In Germany people often choose between paper wallpaper (Papiertapete) and non-woven wallpaper (Vliestapete). The words sound technical, but the difference is simple, and it decides how easy your wall mural is to hang. This guide explains both and shows what we use.

Paper wallpaper

Paper wallpaper is made of paper. Paste is spread on the back of the panel, and the panel then has to rest for a short time so that the paper can soak up the paste. The paper takes up moisture and stretches while it is wet, then shrinks again when it dries. That is why you have to work carefully, keep the timing even and watch the seams. It is the classic method, but it needs experience.

Non-woven wallpaper

Non-woven wallpaper (Vlies) is a fleece-like material. The paste goes on the wall, not on the panel, and the dry panels are hung one by one. This is cleaner and easier: you do not have to wait for the paper to soak, and the panels are less likely to stretch or tear while you work. Here is how it works step by step: hanging a non-woven mural.

Side by side

• Paste: paper on the panel, non-woven on the wall.
• Waiting time: paper needs soaking, non-woven goes up dry.
• Handling: paper stretches when wet, non-woven is more stable.
• Effort: non-woven is easier for beginners.

What we use

We do not print on paper. Our murals come in three non-woven materials and one self-adhesive material, all printed to the exact size of your wall in panels about 48 cm wide:

• Economy: non-woven, 250 g/m², smooth fine-sand texture, semi-matte. Good for kids' rooms and graphic patterns.
• Standard: non-woven, 260 g/m², large embossed texture with subtle glitter. Ideal for 3D, abstract and floral designs.
• Premium: non-woven, 320 g/m², natural canvas-like texture, semi-matte. Great for nature, tropical and art designs.
• Peel and stick: self-adhesive, no paste needed, removable. Made for rentals and quick makeovers.

Which one for which room

For a lasting wall in a living room or bedroom, a non-woven material is the classic choice: pick Economy for the best price and crisp lines, Standard for texture and shimmer, Premium for a rich canvas look. For a rental, a child's room that will change soon or a quick update, peel and stick is easier. See murals in a rented flat for the details.

The best way to decide is to see the textures in your own light. Take a look at them up close on our materials page or order a sample set. If you also wonder how a mural differs from wallpaper rolls, read mural vs wallpaper rolls.

Designs to look at

Dark Forest, Pink Forest and Terracotta Vases can be printed on any of these materials.