Wallpapers define your theme, and taste of interior decor, so you must choose it carefully. Vinyl and fabric wallpapers come in different design patterns, prints, textures, and other features. Due to material variations, they both come with versatile needs of maintenance and durability factors.
To make the best decision, you need to assess your budget, interior style, and long-term needs. In this article, Decor Land will go through a detailed vinyl vs. fabric wallpaper debate. We’ll surely unveil the key differences between them to help you understand which is the best one for you.
Let’s go!
Vinyl vs. Fabric Wallpaper: Let’s Find Your Ideal Wall Covering
After collecting genuine reviews from 370+ property owners who’ve installed vinyl and fabric wall coverings and interviewing 135+ wallpaper manufacturers and 255+ interior designers, we have collected authentic comparison points between these wallpapers in Dubai. And here these are:
- Aesthetics
- Specific Use Case
- Types
- Maintenance
- Installation
- Durability
- Cost Effective
Not finished here. Let us discuss them one by one in detail.
Aesthetic
Vinyl wallpapers can be obtained in hundreds of colors & shades, textures, and prints and can be customized as per your decor needs. They can help you transform ideas into existence and add depth and dimensions to walls. Meanwhile, you can achieve high-resolution and 3D results with them.
In contrast, fabric wallpapers look more realistic and retain appearance over time. Psychologically, it has been approved that fabric wall coverings with naturalness grab sudden attention and make you feel relaxed and peaceful. However, you cannot achieve higher textures in them as vinyl wallpapers.
| Vinyl Wallpaper | Best if you want to access high-resolution textures. |
| Fabric Wallpaper | Achieve sleek and contemporary prints with it. |
Specific Use Case
You’re not limited to installing both of these wallpaper types anywhere in your space, but their suitability lies differently. Fabric-made coverings are better to install in low moisture or completely dry areas including living room and bedroom wallpapers. In contrast, vinyl wallpapers can be installed in water-prone areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. This is because they restrict moisture due to their synthetic nature.
| Vinyl Wallpaper | Best for wet areas like the kitchen and bathroom. |
| Fabric Wallpaper | Install them in areas that are low prone to moisture. |
Types
Vinyl wallpapers have some popular types that include solid-vinyl, fabric-backed, peel-and-stick, and paper-backed. On the other hand, fabric wallpaper types are limitless. You can get them in any fabric material, depending on your choice. If we talk about some popular types of vinyl wallpapers, they include botanical, animated, and brick wallpapers. Similarly, the popular fabric wallpapers include grasscloth, foil, and flock wallpapers.
| Vinyl Wallpaper | You have limited types of vinyl wallpapers. |
| Fabric Wallpaper | You will explore endless varieties of fabric wallpapers. |
Maintenance
You must pay attention to this factor if you need to understand which wallpaper comes with low maintenance features between vinyl and fabric. We found that vinyl wall coverings might be your ideal choice if you prioritize low maintenance over everything. It has a smooth finish and synthetic nature due to which it resists moisture, dirt buildup, and more.
In contrast, fabric wallpapers might need extensive care because they are sensitive to moisture. They can easily get stained and spilled if not properly cleaned regularly. However, they can offer longer durability than vinyl wall coverings with their ability to sustain shape and avoid gradual degradation. That all depends upon your care and maintenance of them.
| Vinyl Wallpaper | They are easy to maintain without any complexity. |
| Fabric Wallpaper | Slightly tough to maintain but offers longevity. |
Installation
Vinyl wallpapers are less likely to be affected by wrinkling, or shrinking. Meanwhile, you can easily install them by trimming and they require less time for drying. You don’t even need any specialized adhesives to prevent staining and seepage. But that’s different in the case of fabric wallpapers.
Fabric wall coverings require expert handling because of their sensitive material. You face difficulties trimming these wallpapers due to their flexibility and less rigidity than vinyl wallpapers. However, once they are installed, they offer exceptional longevity. You must contact an expert wallpaper installation service for your fabric wallpapers to get the desired finishing.
| Vinyl Wallpaper | Less complex to install, but still expert services are required. |
| Fabric Wallpaper | Tough to install but offers maximum durability once installed. |
Durability
Our fact-based vinyl vs. fabric debate has found that both of these wall coverings offer long-lasting performance when installed at the right places. Meanwhile, you must install fabric wallpapers at dry places on priority because they’re susceptible to moisture. However, you can install vinyl wallpapers in moist places, but avoid hanging them under sunlight because they are susceptible to early discoloration.
In terms of withstanding wear and tear, vinyl wallpapers perform best. Therefore, they can be considered the best choice for kids’ room wallpaper. Absolutely, they are more strengthful compared to fabric ones. In contrast, fabric wallpapers are counted as less strengthful because of their delicate nature. But the longevity of wallpapers has a direct relationship with how you care for them.
| Vinyl Wallpaper | Considered long-lasting because of its synthetic nature. |
| Fabric Wallpaper | It can offer longevity if properly maintained and cared for. |
Cost Effective
In terms of cost-effectiveness, the vinyl wallpapers might be easy to afford. However, they offer limited versatility options and are synthetic. If luxury and elegant decor is your priority over cost, then go for fabric wallpapers.
Fabric wallpapers are also slightly more expensive than vinyl wallpapers in terms of installation costs. You need to hire specialized interior designers and skilled labor and invest in high-quality paste or adhesives.
| Vinyl Wallpaper | Affordable because of its synthetic nature and limited versatility. |
| Fabric Wallpaper | Slightly more expensive to install than vinyl wallpaper. |
In A Nutshell
Finally, we have done with vinyl vs. fabric wallpaper and unveiled several conclusions. We found that both of these wall coverings have their specified benefits and limitations that make them suitable or less prioritized. You can go for vinyl wallpapers if you’re tight on budget, but if the enhanced curb is your priority, opt for fabric wallpapers.
Vinyl wallpapers require less maintenance due to their moisture-resistant features, but they’re limited in types. Similarly, fabric wall coverings have limitless types but they’re susceptible to water damage. So, it’s a game of priorities, keep your goals in mind and decide which one is best working for you.
