Places You Shouldn't Use Fabric Wallpaper In Your Home (& What To Try Instead)

Fabric wallpaper can be a chic way to spruce up a boring wall if you're looking for a unique and textured look. But before you buy rolls of the stylish papering or start cutting and pasting, you should know that you can't decorate everywhere with this design. There are some areas in your home where fabric wallpaper won't hold up well, like the laundry room, because of moisture or heat.

You may want to add wallpaper to your bathroom for many reasons, but if your material of choice is fabric, you should rethink the design. Since fabric wallpaper is breathable, it is not moisture-resistant, so water can easily soak through the material. This can cause the liquid starch used as a removable glue to dissolve, resulting in peeling wallpaper. 

Kitchens can also get quite humid due to steam, which means fabric wallpaper isn't a great idea in this spot, either. Aside from moisture, the heat in your kitchen is also a concern. Using fabric wallpaper as a backsplash for your stove, for example, can lead to the material discoloring. This is because fabric degrades faster when exposed to high temperatures, especially if accompanied by high humidity. Unfortunately, fabric degradation also weakens the wallpaper material, which makes it more susceptible to tearing while being cleaned. This heat issue also makes fabric wallpapers unsuitable near a fireplace or radiator.

When placed in the right area, fabric wallpapers will flourish as they should. Consider decorating small spaces with the fabric, like stair risers, built-in bookcases, reading nooks, walk-in closets, and so on. These spots are easily overlooked areas that your unique wallpaper will draw attention to and bring new life. For an eccentric look, you can even alternate between two fabric patterns, such as on different stair risers or bookcase shelves. And the best part is, these areas aren't moisture-prone or exposed to high temperatures, so you don't need to worry about peeling or degradation. 

If you really want to get the fabric wall look in bigger spaces of your home, the bedroom and living room are the ideal choices, as they are typically well-ventilated and airy. Also, it's best to stick to lightweight materials like cotton and polyester that are quite breathable and easy to hold up with liquid starch. If you're in a splurge-y mood, you can even use silk, but always avoid velvet and wool fabric. All in all, choosing the right wallpaper for your space will ensure that, for as long as possible, it remains as beautiful as the first day you put it up.