Texture instead of wallpaper? – Wall design with fabric, wood, clay plaster, and wallpaper in comparison

Texture instead of wallpaper? – Wall design with fabric, wood, clay plaster & wallpaper in comparison.

Walls you can touch: Why wallpapers can do more today than ever before.

Walls: More than just surface

Those who want to decorate their homes these days are thinking beyond mere colors. Texture, feel, and materiality are playing an increasingly important role. Whether clay plaster, wood paneling, fabric coverings, or wallpaper – everything should express character, atmosphere, and style. But which wall covering best meets these expectations – and, above all, is the most flexible?

In this blog post, we compare four popular wall design methods in a style check. And show why modern wallpapers with digital printing and self-adhesive technology are the best choice for anyone who wants texture and individuality – without effort or compromise.

1. Clay plaster – natural & breathable

Per:

Ecological & sustainable

Regulates humidity

Creates a warm, earthy room effect

Cons:

Complex to process

Susceptible to cracking when moving in the subsoil

Limited color and design choices

Conclusion: Clay plaster scores points in terms of ecology and indoor climate – but is more suitable for purists with manual support.

2. Wood paneling – rustic to modern

Per:

Timeless, natural & robust

Diverse grains and tones

Good acoustic properties

Cons:

Expensive & labor-intensive

Can visually reduce rooms

Needs care (depending on the type of wood)

Conclusion: Wood brings warmth—but also weight and complexity. It's often too cumbersome for a complete wall design.

3. Fabric covering – soft & comfortable

Per:

Acoustically effective (sound-absorbing)

Luxurious feel & textile depth

Ideal for bedrooms or lounge areas

Cons:

Susceptible to dust & difficult to clean

Complex installation (stretching frame or gluing)

Limited design selection & combinability

Conclusion: Fabric on the wall makes a statement – ​​but is usually more of a decorative detail than a comprehensive solution.

4. Wallpaper – a classic with high-tech potential

Per:

Unlimited design variety through digital printing (e.g. wood look, clay structure, fabric texture)

Self-adhesive available – no paste, no tools

Easy change possible , e.g. when moving or restyling

Residue-free removal – ideal especially for rental properties

Individually designed – own motifs or custom-made designs possible

Cons:

Cheap qualities can appear artificial

Smooth walls required as a base (depending on the type of wallpaper)

Conclusion: Today, wallpapers combine style, feel, and technology – and surpass other texture solutions in flexibility, variety, and suitability for everyday use.

Why wallpaper (today) can do everything – and more

This modern wallpaper is a true chameleon. Thanks to high-resolution digital printing, it effortlessly simulates wood grain, coarse clay plaster, or woven fabrics – without the drawbacks of the original. At the same time, it's quicker to install, cost-effective to replace , and adapts flexibly to any interior design concept.

Self-adhesive options such as wallpaper dots , custom wall panels , or tailor-made photo wallpapers add dynamism and design variety. And all without drilling, sanding, or drying time.

Summary: Texture is good – but wallpaper is better

Conclusion: Wallpaper is the future of texture

Anyone seeking to combine design freedom , emotional impact , and practicality cannot ignore modern wallpaper. It's not just a surface – it's an expression. And that applies on every level: visually, haptically, and psychologically.

Texture no longer begins with the material, but with the idea. And the best basis for this is a wallpaper that can do anything—except be boring.

Would you like to see examples of wallpapers with a wood or plaster look?