Wallpaper vs. paint is one of the two most common options for designing walls. Wallpaper is paper attached to the wall for protection and aesthetics. Paint is a liquid substance applied to the wall for design and beauty.
Wallpaper has been the top choice, with 96% of interior designers selecting it. However, homeowners prefer paint, as it is less confusing and offers affordability.
Let’s quickly find the pros and cons of both options and see which option you should prefer.
Pros and Cons of Wallpaper
Explore the pros and cons of applying wallpaper to the wall:
Pros
- Wallpaper is very durable, as it can last up to 15 years. In some cases, it can last 3 times longer than paint.
- Wallpaper is more appealing in terms of aesthetics. Thanks to their diversity, there are multiple types, including statement wallpaper. Further, it also complements other materials like marble and leather, uplifting your room’s appeal.
- Wallpaper is also perfect to hide the flaws in the wall. It is the best option to cover imperfections such as cracks or uneven surfaces.
- Wallpaper is easy to apply and install. All you need to do is get paper and paste it on the wall, even with a non-woven base.
Cons
- Wallpaper has a high upfront cost. You need to pay more to get your desired paper. On top of that, installation and purchase costs add to the overall price.
- Although there is a lot of diversity, color options are limited in terms of wallpaper. You may have to strive to get a hue that matches your room.
- Wallpaper is hard to remove or replace. In fact, it may damage your wall upon taking it away. However, new options, such as modern peel-and-stick wallpaper, are convenient.
- Wallpaper is sensitive to humidity. If your wall is affected by water, you shouldn’t go with this option, as it may deteriorate quickly.
Pros and Cons of Paint
Now, let’s weigh the paint in terms of benefits and disadvantages:
Pros
- Paint comes in a wide range of colors. On top of that, you can apply it to any surface type, including furniture or ceilings. Plus, paint also has many variations, like acrylic paint for most materials.
- Paint is quite an affordable and cost-effective option. You can get one gallon of good-quality paint for $15 – $30. In contrast, one roll of wallpaper is often priced at $25 – $50.
- Paint is comparatively easy to apply. In fact, you can even put in paint on the wall by yourself, excluding the installation cost.
- If your paint gets eroded, you can easily get a new bucket and retouch it. This offers excellent color retention.
Cons
- Paint is not durable. Where wallpaper can last 15 years, typical paint has a life of 5 – 12 years. Therefore, it requires more retouching, adding to the cost and frustration.
- The color of paint can change with respect to time. This makes it less appealing or aesthetic and requires changing.
- Some paints, especially oil-based paints, often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are harmful and have negative effects on life, such as damage to the kidney or liver.
Bottom Line: Paint vs Wallpaper
If you are looking for a durable option, wallpaper should be a no-brainer for you. However, if you need to cut upfront costs, paint is a good choice. Regardless of any option, you should consider your room type, budget, and aesthetics before choosing wallpaper vs. paint.