Linen wallcovering — a guide to the material and how to hang it
Few materials give a wall the same calm and depth as real linen. Where a printed wallpaper imitates texture, a linen wallcovering has the real thing — every drop is woven textile with natural variations that catch the light differently throughout the day. Here we explain what a linen wallcovering is, how it is hung and how to help it age beautifully.
What is a linen wallcovering?
A linen wallcovering consists of woven linen laminated onto a non-woven backing. The backing keeps the textile dimensionally stable and makes it possible to hang with ordinary wallpaper paste, while the face is genuine weave with linen's characteristic irregularities and lustre. Qualities range from plain weaves to herringbone weaves such as Hector from Colefax & Fowler in 23 colours, and printed showpieces such as Belmont, where chinoiserie motifs are printed directly onto the linen.
Linen wallcoverings are often supplied by the metre in widths of 130–133 cm — considerably wider than the 52 cm of a standard wallpaper — which means fewer joins on the wall.
Characteristics — pros and cons
- Tactile depth: a genuine woven texture that no print can imitate; the surface shifts with the light.
- Sound-absorbing: textile on the wall noticeably softens a room's acoustics.
- Natural material: linen is renewable and ages with patina rather than wear.
- Fewer joins: the wide drop covers an average wall in 2–3 lengths.
- Sensitive to moisture and stains: not a choice for bathrooms, and splashes should be blotted — never rubbed.
- Price level: a handcrafted product priced accordingly; expect from approx. 1 900 kr per metre.
How to hang a linen wallcovering
Linen wallcoverings are hung using the paste the wall method — paste on the wall, never on the drop:
- Preparation: the wall must be smooth, dry, clean and evenly absorbent. Fill and sand any unevenness — textile hides less than you might think. Ideally prime with a wallpaper primer in a shade close to the wallcovering's ground.
- Plan the drops: mark plumb lines with a laser or plumb bob. Cut the drops with a generous margin and check that the weave runs in the same direction on every length.
- Paste the wall: roll an even coat of quality non-woven paste onto the wall, one drop's width at a time.
- Hang the drop: butt the drops edge to edge, never overlapping. Press into place with a soft wallpaper brush or a clean rubber roller — a plastic smoother can polish and damage the weave.
- Keep the surface clean: if paste gets onto the face, blot it immediately with a clean, lightly dampened sponge without rubbing. Change the rinsing water often and keep your hands clean — linen does not forgive smudges.
- Trim cleanly: trim at the ceiling and skirting with a sharp snap-off knife — change blades often, as textile demands keen edges.
If in doubt, engage a decorator experienced with textile wallcoverings. The cost of the material justifies a professional job.
Care
Vacuum with an upholstery nozzle a couple of times a year or dust with a dry, soft brush. Avoid placing furniture where chair backs can rub against the weave. Blot stains dry; if necessary, a dry-cleaning textile detergent can be used with the utmost care, testing on a hidden area first.
Which rooms suit a linen wallcovering?
Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, studies and hallways — rooms where you want warmth, acoustic softness and a backdrop that does not clamour for attention. Avoid bathrooms, utility rooms and surfaces directly behind a hob or sink. In the bedroom, linen is especially rewarding: the feature wall behind the headboard takes on a hotel feel without making the room hard.
See our full range of linen wallcoverings here — including Lambourne Plain and Belmont Plain, which match their decorative sister panels from Colefax & Fowler's Belmont Wallcoverings collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is a linen wallcovering?
A linen wallcovering is a wallcovering in which real woven linen — often in a herringbone or plain weave — has been laminated onto a non-woven backing so that it can be hung like wallpaper. The surface is therefore genuine textile, not a printed linen pattern.
How do you hang a linen wallcovering?
Using the paste the wall technique: the paste is rolled onto the wall, never onto the wallcovering. The drops are butted edge to edge without overlapping, and paste must not reach the textile surface, as it can leave permanent marks. Use a soft wallpaper brush instead of a plastic smoother.
Can a linen wallcovering withstand moisture?
No, linen is sensitive to moisture and is not suitable for bathrooms or areas at risk of splashes. Choose it for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways and studies.
Can a linen wallcovering be cleaned?
Vacuum gently with an upholstery nozzle or dust with a dry, soft brush. Never rub with a damp cloth — stains are blotted dry, one spot at a time.
How much does a linen wallcovering cost?
Woven linen wallcoverings are handcrafted products and usually cost from around 1 900 kr per metre in widths of 130–133 cm. A wall requires fewer drops than ordinary wallpaper, since the width is more than double that of a standard 52 cm roll.