Background vs. Wallpaper — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 25, 2024
Background refers to a scene or image behind the main subject, used in various contexts, while wallpaper specifically denotes decorative material or digital images used to cover or adorn walls or screens.
Difference Between Background and Wallpaper
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Background serves as a backdrop that can enhance or complement the main subject in photography, art, or stage settings, providing context or setting a mood. Whereas wallpaper is primarily used for decoration, either as a physical material applied to the walls of a room or as a digital image for computer and smartphone screens, focusing on aesthetics rather than context.
In digital terms, a background might not only include images but can also encompass colors or patterns used behind the main interface of a website, application, or graphical user interface. On the other hand, wallpaper in digital settings specifically refers to the decorative image or pattern on the desktop of a computer or the home screen of a mobile device, aimed at personalizing the user experience.
Backgrounds can play a crucial role in storytelling, especially in visual media, where they can suggest a location, time of day, or atmosphere without the need for explicit narrative. Wallpaper, while it can also set a tone or mood within a room or on a device, is chosen more for its decorative qualities and personal appeal than its ability to convey a story.
In photography and videography, the background is carefully selected or manipulated to complement the subject, either by adding depth, context, or aesthetic value. Conversely, wallpaper, especially in interior design, is chosen based on factors like color, pattern, and texture, with the aim of enhancing the overall look and feel of a space.
The choice of background can significantly affect the perception of the main subject, highlighting its features or blending it into a wider narrative. In contrast, the choice of wallpaper is often driven by personal preference, design trends, and the desire to create a specific ambiance within a physical or digital space.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The scene or imagery placed behind a main subject.
Decorative material or image used on walls or digital screens.
Primary Use
To provide context, set a mood, or complement the main subject.
For decoration and personalization of spaces or devices.
Contexts
Photography, art, digital interfaces, videography.
Interior design, computer and smartphone screens.
Importance
Enhances storytelling and subject perception.
Focuses on aesthetics and personal style.
Selection Criteria
Relevance to the subject, mood setting, context enhancement.
Personal preference, design trends, color, pattern, texture.
Compare with Definitions
Background
The area or scenery behind the main object of contemplation.
The mountains in the background beautifully contrasted the foreground.
Wallpaper
Material used to cover and decorate the interior walls of homes.
They chose a bright, geometric wallpaper for the hallway.
Background
In photography, a backdrop behind the subject.
The sunset provided a stunning background for the wedding photos.
Wallpaper
A pattern or image that serves as a desktop background.
His computer wallpaper is an inspiring landscape photo.
Background
The less prominent part of a view.
The old castle loomed in the background of the village.
Wallpaper
Decorative paper for walls.
The floral wallpaper added a vintage charm to the room.
Background
A digital or physical setting behind content or subjects.
The graphic designer chose a minimalist background to highlight the logo.
Wallpaper
A digital image used as a background on a screen.
She changed her phone's wallpaper to a picture of her dog.
Background
The historical or situational context.
The novel's background was set in 18th century France.
Wallpaper
Decorative and functional aspect of interior design.
The designer recommended a subtle wallpaper to complement the room's decor.
Background
The part of a picture, scene, or design that forms a setting for the main figures or objects, or appears furthest from the viewer
The word is written in white on a red background
The house stands against a background of sheltering trees
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a material used in interior decoration to decorate the interior walls of domestic and public buildings. It is usually sold in rolls and is applied onto a wall using wallpaper paste.
Background
The circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular time or underlying a particular event
The political and economic background
Background information
Wallpaper
Paper often colored and printed with designs and pasted to a wall as a decorative covering.
Background
Form a background to
Windswept land backgrounded by the Rockies
Wallpaper
A picture or design displayed on the background of a computer screen or cellphone.
Background
Provide with background
The embassy backgrounded American reporters
Wallpaper
To cover with wallpaper.
Background
The ground or scenery located behind something.
Wallpaper
To decorate a wall or room with wallpaper.
Background
The part of a pictorial representation that appears to be in the distance and that provides relief for the principal objects in the foreground.
Wallpaper
(uncountable) Decorative paper-like material used to cover the inner walls of buildings.
Background
The general scene or surface against which designs, patterns, or figures are represented or viewed.
Wallpaper
(countable) A roll of such paper.
Background
A position, area, or situation that is not immediately in one's attention or notice
You can hear traffic moving in the background during the interview.
Wallpaper
(countable) A style or design of such material.
He is letting her select the wallpapers for the whole house.
Background
(Computers) The environment in which programs operate that the user does not engage with directly
Processes that run in the background.
Wallpaper
Anything that serves as a background or part of the surroundings.
Background
The circumstances and events surrounding or leading up to an event or occurrence.
Wallpaper
An image or tiled pattern used as the background of a computer desktop.
Background
A person's experience, training, and education
Her background in the arts is impressive.
Wallpaper
Generic footage of a building or location that may be used in the background of a related news report.
Background
The cultural or social environment in which a person was brought up or has lived
A class with students from many different backgrounds.
Wallpaper
Gaudy mass-produced stamps, typically of little or no value and only produced for sale to collectors.
