What Is The Difference Between Wallpaper And Wallcovering?

Working in the wallpaper/wallcovering installation industry, we get this question a lot! Hangman Wallcovering has been providing top-notch wallcovering installation services and interior and exterior improvement services to the local area for over three decades. With this in mind, we feel the need to address this question directly to our clients and potential clients.

Is There A Difference In Wallpaper And Wallcovering?

Although the terms “wallpaper” and “wallcovering” are often used interchangeably, in the trade there are distinct differences. Wallpapers are usually made from paper or vinyl. Consisting of a decorative, printable material readily used in residential settings. I often tell my clients that “wallpaper is akin to a nice dinner on a weeknight, while wallcovering is more like that special, reservation-only candlelit  dinner in a fancy restaurant on a Saturday night”. 

Wallcovering usually entails a more luxe, higher-end product that will hold up well in both residential and commercial settings. Wallcovering is considered more durable as it is often constructed from high-quality vinyl, or textiles such as fabric, grass cloth, linen and/or composite backed materials.

Also of note, although the terminology can loosely refer to wallpaper as wallcovering, the opposite almost never occurs (calling wallcovering wallpaper). This is because professionals are aware of the differences in quality and material makeup of wallcoverings when compared to typical off-the-shelf retail wallpapers.

Which Is A Better Fit For My Home Or Business – Wallcovering Or Wallpaper?

Deciding whether to go with a wallpaper or wallcovering in your space is truly a matter of preference, as there are many factors at play when planning: This includes the area of installation, how much traffic the area has, and budget.  Hangman Wallcoverings does have a handy checklist to use as reference, and of course, our professional design team is always here to answer any questions you may have.

Aspects Of Wallpaper Include:

• Material Makeup: Most standard wallpapers you see in retail stores are typically made from paper, often with a printed design or applied texture. 

• Best Applications: Wallpaper is most often used in residential settings for aesthetics, like accent walls, bedrooms, or powder rooms. Areas that are less likely to incur a ton of traffic or direct sunlight.

• Degree Of Durability: Wallpaper is less durable than wallcovering and more suitable for low-traffic areas like the rooms mentioned above.

• Also Of Note:  Wallpaper is usually available in standard roll sizes. Here in the US, the standard size of a wallpaper roll is usually 21” wide and 16.5’ feet long (approximately 28 feet). A double roll will typically measure 21” wide and 33’ feet long (approximately double the single roll measuring 56 feet). It is good to mention that roll widths and lengths may vary by the manufacturer.

  
  

You may also want to read “Hangman Wallcovering & Painting Offers Insight Into Some Of The Best Wallpaper Brands”

Aspects Of Wallcovering Include:

Material Makeup: Wallcoverings come in a broader range of materials, including vinyl, textiles, and composite-backed products. Most often these materials are higher-quality and constructed to handle higher-traffic areas.

Best Applications:  Wallcovering’s durability means they are often used in commercial spaces like offices, hospitals, restaurants, and schools due to durability. However, they are also a favorite of interior designers to be used within residential settings

Degree Of Durability: Wallcoverings are designed for longevity and heavy use, offering high wear resistance and protection. 

Recommended Installation: Wallcovering requires professional installation due to wider widths and specialized materials. In many instances, wallcoverings are created in custom sizes, such is the case with wallcovering murals.

Hangman Wallcoverings Offers The Best Of Both Worlds!

Unlike other installers, Hangman is here to help you every step of the way. Our talented team is here to assist you with planning your wallpaper or wallcovering project from development and design all the way through installation. If you are on the fence about a particular wallpaper or wallcovering and how it will work in your space, reach out to us. We are more than happy to help!

Contact us today at (810) 484-7144, send us an email at  Hangmanwandp@gmail.com, or fill out an easy online contact form located on our website. We would love the opportunity to help you!