The Best Insulating Wallpaper: How Thermal Liners Keep Your Walls Warm and Cosy
Introduction: Why homeowners are choosing insulating wallpaper?
Rising energy bills and the challenge of keeping older homes warm have led many homeowners to search for practical, cost-effective insulation solutions. While traditional methods such as cavity wall or solid wall insulation can be expensive and disruptive, there’s a clever alternative that have gained popularity over the years: insulating wallpaper, also called Thermal Liner.
Thermal liners are designed to reduce heat loss through walls, improve surface temperatures, and create a noticeably warmer, more comfortable living environment. Among the leading products is the Wallrock Thermal Range, trusted across the UK for its performance and reliability. This guide will help you understand how these products work, compare the options available, and decide which is the best insulating wallpaper for your home.
What is insulating wallpaper and how does it work?
Insulating wallpaper is a type of lining paper engineered to improve the thermal performance of internal walls. Unlike standard lining paper, thermal liners incorporate insulating fibres and advanced materials that trap air, slowing down heat transfer.
When installed correctly, insulating wallpaper:
- Reflects heat back into the room, keeping walls and living spaces warmer.
- Reduces condensation and mould, particularly on cold or external walls.
- Improves overall comfort, by evening out temperature differences between walls and air.
The Wallrock Thermal Range combines durable, breathable materials with excellent insulating properties, reinforced with fibres for longevity and stability.
Important: Thermal liners must be applied using Wallrock Thermal Liner Adhesive, not standard wallpaper paste. This specially formulated adhesive ensures a secure bond.
Does insulating wallpaper really work?
Many homeowners wonder whether insulating wallpaper delivers measurable results. The short answer: yes, when installed properly.
Independent testing and customer feedback show that when Wallrock Thermal Liner is applied to a solid wall dwelling with a U Value of 2.1 W/m2K, the resulting U Value is improved (i.e. reduced) to 1.79 W/m2K. This represents a saving of 15% in the static heat loss. It makes rooms warm up faster, helps heating systems work more efficiently, and can lead to noticeable reductions in energy bills.
Independent test results – British Board of Agreement (BBA) – please click here for full test results.
While insulating wallpaper won’t fully replace full internal wall insulation in very cold homes, it’s an effective, affordable, and minimally disruptive alternative – particularly in older properties or single rooms that are hard to heat.
Condensation and Mould Growth: How Best Thermal Liners Help
Condensation and mould growth often go hand in hand. Condensation occurs when warm, humid air in a room meets a cold wall — much like mist forming on car windows. Over time, this moisture can lead to mould, which not only looks unsightly but can also affect indoor air quality and health.
Applying a Wallrock Thermal Liner to cold walls helps reduce this problem. The liner acts as a thermal barrier, keeping the wall surface warmer, which in turn reduces condensation. Less condensation means there’s less opportunity for mould to form, creating a healthier, more comfortable living environment.
This benefit is particularly noticeable in older homes, solid-wall properties, or rooms that struggle to retain heat. By addressing the root cause — the temperature difference between wall and air — thermal liners offer a practical, preventative solution to a common household problem
The Wallrock Thermal Range explained
Wallrock offers a selection of thermal liners tailored to different needs, from everyday domestic use to heavy-duty insulation for colder rooms. Here’s a quick overview:
Wallrock Thermal Liner
The flagship product in the range, offering excellent insulation, durability, and ease of application. Its 3 mm thickness improves room warmth noticeably while remaining straightforward to handle, making it ideal for most domestic projects.
Wallrock KV600 Thermal Liner
This heavier-duty liner is roughly 4mm thick (approx. 25% heavier), providing higher insulation for particularly cold external walls. While highly effective, it requires careful handling and precise application due to its weight and density. Please note that one roll of KV600 offers double the coverage of a standard Wallrock Thermal Liner roll.
Wallrock ThermaWall
Wallrock ThermaWall has been specially developed to offer thermal insulation and energy saving for walls and ceilings. Because of its thickness - 3.5 - 4 mm* - it works well on damaged walls. At 50cm wide - being narrower than traditional Wallrock Thermal Liner and KV600, ThermaWall is much easier to handle and also makes it more suitable for smaller areas such as window reveals.
Graphite Plus Insulating Lining Paper
Infused with graphite particles to reflect radiant heat, Graphite Plus offers enhanced warmth without adding significant bulk. Suitable for mid-range insulation needs in living spaces or bedrooms.
Red Label Insulating Lining Paper
A cost-effective option that still delivers a noticeable increase in comfort. Perfect for smaller rooms, less cold walls, or projects where budget is a key consideration.
