Contact paper and wallpaper are both decorative surface coverings, however, they are generally used to cover different mediums and have some key differences in composition and installation.
Contact paper, also known as self-adhesive or peel-and-stick paper, is a thin, flexible material with an adhesive backing. It is typically made from vinyl, and it comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. You’ll most often see contact paper used for quick and non-permanent design updates such as lining shelves, covering a kitchen table surface, or re-facing countertops. It is often less durable than wallpaper, especially in high-traffic areas or environments with moisture. However; with that comes a benefit: it is much easier to remove than wallpaper.
In contrast to contact paper, wallpaper is a thicker material made from paper or vinyl. It can also be sourced in a much wider variety of patterns, designs, and textures than contact paper. Wallpaper can be either pre-pasted (requiring water activation) or unpasted (needing a separate adhesive).Because it is not peel-and-stick like contact paper, wallpaper installation is generally fairly involved. That said, wallpaper is generally more durable and can withstand a higher degree of wear and tear.