Are you stuck between choosing paint or wallpaper for your walls? You’re not alone. Decades of trends have swung homeowners back and forth between the two options. Both have their pros and cons. Paint is easy but might bore you. Wallpaper could be eye-catching when it’s first up but go out of style or keep you locked in when you want to redecorate.
Your definitive guide to choosing paint or wallpaper is here. We’ve scoured every pro and con for selecting either method to style your home. Plus, you’ll learn why each technique is popular among homeowners and how to keep both paint and wallpaper fresh and in style for longer. Let’s jump in.
Why People Prefer Paint
The consensus on paint is that it’s easier to apply, fix, or reapply than wallpaper. Paint has also been the easy go-to to handle little imperfections on your wall. The tiniest nick or scratch becomes invisible with paint. Plus, paint comes in a much wider variety of colours, shades, and finishes.
For those bored with the flatness of their walls, paint is becoming the perfect background for DIY decorating. While the sponging technique may be a bit retro, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are full of home decorating videos of folks creating geometrical designs with just a roll of painter’s tape.
Although wallpaper is becoming more popular and is offered at various price points, you’ll still save dollars utilizing a can of paint. On average, painting your walls is also significantly cheaper than using wallpaper. What’s better, paint stands a better chance in different parts of your home affected by humidity, like the bathroom, without having to upgrade or consider the type of paint you’d have to use with wallpaper.
Why People Prefer Wallpaper
Wallpaper has also been a staple in North American homes over the last hundred years. It has come a long way from the plastic-type feel of the 1960s and is now easier to apply and remove than it once was. You’ll find more options for temporary wallpaper now, too. Called ‘peel and stick wallpaper, you can easily apply, remove, and reapply wallpaper anywhere in your home. This makes for perfect decorating if you’re renting or like to change the look of your home often.
Additionally, wallpaper is durable, which makes it perfect for kids’ rooms, playrooms, or areas with more activity. Plus, it can last much longer than paint. With the proper care, wallpaper can last fifteen years or more on your walls. That kind of durability makes applying the wallpaper worth the time and effort.
Wallpaper is also an excellent option for anyone looking for more than a mono-colored wall. You’ll get a wider variety of designs in wallpaper, from simple geometric lines and shapes, to florals to elaborate, eye-catching designs. These are great for adding personality to your space or flaring one accent wall.
Paint vs. Wallpaper: which to choose?
A simple way to choose between paint or wallpaper is to review how much each aspect means to you. Prioritize what matters to you most. Paint wins the affordability contest, while wallpaper outlasts paint with proper care. Both are equal when wiping down spills or splashes on the wall, although a white wall may stain from dark liquids.
There are also ways to compromise between both options. Peel-and-stick wallpaper allows you to experiment without long-term commitment or damage. Likewise, you can start with an accent wall in a smaller area like a washroom to see how the wallpaper reacts to humidity, foot traffic, or anything else you’d like to test out.
If you’re the kind of person, who likes to redecorate often, be mindful of the removal process when it comes to wallpaper. It can get messy as you may be stuck with residue on the wall once you remove it. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, wallpaper is worth the cost and labour to apply. For a more flexible option, paint is your best bet.