Understanding Printable Wallcoverings: A Guide to the Surfaces That Shape Our Spaces

If you’ve ever designed a space that felt instantly inviting — or instantly impressive — chances are the walls had something to do with it.

Printable wallcoverings have become one of the most powerful tools in modern interior design, offering endless possibilities for storytelling, branding, and personalization. But not all wallcoverings are created equal — and knowing your materials can make the difference between a project that works on screen and one that works on the wall.

Let’s break down the most common types of printable wallcoverings, and how each one serves a unique purpose.

1. Non-Woven Wallpapers: The Go-To for DIY and Designers

Best for: Residential interiors, quick installs, design-savvy consumers

Non-woven wallcoverings are made of a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, offering dimensional stability, breathability, and ease of application. They don’t shrink or expand, making them printer- and installer-friendly — especially for full-wall murals.

🟢 Why people love it:

• Tear-resistant and smooth to install

• Often PVC-free and more sustainable

• Available in coated and uncoated versions

• Repositionable and removable options exist for rentals or short-term installs

2. Vinyl Wallcoverings (PVC): Durability Meets Bold Design

Best for: Commercial spaces, hospitality, high-traffic environments

Vinyl is the workhorse of the wallcovering world. It's strong, waterproof, and made to last — perfect for applications that need extra resistance against scuffs, cleaning, or moisture.

🟢 Why people use it:

• Comes in a variety of textures (leather, linen, stucco, etc.)

• Can be scrubbed clean and resists impact

• Fire-rated and compliant for commercial interiors

• Excellent for rich color and high-impact visuals

3. Textile-Based Wallcoverings: Softness and Sophistication

Best for: Premium interiors, boutique hotels, acoustic applications

These wallcoverings feature a textile surface — often polyester-based or blended — for a soft, upscale look. They introduce depth and tactility, and often double as acoustic treatments when backed with foam or felt.

🟢 Why designers love it:

• Adds warmth and texture to minimalist spaces

• Reduces echo and enhances comfort

• Ideal for custom art prints or fabric murals

• Recyclable options available

4. Peel-and-Stick Wall Films: Flexibility and Fun

Best for: Temporary branding, kids’ rooms, events, rentals

These self-adhesive films are designed for quick, damage-free installation. They're especially popular in the DIY market, retail rollouts, or spaces where change is frequent.

🟢 Why marketers love it:

• No paste, no mess — just peel and apply

• Removable without damaging paint

• Ideal for short-term graphics or limited editions

• Printable in vibrant colors and patterns

5. Specialty Wallcoverings: Where Innovation Lives

Best for: Experiential branding, high-end interiors, smart spaces

Examples include:

• Magnetic-receptive media for changeable displays

• Dry-erase printable wallpaper for offices or education

• Backlit printable films for illuminated wall panels

• Eco-foams or bio-based materials for green design projects

These niche wallcoverings unlock new creative possibilities — and Substrate Bank makes it easier to discover, test, and specify them with confidence.

Choosing the Right Substrate Starts with the Right Knowledge

When you’re selecting a wallcovering substrate, it’s not just about how it prints — it’s about how it behaves in a space. Will it stretch? Shrink? Reflect light? Muffle sound? Be easy to install?

Substrate Bank helps you answer all of that — and more.

We connect creatives and manufacturers with:

• Detailed substrate specs

• Application use cases

• Print compatibility

• Sustainability credentials

So whether you’re building a wallpaper brand, creating bespoke interiors, or managing a global rollout of branded spaces — you can make material choices that elevate the design and the outcome.

Final Word: When the Walls Work, the Space Works

Printable wallcoverings aren’t just backdrops. They’re the emotional layer of a space — the texture that connects people to place. And the substrate beneath the print? That’s what makes the whole thing possible.

Let’s make walls matter. Let’s get the surface right.

Substrate Bank is here to help you find the printable wallcoverings that do the job for you.