Want to wallpaper your wall with non-woven wallpaper yourself? Great idea! Non-woven wallpaper is strong, easy to apply and you do not need a pasting table. You apply the paste directly to the wall, making the whole process much faster and cleaner than with traditional wallpaper. In this comprehensive guide, we explain step by step how to hang non-woven wallpaper, which mistakes to avoid and share practical tips for a perfect result.
What is non-woven wallpaper and why is it so popular?
Non-woven wallpaper is made from a blend of cellulose and polyester fibres. Unlike paper wallpaper, you do not need to soak the strips. You apply the paste to the wall and stick the wallpaper on dry. This makes non-woven wallpaper particularly suitable for DIY enthusiasts.
The advantages at a glance:
- No pasting table needed — you work directly from the roll
- Easy to correct — you can slide the strip as long as the paste is wet
- Tear-resistant — the material is stronger than paper wallpaper
- Easy to remove — during your next renovation, you simply pull it off dry
- Suitable for every room — living room, bedroom, children room or even the kitchen
What do you need to hang non-woven wallpaper?
Before you start, get everything ready. With the right tools, you will avoid stress halfway through.
- Non-woven wallpaper (calculate how many rolls you need based on your wall dimensions)
- Non-woven wallpaper paste (always use paste specifically designed for non-woven wallpaper)
- Paint roller or paste roller to apply the paste
- Spirit level and pencil for a straight plumb line
- Wallpaper ruler or long metal ruler
- Wallpaper smoother to remove air bubbles
- Seam roller for the seams between strips
- Sharp snap-off knife and scissors
- Slightly damp cloth to wipe off paste residue
- Step ladder or scaffolding
How to hang non-woven wallpaper step by step
Below is the complete step-by-step plan. Take your time with the preparation — that is half the job.
Step 1: Prepare the wall
Switch off the electricity and remove socket covers and switch plates. Repair any imperfections, cracks or holes with filler. The wall must be clean, dry and smooth. For a highly absorbent wall, apply a coat of primer first.
Step 2: Draw a plumb line
Measure the width of your wallpaper strip from the corner (usually 50 cm for our wallpapers). Draw a straight vertical line using a spirit level. This is your starting line — the first strip determines whether the rest hangs straight.
Step 3: Cut strips to size
Measure the height of your wall and cut the strips with a few centimetres extra (top and bottom). For wallpaper with a continuous pattern, take the pattern repeat into account. With our INGK wallpaper collections, the strips are numbered (1, 2, 3, 4) so you know exactly which strip goes where.
Step 4: Apply paste to the wall
Apply the non-woven wallpaper paste directly to the wall using a paint roller. Do this one strip at a time — do not paste too far ahead, or the paste will dry out. Use plenty of paste, especially in corners and along edges.
Step 5: Hang the first strip
Take the first strip (dry) and align it with your plumb line. Start at the top and let the strip slowly drop down. Smooth from the centre outwards with a wallpaper smoother to remove air bubbles. Work calmly and precisely.
Step 6: Join the next strips
Place the next strip tightly against the previous one. With non-woven wallpaper, you butt the strips — they do not overlap. Check the pattern and slide the strip if needed (this is possible while the paste is still wet). Roll the seams with a seam roller.
Step 7: Finishing touches
Trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom with a sharp snap-off knife along a ruler. For sockets, paste the wallpaper over them and then carefully cut a cross in the centre. Fold the points inward and screw the cover plate back on.
Common mistakes when hanging non-woven wallpaper
Even with non-woven wallpaper, things can go wrong. These are the most common mistakes:
- Too little paste in corners — this is where wallpaper comes loose first. Apply extra paste.
- Working too fast — take time to properly align each strip before smoothing.
- Using a blunt knife — a blunt knife tears the wallpaper. Regularly snap off a new blade.
- Leaving seams open — if seams do not meet properly, roll immediately with the seam roller.
- Not checking batch numbers — always check all rolls have the same batch number to prevent colour differences.
How many rolls of non-woven wallpaper do I need?
This depends on your wall dimensions and roll size. At Designerwand, our wallpapers are typically 200 cm wide and 280 cm high per roll, divided into 4 strips of 50 cm. For a 4-metre wide wall, you will need 2 rolls. Because the pattern is continuous, you can paste multiple rolls next to each other as one seamless whole.
Have a non-standard wall? We can also make custom-sized non-woven wallpaper to fit perfectly.
Non-woven wallpaper in the kitchen — is that possible?
Yes, non-woven wallpaper works great in the kitchen, as long as it is not directly behind the hob. For the zone behind your cooktop, we recommend a kitchen backsplash. But on other kitchen walls, non-woven wallpaper is an excellent choice. Consider a brick look or a modern design as a feature wall.
Video: hanging non-woven wallpaper in practice
Want to see the entire process in action? Watch this helpful instruction video by GAMMA showing you step by step how to apply non-woven wallpaper.
Inspiration for your non-woven wallpaper
At Designerwand you will find a huge selection of non-woven wallpaper. From romantic floral motifs to bold brick looks and sleek modern designs. A few popular choices:
- Boho Love Natura — organic bohemian design with warm tones
- Flowing Leaves Beige — calming botanical wallpaper
- Barcelona — Mediterranean inspired with warm colours
Want something unique? We also make wallpaper with your own photo. Also read our blog about wallpapering your TV corner in style or discover our Ibiza style wallpaper from the Passion for Materials collection.
Frequently asked questions about non-woven wallpaper
Can I hang non-woven wallpaper over tiles?
We do not recommend this. Non-woven wallpaper adheres best to a smooth, flat surface. With tiles, the grout lines will show through. Want to cover your tiles? Consider a custom backsplash that you can easily place over existing tiles.
How long does non-woven wallpaper paste take to dry?
The paste does not need to soak — you apply it to the wall and stick the wallpaper on immediately. Full drying takes approximately 24 to 48 hours. Ensure good ventilation during this time but avoid draughts.
Can I remove non-woven wallpaper myself?
Yes, that is one of the great advantages of non-woven wallpaper. You can pull the strips off the wall dry. Any paste residue can be removed with a damp cloth or sponge.
Is non-woven wallpaper suitable for a children room?
Absolutely. Non-woven wallpaper is safe, odourless and easy to keep clean. Browse our extensive range of children wallpaper with designs featuring animals, jungle, space and more.
How much does non-woven wallpaper cost?
The price depends on the design and dimensions. At Designerwand, you can have any wallpaper custom-made. Browse our complete wallpaper collection for prices and options.
Have questions about non-woven wallpaper or want personal advice? Get in touch — we are happy to help.
