17 July 2025 – Whether it's a trade fair stand, a children's bedroom or a boutique makeover, choosing the right type of wallpaper determines how quickly and easily your desired design can be applied and removed. In this article, we compare the four main wallpaper types and explain what makes Lahnpaper's new self-adhesive non-woven wallpaper, varitess® self-adhesive, stand out.
Wallpaper type | Material & surface | Installation | Removal | Typical applications |
PVC wallpaper | Vinyl top layer on a paper backing; smooth or embossed surface | Applied with wallpaper paste; heavy and dimensionally stable | Can be removed using heat or special solvents | Kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas |
Woodchip wallpaper | Multi-layer paper with wood fibres; textured appearance | Paste applied to wall or wallpaper strip; can be painted over | Soaked and then removed wet | Cost-effective renovations, rental properties |
Traditional non-woven wallpaper (varitess®) | Cellulose and synthetic fibre non-woven; smooth printable surface | "Paste-the-wall" application, paste applied only to the wall | Usually removable dry in full strips | Feature walls, hotels, offices |
Self-adhesive non-woven wallpaper (varitess® self-adhesive) | Premium non-woven substrate with a semi-permanent acrylic adhesive on a liner | Dry application: remove liner, apply wallpaper; repositionable for 24 hours | Removable in one piece without residue | Murals, pop-up stores, events, rental spaces |
1) PVC wallpaper: durable and washable
PVC wallpaper is the preferred choice when durability and washability are essential. It withstands moisture, scratches and cleaning agents. However, both installation and removal are more demanding than with other wallpaper types. It is particularly suitable for heavily used areas such as hallways, kitchens and bathrooms.
2) Woodchip wallpaper: the renovation classic
Woodchip wallpaper is cost-effective, paintable and ideal for frequent colour changes. It helps conceal minor wall imperfections but requires some patience during installation. Its textured surface makes it less suitable for high-resolution printed designs. It is a practical option for student accommodation or budget-conscious renovation projects.
3) Traditional non-woven wallpaper: dimensionally stable and design-oriented
Non-woven wallpapers are typically made from a combination of cellulose and synthetic fibres such as polyester. This composition makes them tear-resistant, dimensionally stable and easy to handle. They deliver sharp print quality and can be installed quickly and cleanly using the paste-the-wall method. In addition, they do not expand during application and can usually be removed dry in complete strips. However, significant repositioning after application is only possible to a limited extent.
4) Self-adhesive non-woven wallpaper: simple, premium and versatile
Self-adhesive non-woven wallpapers such as varitess® self-adhesive from Lahnpaper make wallpaper installation particularly easy: simply peel off the liner, apply the wallpaper and you're done, without paste or mess. The wallpaper can be repositioned for up to 24 hours, allowing folds or misaligned edges to be corrected easily. It can be removed in one piece without leaving residue, making it especially suitable for rented spaces. With its silk-matt finish and brilliant colour reproduction, it delivers a professional, high-quality appearance. This type of wallpaper is particularly beneficial for short-term installations, seasonal campaigns or changing brand environments, such as trade fairs, shop windows and pop-up stores. Fast and clean application saves valuable time while avoiding adhesive residue and installation mess.
Tip: To ensure optimal adhesion, the surface should be clean, dry and free from dust or grease. More noticeable surface irregularities should ideally be filled or lightly sanded beforehand. This helps achieve a flawless final result.
Your objective | Best choice |
Maximum speed and DIY application | Self-adhesive non-woven wallpaper |
Maximum speed and DIY application | PVC wallpaper |
Cost-effective, paintable surface | Woodchip wallpaper |
Elegant feature walls using traditional installation | Traditional non-woven wallpaper |
Self-adhesive non-woven wallpapers offer a modern alternative to traditional wallpaper types whenever a fast, clean and flexible interior design solution is required. They can be installed easily and removed just as conveniently and without residue when no longer needed.
Traditional wallpaper types such as PVC, woodchip and conventional non-woven wallpapers continue to be suitable where specific requirements exist, such as exceptional durability, paintability or traditional installation methods. For projects involving frequent design changes or temporary decorative applications, a self-adhesive non-woven wallpaper such as varitess® self-adhesive can provide a practical solution.
Lahnpaper offers a range of varitess® non-woven substrates suitable for both traditional and self-adhesive non-woven wallpaper applications.
Are you planning a project or would you like to learn more about our non-woven substrates? We will be pleased to help you find the right wallpaper solution for your individual project. Please feel free to get in touch.
HEADQUARTERS
Lahnpaper GmbH
Auf Brühl 15-27
56112 Lahnstein
Germany
Phone: +49 2621 177-0
info@lahnpaper.de
POSTAL ADDRESS
P.O. Box 2178
56108 Lahnstein
Germany
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