Why interior designers love grasscloth and how to use it

Interior designers love grasscloth for its timeless elegance, organic texture, and the way it adds depth and warmth to any space. Grasscloth is a type of wallcovering made from woven grasses like raffia, bamboo, and jute. It offers a tactile, earthy quality that is difficult to replicate with other materials, making it a favourite in both traditional and modern interiors. Here’s why designers are so drawn to grasscloth and how you can use it effectively in your own home:

Why Designers Love Grasscloth

A grasscloth wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries is the backdrop for a collection of portraits in Samantha Todhunter's vicarage. Simon Brown

1. Natural and Organic Aesthetic

   • Grasscloth is inherently natural, bringing an earthy, organic feel into a room. It’s perfect for creating a calming, serene atmosphere that feels grounded and connected to nature. This texture-rich material can soften the look of a room and bring in warmth without overwhelming the space.

2. Unique Texture and Depth

   • Unlike smooth paint or traditional wallpaper, grasscloth has a deeply textured surface. The weaving of the grasses creates subtle variations that catch the light and add dimensionality. This texture can visually "lift" a room, making it feel more dynamic and engaging. It’s a great way to add a sense of history and craftsmanship to your interiors.

3. Sophisticated and Timeless Look

   • Grasscloth has an air of elegance that works well with both traditional and contemporary designs. It has a rich, sophisticated look that can elevate the style of any space. Because it's a natural material, it’s also seen as sustainable, which appeals to eco-conscious clients and designers alike.

4. Versatility in Colour and Finish

   • Grasscloth is available in a wide range of colours, from neutral tones like beige, taupe, and grey to more vibrant shades like navy, emerald, or deep burgundy. The grass fibers can be dyed to create various hues, allowing designers to match the wallcovering to a specific palette. It’s also available in matte, glossy, or even metallic finishes, offering endless design possibilities.

5. Durability and Longevity A grasscloth wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries is the backdrop for a collection of portraits in Samantha Todhunter's vicarage. Simon Brown

6. When properly maintained, grasscloth can be incredibly durable. While it’s not as wipeable or moisture-resistant as vinyl wallpapers, the material can last for many years, especially in low-traffic areas. This longevity, combined with its timeless style, makes it a worthwhile investment for many interior designers.

    

   Adds a Layer of Luxury

   • The handwoven, artisanal quality of grasscloth adds a level of luxury and craftsmanship to a room. It's often considered a "statement" material, adding a refined texture that you can’t achieve with paint or mass-produced wallpapers. Designers love it for making a space feel special and unique.

    

   • How to Use Grasscloth in Your Home

    

1. Feature Walls

   • One of the most common uses for grasscloth is as a feature wall. Its texture can create a beautiful backdrop for furniture, art, or architectural elements. A grasscloth wall in a living room or bedroom can become the focal point of the room, providing depth and sophistication without being overpowering.

2. Accent Spaces

   • Grasscloth is perfect for smaller spaces like powder rooms, hallways, or entryways. The texture and natural appeal help elevate these often-overlooked areas. A textured wall can make a small powder room feel larger and more interesting, while also adding warmth to the entryway.

3. Ceilings

   • Designers are increasingly using grasscloth on ceilings to create a dramatic and cozy feel. Installing it on the ceiling can turn an otherwise neutral space into something stunning and unexpected. It’s especially beautiful in bedrooms or dining rooms, where a tactile, textured ceiling adds a luxurious touch.

4. Behind Shelving or Built-ins

   • Using grasscloth behind shelving, bookshelves, or in cabinetry is a great way to introduce texture into a space without overwhelming the room. It works particularly well in offices, libraries, or even in kitchens, where it adds visual interest behind open shelving while complementing wood, metal, or glass elements.

5. In Bedrooms and Living Rooms

   • Grasscloth is often used in bedrooms and living rooms to create an inviting, relaxed atmosphere. It can be incorporated as a feature wall behind the bed, as part of a headboard design, or as an accent wall in the living room. The earthy, calming effect of the material promotes relaxation and warmth, making it a perfect choice for these spaces.

6. Pairing with Other Natural Materials

   • Because grasscloth is made from natural fibres, it pairs beautifully with other organic materials, such as wood, linen, jute, and stone. Pairing it with a wooden console table, a linen sofa, or wicker chairs creates a seamless, organic aesthetic that feels harmonious and cohesive.

7. Contrast with Sleek Modern Furniture

   • Grasscloth also works well when paired with more modern, streamlined furniture. For instance, using a neutral grasscloth wall behind mid-century modern furniture or a sleek, minimalistic piece can provide a nice contrast between the organic texture of the wall and the clean lines of the furniture, balancing rustic and contemporary elements.

8. In Dining Rooms and Hallways

   • In dining rooms, grasscloth can create a sophisticated, textured backdrop that enhances the room’s ambiance. Its subtle, nature-inspired look makes it ideal for setting an inviting and warm tone for meals and gatherings. In hallways, it can transform an otherwise utilitarian space into something more elegant and welcoming.

9. Varying Colour for Impact

   • Grasscloth in rich, darker shades—like navy, charcoal, or deep green—can create a moody, dramatic effect, while lighter shades—like cream, taupe, or soft gray—bring a softer, airy quality to the room. The color choice will largely depend on the atmosphere you want to create. Darker colours are perfect for intimate spaces like dining rooms or libraries, while lighter hues work beautifully in bedrooms or living rooms for a fresh, airy vibe.

Things to Consider When Using Grasscloth

1. Maintenance

   • Grasscloth is not as easy to clean as traditional wallpapers or paints. It can be sensitive to moisture, so it’s not ideal for bathrooms or kitchens where humidity is high. Use it in low-traffic, dry areas where it will remain pristine.

2. Seam Visibility

   • Because grasscloth is a natural product, the seams where the sheets meet can be more visible than other types of wallpaper. However, this is part of the charm for many people, as it adds to the handmade, organic quality of the material. If you prefer a seamless look, consider using a professional installer to ensure the seams are placed in the most discreet spots.

3. Durability

   • While grasscloth can last for many years, it is prone to damage from sharp objects, water, or heavy wear. If you're using it in high-traffic areas, it’s important to take extra care to avoid scuffing or marking the surface.

4. Cost

   • Grasscloth tends to be more expensive than other wallpapers due to the labor-intensive process of weaving and the natural materials involved. However, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for something that feels special and timeless.

Conclusion

Grasscloth is a designer favourite because of its versatility, natural beauty, and timeless appeal. It introduces texture, warmth, and sophistication to a variety of spaces, from cozy bedrooms to dramatic entryways. When used thoughtfully, it can elevate a room, creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere. Whether you’re creating a focal wall or adding texture behind shelving, grasscloth brings a layer of natural elegance that’s hard to replicate with other materials.

If you’re considering grasscloth for your space, think about how you want to balance its texture with the overall design of the room. Whether it’s a dramatic statement or a subtle backdrop, grasscloth can easily become the highlight of your home.