You're Going to Want Grasscloth In Your Home After Seeing Its Makeover

Natural fibers are timeless. While trends ebb and flow, organic textures always come back into vogue. Case in point: grasscloth.

Grasscloth wall coverings were originally made in China, where some of the first wallpapers were created from natural fibers. Grasscloth had its heyday in the United States in the 1960s and '70s. By the 1980s, it seemed like grasscloth had become the go-to design element of drab dental offices everywhere.

But what’s old is new again, and these days, grasscloth is back as one of the heritage styles paving the way for a classic-meets-modern aesthetic. And the traditional wallpaper has come a long way—now woven patterns are showing up in splashy neon colors and high gloss finishes that give it a completely transformed look.

So, if you’ve been looking for a way to bridge the gap between contemporary trends and classic design, it's time to take another look at grasscloth. Read on for expert tips on using this tried-and-true textural wall covering in new and innovative ways.

Why Is Grasscloth the New Must-Have Wall Covering?

While you don't need wallpaper to complete a room, it does give off a bit of extra polish. Wallpapers (often in bold, maximalist prints) have been a popular choice for the last few years, and grasscloth is an excellent option to provide a room with that upscale look in a more subtle way.

"I secretly always think a finished room is a wallpapered room," says Victoria Holly of Victoria Holly Interiors. "And even if you're not keen on wallpaper with an intense pattern, a grasscloth or natural paper wallpaper is my favorite finishing touch. Painted walls just don't add the same weight and sense of luxury and tailored design as textured wallpaper, which enhances a room."

Plus, the combination of natural, timeless materials with more glamorous finishes fits in seamlessly with current trends like the coastal grandmother and grandmillennial aesthetics, so grasscloth makes a room feel updated instantly.

"Grasscloth wallpaper is a fabulous way to introduce different textures and dimensions into your space," says Susan Spath of Kern & Co. "It gives a space an interesting and elevated feeling."

Another reason that grasscloth has become so popular lately is its versatility.

"Grasscloth comes in many different colors, styles, and patterns," Spath says. "There are so many ways to add grasscloth in a way that is modern and fresh... Since there are so many different styles, you have the ability to create the environment you want. Adding a shimmery grasscloth to a dining room can create a glamorous look, and adding something simple can create a more casual and relaxed space."

How to Use Grasscloth in a Modern and Fresh Way

There's nothing wrong with a traditional take on grasscloth, but if you want to take this classic material in a modern direction, try switching up the color. Grasscloth is now available in a range of shades and finishes that are fit to suit any style. There are even peel-and-stick options suitable for renters.

If you already have grasscloth in your home, painting it with a bright-and-bold or dark-and-dramatic color will give it an immediate upgrade while keeping the product's signature texture. We love the idea of painting it with a black lacquer—this simple trick highlights the multidimensional element of the paper while giving it a glamorous shine.

"Companies also offer digital murals on grasscloth," Spath says. "You can get a sunset sky on grasscloth, creating a dreamy environment for a bedroom."

This take on the trend gives maximalists the perfect combination of grasscloth texture and bold impact wallpaper.

"I love placing grasscloths on a ceiling as opposed to walls," Holly says. "It's a great and innovative way to add drama to a room—for example, to help ground a dining room chandelier. Grass cloth is also a great way to add a dramatic backdrop behind built-in shelves in a living room."

Holly also recommends using grasscloth to create a feature wall that draws attention to your headboard or fireplace. Plus, using it in smaller doses allows you to highlight features in your home while also saving money.

However, as with any material, you should be aware of grasscloth's limitations. From a practical perspective, there are some general rules to remember.

"For smaller bathrooms, moisture can be an issue," Holly says. "But there are some amazing grasscloth-look vinyl wallpapers that we use in those situations. Also, keep in mind for stripe grasscloth wallpapers, there is no pattern repeat or match, so when you install, you will see the individual panels—which is part of the look."