Deco Mesh vs. Grapevine Wreaths: What's the Difference?

Deco mesh and grapevine are two popular ways to build a wreath, and they create completely different finished looks.

I don't think one is automatically better than the other. I use the same rule here that I use with a lot of decorating decisions: start with the look you want, then think about where the wreath is going to hang.

Here's what separates the two.

What Is a Deco Mesh Wreath?

A deco mesh wreath typically starts with a wire wreath frame.

Mesh is attached around that frame in loops, ruffles, curls, or other patterns to build volume. From there, you can add wired ribbon, florals, signs, ornaments, bows, and other accents.

By the time a full deco mesh wreath is finished, you usually don't see much of the wire frame underneath.

That's what gives these wreaths their big, dimensional appearance.

If you've ever seen one of our wreaths from the side and wondered how it gets so much depth, the layers of mesh and ribbon are a big part of it.

What Is a Grapevine Wreath?

A grapevine wreath starts very differently.

Instead of a wire frame that's meant to disappear, the intertwined vines are both the structure and part of the finished design.

That's one of the things I like about grapevine. You don't necessarily need to cover the entire base.

A maker might decorate one side with flowers and greenery and intentionally leave the other side exposed. Or ribbon and florals might be worked throughout while plenty of natural vine remains visible.

The base becomes part of the look rather than something you're trying to hide.

They Create Very Different Styles

This is probably the easiest difference to see.

Deco mesh tends to be fuller, bolder, and more colorful. You can layer several ribbon patterns, colors, signs, flowers, and seasonal accents into one design.

Grapevine tends to look more natural and organic. The visible branches provide texture without needing as much decoration.

If you want a wreath that makes a statement from farther away, a full deco mesh design can do that very well.

If you like a simpler farmhouse, botanical, or rustic look, grapevine may be closer to what you have in mind.

But these aren't rules.

A grapevine wreath can be big and dramatic, and a deco mesh wreath doesn't have to use every color in the craft room.

What About Size and Weight?

This is where I wouldn't choose based on the base material alone.

Either type can be lightweight or surprisingly heavy depending on its size and what's been added to it.

A large grapevine base decorated with substantial florals and a wooden sign can weigh considerably more than a relatively simple mesh wreath. A heavily decorated deco mesh wreath can also become substantial.

So if weight matters for your door or hanger, check the finished wreath rather than assuming one construction style will always be lighter.

Size matters too.

Before ordering, measure your door and check the wreath's finished dimensions, not just the size of the underlying frame.

Our guide to measuring your door for wreath size explains how to do that.

Which Handles Outdoor Weather Better?

This one isn't as simple as saying one wins.

Poly deco mesh doesn't readily absorb water, which can make the mesh itself fairly forgiving around occasional moisture.

But a deco mesh wreath isn't made from mesh alone. Its ribbons, sign, florals, adhesives, ornaments, and other decorations may all react differently to water.

We explain that distinction in our comparison of silk, deco mesh, and faux floral materials in rain.

Grapevine is a natural material, so repeated moisture and outdoor exposure can affect it differently. How well it holds up will also depend on the other materials attached to it.

And both styles have another outdoor enemy: sunlight.

Synthetic mesh, ribbons, florals, signs, and natural materials can all change with prolonged outdoor exposure.

That's why I'd give either wreath some protection when possible.

Our tips for protecting a wreath from sun and heat cover what I recommend for doors that get a lot of direct Texas sun.

What About Storage?

Here's another practical difference people don't always think about before buying.

A full deco mesh wreath needs room.

You don't want to cram all those loops, ribbons, and bows into a container that's too small and then leave it compressed for months.

A less heavily decorated grapevine wreath can sometimes be easier to store because it doesn't have the same amount of dimensional mesh to protect.

Of course, a heavily decorated grapevine wreath can take up plenty of space too.

Either way, don't force a wreath into a box just because the box technically closes.

Can You Combine Grapevine and Deco Mesh?

Absolutely.

These aren't mutually exclusive materials.

You can use a grapevine base and incorporate mesh, ribbon, flowers, greenery, or other elements into the design. That lets you keep some of the natural vine visible while adding more color and dimension.

That's one of the things that makes handmade wreaths interesting. The base is just the starting point.

We recently talked about some of those construction details in What Makes a High-Quality Handmade Wreath?

So Which One Should You Choose?

I'd make the decision based on the look you want.

Choose deco mesh if you're drawn to:

• A full, dimensional wreath
• Lots of ribbon and layered patterns
• Bold seasonal colors
• Larger signs and decorative accents
• A wreath with strong visual presence

Choose grapevine if you're drawn to:

• Visible natural texture
• A more organic appearance
• Florals and greenery
• Simpler or asymmetrical designs
• Farmhouse and rustic styles

And if you like parts of both, you don't necessarily have to choose.

Find the Style That Fits Your Door

If you love the full, layered look, browse our deco mesh wreath collection.

If you're looking for something with more of a rustic farmhouse feel, browse our farmhouse wreath collection.

Shop Deco Mesh Wreaths →