Background
Subdued music played especially as an accompaniment to dialogue in a dramatic performance.
Wallpaper
A radio operator's collection of awards and QSL cards.
Background
Sound that intrudes on or interferes with an audio recording.
Wallpaper
(transitive) To cover (a wall, a room, etc) with wallpaper.
Background
Low-level radiation, as from radioactive decay, that exists as part of the natural environment.
Wallpaper
A decorative paper for the walls of rooms
Background
Less important or less noticeable in a scene or system.
Background noise
The antivirus program runs on a background thread.
Wallpaper
Cover with wallpaper
Background
One's social heritage, or previous life; what one did in the past.
The lawyer had a background in computer science.
Background
A part of the picture that depicts scenery to the rear or behind the main subject; context.
Background
Information relevant to the current situation about past events; history.
Background
A less important feature of scenery (as opposed to foreground).
There was tons of noise in the background.
The photographer let us pick a background for the portrait.
Background
(computing) The image or color over which a computer's desktop items are shown (e.g. icons or application windows).
Background
(computing) A type of activity on a computer that is not normally visible to the user.
The antivirus program is running in the background.
Background
(physics) background radiation
Background
To put in a position that is not prominent.
Background
(journalism) To gather and provide background information (on).
Background
Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the foreground, or the ground in front.
Background
The space which is behind and subordinate to a portrait or group of figures.
Background
Anything behind, serving as a foil; as, the statue had a background of red hangings.
Background
A place in obscurity or retirement, or out of sight.
I fancy there was a background of grinding and waiting before Miss Torry could produce this highly finished . . . performance.
A husband somewhere in the background.
Background
The set of conditions within which an action takes place, including the social and physical conditions as well as the psychological states of the participants; as, within the background of the massive budget deficits of the 1980's, new spending programs had little chance of passage by the congress.
Background
The set of conditions that precede and affect an action, such as the social and historical precedents for the event, as well as the general background{5}; as, against the background of their expulsion by the Serbs, the desire of Kosovars for vengeance is understandable though regrettable.
Background
The signals that may be detected by a measurement which are not due to the phenomenon being studied, and tend to make the measurement uncertain to a greater or lesser degree.
Background
An agreement between a journalist and an interviewee that the name of the interviewee will not be quoted in any publication, although the substance of the remarks may be reported; - often used in the phrase "on background". Compare deep background.
Background
A person's social heritage: previous experience or training;
He is a lawyer with a sports background
Background
The part of a scene (or picture) that lies behind objects in the foreground;
He posed her against a background of rolling hills
Background
Information that is essential to understanding a situation or problem;
The embassy filled him in on the background of the incident
Background
Extraneous signals that can be confused with the phenomenon to be observed or measured;
They got a bad connection and could hardly hear one another over the background signals
Background
Relatively unimportant or inconspicuous accompanying situation;
When the rain came he could hear the sound of thunder in the background
Background
The state of the environment in which a situation exists;
You can't do that in a university setting
Background
(computer science) the area of the screen in graphical user interfaces against which icons and windows appear
Background
Scenery hung at back of stage
Background
Understate the importance or quality of;
He played down his royal ancestry
Common Curiosities
Can a wallpaper be a background?
Yes, wallpaper can serve as a background on digital devices, but in interior design, it's specifically for wall decoration.
What should I consider when selecting wallpaper?
Consider personal taste, room decor, color schemes, patterns, and textures that align with your desired ambiance.
What is the difference between background and wallpaper?
Background refers to the scene or imagery behind a subject, used for context or enhancement, while wallpaper is a decorative material or image used on walls or digital screens.
Are digital backgrounds and wallpapers the same?
In digital contexts, the terms are often used interchangeably, though backgrounds can also include plain colors or patterns not meant for decoration.
Do backgrounds affect the perception of the main subject?
Yes, backgrounds can significantly enhance or detract from the main subject, affecting its visibility and the overall composition's mood.
Can wallpaper affect a room's appearance?
Absolutely, wallpaper can change a room's perceived size, brightness, and atmosphere.
Is it important to match wallpaper with the room's theme?
Matching wallpaper with the room's theme can create a cohesive look and enhance the overall design aesthetic.
How do I know if a background is too distracting?
If the background takes attention away from the main subject or makes the scene look cluttered, it's likely too distracting.
How do I choose a good background?
Choose a background that complements the subject, sets the desired mood, and adds depth or context to the scene.
How often should I change my wallpaper?
Change it as often as you like to suit your mood, season, or simply for a fresh look.
Can changing the wallpaper on my device improve my mood?
Many people find that refreshing their environment, even digitally, can have a positive impact on their mood.
Is it easy to change wallpaper?
Physical wallpaper can be challenging to change, whereas digital wallpaper can be changed with just a few clicks.
Do professionals use specific backgrounds for better results?
Yes, professionals often select or design backgrounds that enhance the subject and overall composition.
Why is wallpaper popular in home decor?
It allows for personal expression, can transform a space quickly, and offers a wide range of styles.
Can a plain color be considered a background?
Yes, a plain color can serve as a background, especially in digital design or minimalist photography.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
