If you are looking to transform the walls of the interior of your home, then you have to choose from wallpaper and paint. Both of them have their own features. Also, wallpaper as well as paint can greatly spruce up the appearance of any dull place.
No doubt, creating an accent wall can give life to the space. But choosing the one can be a tough task.
Now coming to the tricky part – which one should you go for? Well, to help you out, we have created this guide that will give you a clear idea of the pros and cons of wallpaper and paint for different spaces.
Read this breakdown and make the right decision to beautify your place.
Pros of wallpaper
The foremost thing about wallpapers is that they are highly durable. They last 10 to 15 years and require minimal maintenance. You get an array of designs and patterns to choose from. The best thing about wallpapers is that they cover imperfections on the walls, such as cracks or uneven surfaces. Wallpapers add texture to any plain wall and add depth to it.
Cons of wallpaper
When it comes to its cons, they are expensive and need professional installation, which costs anywhere from $250 to $1000 per room. Also, removing and changing them can be a hustle as it is a time-consuming process. They can peel and lead to mold. So, they are not ideal for areas that have excess humidity. Further, wallpaper can negatively impact resale value as it is difficult to remove and is pretty costly.
Pros of paint
Paint offers endless opportunities when it comes to colour. It is not pricey when compared with wallpaper. Not to mention, paint is DIY-friendly. However, experts can do it better. Professional paint jobs cost anywhere from $200 to $700 per room. Moreover, you can change or update the paint of any room easily. It is suitable for high-moisture areas like bedrooms and kitchens. Paint won’t hurt the resale value of your home much because repainting is easy. That means a fresh coat of paint is more likely to attract potential buyers.
Cons of paint
It lasts for 5 to 10 years but requires frequent touch-ups (every 3 to 5 years) and finishing is limited. It can even show imperfections on walls and can chip or crack over time. You get fewer options for texture and patterns. Paint may not be as durable as wallpaper over time. The process of painting the wall is time-consuming.
Wallpaper and paint for different spaces
Now the next thing is to understand whether wallpaper will suit your particular area or you should go for paint. Read on to explore.
Spaces to count for wallpaper
Wallpaper can be a great option to use in the bedroom. Also, the elegant wallpapers of brands like Cole and Son Wallpaper can create a sense of coziness and warmth.
The wall of the living room is another space where wallpaper can play a great role. It can make the place more inviting and luxurious.
Another best place to add wallpaper is transitional spaces, where it can add a touch of elegance.
Spaces to count for paint
Paint is more suitable for high-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways. These places need more durable surfaces. Paint can withstand wear and tear, but wallpaper cannot.
Bathrooms and kitchens are other places where paint will be the right option. Both of these spaces have more moisture. Paint is more resistant to moisture and it is easy to clean. So, it will be the perfect option to be used in these high-humidity areas.
But those who wish to use paint in these spaces can go for a semi-gloss or satin finish paint as both of them can be cleaned.
Which one should you go for: Paint or Wallpaper
By now you are already aware of the pros and cons of both. However, choosing the right solution for your space can be a bit of a daunting task. Well, which one you should pick depends on your requirements and conditions.
Following are some of the pointers that will help you choose the best option for the interior walls of your home.
Budget: If budget is a constraint, then go for paint. It is both affordable and less expensive.
Usage: For the bathroom and kitchen, it is better to paint the walls. For the living room, entryway and bedroom, wallpaper can add a touch of style.
Durability: Wallpapers are long-lasting if they are installed well. So, if you are someone who easily gets bored with the same look, then painting the walls can be a good idea. However, paint does not last long when compared with wallpaper.
Maintenance: If you have kids at home or your walls are chipped, painting your walls would be perfect for you. Repainting is easy and you can hide any damage or imperfections without a lot of effort.
Aesthetics: Wallpaper can greatly enhance the look of the walls. You have the option to pick from different textures, patterns and styles that are sure to attract the eyes of every visitor. No doubt, paint is also available in a variety of amazing hues and gives the perfect finish. But wallpaper wins the game.
Installation time: Painting the walls requires more time, i.e., around 2 to 7 days. The duration depends on the condition. If the wall has cracks then it has to be repaired first.
Final words
Well, of course, redecorating your home requires brainstorming. Both wallpaper and paint can give an awesome makeover to any space. All you have to do is first understand your condition and then look for the pros and cons of each. Wallpaper can glorify your home, whereas paint can give new life to the walls of your interiors. Whether you go for chic wallpaper or decent paint colour, your interior decor is sure to get a great revamp.
