Wallpaper vs. Tapestry vs. Mural: What's the Difference?

Tapestry, wallpaper, mural… these terms can be tricky to tell apart, especially when shopping online where you can't actually touch the different textures.

Since we get asked about this all the time, today we're breaking down the differences between tapestry and wallpaper in full detail.

Tapestry

Tapestry as an art form dates back to antiquity, when it was mainly used to decorate Roman temples and palaces. Comparing ancient techniques to today's, tapestry used to be woven by hand by a tapestry weaver, whereas it's now manufactured in a factory. The end result stays the same: a textile made of interlaced threads.

Its main advantage lies in its quality. Since tapestry is a textile, its strength, durability, and quality are superior to standard wallpaper. Because of this, tapestry is much more expensive and therefore less accessible to everyone.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper, on the other hand, has traditionally meant printing a pattern or a solid colour onto thin paper. This paper then had to be glued to the wall with an appropriate adhesive.

Wallpaper's main advantage is its price. Since it can now be manufactured in a factory, it's much less expensive than tapestry. On the other hand, it's harder to install and less durable, largely because the paper used is very thin. It's even recommended you avoid installing it in a room with a lot of foot traffic.

Fortunately, there are now different types of wallpaper that are far more resistant and durable, all while remaining more accessible than traditional tapestry.

Pre-Pasted Wallpaper

Similar to traditional wallpaper, this type of wallpaper is easier to install. Since the adhesive is already applied to the paper, all you have to do is soak it in water to activate the glue. This product is a good option for a long-term installation, since removing it can leave marks on the wall. It's also very affordable.

Self-Adhesive (Peel-and-Stick) Wallpaper

Printed on self-adhesive vinyl, this product is versatile and easy to install, and it leaves no marks when removed. Adhesive vinyl is also thicker than paper, which makes it easier to apply. Still very affordable, peel-and-stick vinyl wallpaper is the top choice for short-term installations or for renters.

Finally, whether it's tapestry or wallpaper, there are 2 types of visuals: pattern and mural. A pattern, as the name suggests, is a repeating design. A mural, on the other hand, is a single standalone image, such as a photograph or a piece of art.

At Décor Imprimé, we've chosen to offer wallpaper printed on self-adhesive vinyl for all the advantages it provides:

• Repositionable during installation
• Easy to install
• Leaves no residue when removed

Unlike most wallpaper manufacturers, our wallpaper isn't sold by the roll. We made this choice to avoid waste and offer you the most affordable product possible. This way, you only pay for the surface you actually need to cover.

We also offer 2 vinyl finishes: smooth and textured. Since they share the same properties, it's simply an aesthetic choice. For more details, visit our web page dedicated entirely to the different materials we offer.
______________________________________________________________________
Sources:
https://www.aufildescouleurs.com/content/53-papier-peint-classique-traditionnel
https://decormonmur.ca/les-differences-entre-le-papier-peint-et-la-murale/
https://papier-peint.ooreka.fr/astuce/voir/127254/papier-peint-et-tapisserie-quelle-difference
https://jardinage.lemonde.fr/dossier-1317-differents-types-papier-peint.html
https://www.decoweb.com/conseils_produits_papier_peint.php
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapisserie#La_tapisserie_dans_l'Antiquit%C3%A9

Now that you've got the differences down, it's time to choose! Explore our collection of self-adhesive murals and wallpaper — easy, glue-free installation and damage-free removal. Featuring hundreds of designs by Canadian artists, plus wall decals and window films.