuine handwoven material, and vinyl grasscloth for kitchens, baths, and busy rooms where you’ll appreciate a washable surface.
Is faux grasscloth wallpaper washable?
Yes. Our embossed vinyl grasscloth can be wiped down with a damp cloth, which makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and family spaces.
Can you use vinyl grasscloth in a bathroom?
Yes. Its moisture tolerance makes it well suited to powder rooms and full baths with normal ventilation.
Why does natural grasscloth vary from panel to panel?
That gentle shading is a natural property of real woven fibers and is considered part of its handcrafted beauty. If you prefer a perfectly uniform look, vinyl grasscloth offers consistent color throughout.
How much does grasscloth wallpaper cost?
Our faux grasscloth runs about $144 per double roll covering ~60.75 sq ft. Samples ship free if you’d like to test a color first.
Whichever you choose, grasscloth brings a warmth no flat wall can. Browse the full grasscloth collection or order a free sample to see it in your space.