Amphiphobic cellulose-based material was prepared by functional surface modification of nanofibres of a natural cellulose substance (e.g., commercial filter paper). The filter paper was firstly etched by alkaline solution to enhance the surface roughness, and then ultrathin titania films were deposited onto the cellulose nanofibre surfaces of the etched filter paper by a facile surface sol–gel process. A 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl trimethoxysilane (PFOTMS) monolayer was further self-assembled onto the titania ultrathin film pre-coated cellulose nanofibres. Due to the rough morphology of the etched filter paper and the low surface energy coating with PFOTMS monolayers, the naturally hydrophilic filter paper is converted into an amphiphobic material with both superhydrophobicity and high oleophobicity, which effectively inhibits the adhesion of bacteria such as lysogenic E. coli.