Professional Insulation Panels
At 7 mm thick, the rigid panels providing maximum thermal resistance, ideal for commercial settings, renovation projects, or situations where the smoothest, most efficient finish is required.
| Product | Thickness | Key Feature | Recommended Use |
| Wallrock Thermal Liner | 3 mm | Balanced insulation | Most homes |
| Wallrock KV600 | 4 mm | Heavy-duty | Very cold walls |
| Wallrock ThermaWall | 4 mm | Heavy-duty; narrower roll | Very cold walls; smaller spaces |
| Graphite Plus | 3 mm | Graphite reflective layer | Mid-range warmth |
| Red Label | 2 mm | Affordable insulation | Light domestic use |
| Professional Panels | 7 mm | Maximum insulation | Very cold walls/professional use |
Wallrock Thermal Liner vs KV600: Which should you choose?
Homeowners often ask whether the Wallrock Thermal Liner or KV600 is better. Both are excellent options, but their suitability depends on the room and wall conditions.
- Thermal Liner is thinner and easier to install, making it ideal for general use and typical domestic rooms.
- KV600 provides extra insulation due to its greater thickness, perfect for cold external walls, basements, or garages.
In short, neither product is universally “better.” Choose Thermal Liner for everyday comfort, and KV600 when maximum insulation is required.
Benefits of using thermal liners
Thermal liners offer advantages beyond simple insulation:
- Reduces heat loss, keeping rooms warmer and more comfortable.
- Prevents condensation, lowering the risk of damp and mould.
- Covers minor wall imperfections, giving a smooth surface for paint or wallpaper.
- Enhances surface stability, making decorating easier and longer lasting.
- Quick and tidy installation, ideal for DIY refurbishment projects.
- Versatile use, suitable for domestic and commercial spaces alike.
Additionally, most liners are breathable, allowing moisture to pass through safely, helping maintain a healthy indoor environment.
The cheapest way to insulate internal walls
Full internal wall insulation can be costly and reduce room space. Thermal liners offer an effective, low-cost alternative that improves comfort and energy efficiency immediately.
For those seeking the cheapest way to insulate internal walls, products like Erfurt MAV Red Label Insulating Lining Paper provide excellent value, especially when combined with draught-proofing or reflective radiator panels.
How to choose the best insulating wallpaper?
When selecting thermal liners, consider:
- Wall type: External walls may need thicker liners like KV600.
- Room usage and temperature: Living spaces may require standard Thermal Liner, colder rooms may benefit from Graphite Plus or Professional Panels.
- Budget: Balance cost with insulation needs.
- Ease of application: Thinner liners are simpler for first-time DIYers.
As a general rule, most homeowners start with Wallrock Thermal Liner for its balanced performance, upgrading to heavier-duty options if necessary.
General installation tips and best practices
Proper installation ensures maximum performance:
- Prepare the wall: Remove loose paint, fill cracks, and ensure the surface is dry and dust-free.
Use Wallrock Thermal Liner Adhesive - apply evenly with a roller or brush.
- Hang horizontally (cross-lining) to reduce visible seams if necessary.
- Butt-join seams rather than overlapping, smoothing gently from the centre outwards.
- Allow to dry fully before painting or wallpapering over the liner. Please note that if applying another liner over Wallrock Thermal liners, you need to use pate-the-wall types of liners instead of traditional paper liners.
Following these steps guarantees a strong bond, a smooth finish, and optimal thermal performance.
Finishing touches
Thermal wallpaper creates an excellent surface for paint or paste-the-wall wallpapers. For a flat finish, use Wallrock Fibreliner Smooth, Wallrock Fibreliner Original, or Wallrock Fibreliner Ultra. Alternatively, paste-the-wall type of Anaglypta wallpapers provide a more textured look.
Using Wallrock Fibreliners on top of Wallrock Thermal Liners will improve its durability and overall aesthetics.
It is important to note that all of the above mentioned products require painting.
Conclusion: A smart investment for warmer, more efficient homes
Insulating wallpaper is a simple yet effective way to make your home warmer and reduce energy bills. The Wallrock Thermal Range offers a selection of high-quality liners designed for different needs - from standard Wallrock Thermal Liner for everyday comfort to Wallrock KV600 Thermal Liner for colder walls and Professional Panels for maximum insulation.
By selecting the right product for your space and applying it correctly with Wallrock Thermal Liner Adhesive, you’ll enjoy a cosier, healthier home and a smarter, long-term investment in comfort and energy efficiency.
Explore the full Wallrock Thermal Liner range today to find the best insulating wallpaper for your home.
