Where to Buy Nontoxic Wallpaper (and paste)
Sandberg wallpaper from Sweden
Like paint, you can’t have 100% natural wallpaper. But there are better options. To apply wallpapers, use non-toxic wallpaper paste from Earthborn or Auro.
Most wallpaper is made from paper and vinyl (for moisture resistance but contains chemicals that off-gas). Far easier are self-adhesive PVC-free wallpapers that use water-based technology. Just peel and stick, then replace when you want.
Choose eco-friendly decorating tools
Lick offers good eco-friendly decorating tools. The range includes:
- Vegan brushes with bamboo handles & recycled steel ferrules
- Biodegradable paint trays & kettles
- Biodegradable dust sheets
- Recycled polyester paint rollers
Home Strip is a nontoxic paint remover for most surfaces, also in a version to remove Artex (without turning into a gloopy mess due to polymers from 80s wallpaper).
Decorators often use this to remove asbestos paint, as it does not cause airborne fibres. Just apply and score with a blade, then use a long-handled scraper to lift (apply foil overnight, for best results).
To make your own sugar soap, mix half a cup of baking soda in a bucket of water and apply as a non-soaking scrub. Or buy commercially from Auro.
Keep children and pets well away from sanding, due to dust inhalation and possible release of titanium dioxide. Ideally wear a mask and sand in a well-ventilated area.
Sustainable wallpaper from Sweden
Sandberg wallpaper is likely the greenest choice yet, using materials from sustainable forests, with non-toxic printing inks and pigments. All wallpapers are free from heavy metals and PVC (apart from the commercial grade) and all waste is recycled. Free worldwide shipping.
It also offers peel and stick wallpaper, and wall murals. At the site you can view some lovely house tours of users in Sweden, it will make you want to buy an old cottage, and go live there!
plastic-free stick-on murals from Finland
Made of Sundays is a Finnish company that offers plastic-free wallpaper, sold on Etsy in a wide range of colours and designs. With fast shipping and a happiness guarantee, this wallpaper uses thick peel-and-stick non-woven paper, so is as easy to use, as it is kind to the planet
A portion of sales are also donated to organisations that are planting yet more trees in Finland which due to high forestry, has the cleanest air in the world.
Bobbi Beck Sustainable Wallpapers
Bobbi Beck wallpapers are expensive, but they are one of the few that are recommended by sustainability experts. The premium range is the most affordable, with a smooth matte finish, and PVC, printed with non-toxic inks.
They are also very beautiful (it depends on whether you want illustrated murals, they are not suitable for people who want something more subtle.
This one gives a serene sky with lush greenery and rolling hills, to bring the outside in. More of a mural than a wallpaper really!
