Wallpaper vs. Paint: The Benefits and Drawbacks

By HomeLane- March 08, 2024

When it comes to home interior design, one of the biggest decisions is whether to use wallpaper or paint on your walls. One advantage of using wallpaper over paint is its versatility in terms of design options. On the other hand, paint is often chosen for its simplicity and ease of use.

Table of Content:

Wallpaper vs Paint: Pros of Choosing Wallpaper over Paint
Wallpaper vs Paint: Cons of Choosing Wallpaper over Paint
Conclusion
FAQs

Home designs have seen a sea of change in Indian households. Modern homeowners are much more open to creative design solutions.

Like most design trends, wallpaper is one aspect of the home design that the world has seen rise and fall in popularity. However, currently, wallpapers are very popular in the global home interior scene and are expected to stay popular for a long time.

If you’re deciding between wallpaper and paint, this article is for you! We discuss the pros and cons of using wallpapers and how they hold up against traditional wall paints.

Read to understand all you need to know about wallpaper vs paint. Pros and cons of wallpaper

Wallpaper vs Paint: Pros of Choosing Wallpaper over Paint

1. Long-Lasting

Wallpapers have many advantages, longevity being one of the main ones. A standard and properly installed wallpaper last for at least 15 years.

This is a massive advantage of installing wallpaper. You can install it once and forget about changing it for years.

However, to get the most out of your buck, make sure that you maintain it well. Keep the walls dry and clean.

Also, make sure that you avoid getting scratches and marks.

long-lasting

2. Wallpapers Finishes

The number of finishes of wallpapers available in the market is numerous. Everything from suede, velvet, fabric, vinyl, embossed-texture finish and many more are available – making it the appealing choice in the debate of wallpaper vs paint.

Make sure you pick a finish that compliments the look you are going for, from dramatic to sombre.

wallpapers finishes

3. Very Classy

Since wallpapers are a relatively new concept in India, they are still unique. They are not as run-of-the-mill as paint.

So, if you are looking for a classy and offbeat home design scheme, featuring a few unique wallpapers in your home may just be a great idea.

very classy

4. Cost-Effective

An important question pops up here: is wallpaper cheaper than paint?

As mentioned, wallpapers last for many years, so you don’t have to change them often. This makes it cost-effective in the long run, making it the clear winner between wallpaper vs paint.

wallpaper vs paint

Wallpaper vs Paint: Cons of Choosing Wallpaper over Paint

1. Less Variety of Wallpapers

When it comes to paints, the options available are almost too many to fathom. You can find every possible shade of paint under the sun. From the more traditional colours to the more contemporary hues, you will not be disappointed by the options.
Additionally, you can also mix two or more colours to get a unique shade of your own. This makes the possibilities infinite.
However, when you go the wallpapering route, you will find that there aren’t as many options available.

less variety of wallpapers

2. Expensive Up Front

In the debate of wallpaper vs paint cost, wallpapering is cost-effective in the long run, but initially, it can be more expensive than painting. If you like to change the look of your home often by changing the look of the walls, then wallpapers can get quite expensive.
It will make more sense to paint your walls because painting over your walls is much cheaper, making it the better option, winning the debate of wallpaper vs paint if the price is an important factor for you.

Expensive Up Front

3. Takes Longer to Install

Since wallpapering is a new concept in India, not everyone can handle it well. You will need professionals to come and install it for you.
The process takes more time than painting. It is also time-consuming to remove an existing wallpaper.
Painting is much quicker, and you can paint over an existing layer without having to remove an old layer, which makes it the better choice in the wallpaper vs paint quandary.

Takes Longer to Install

4. Not Fit for Every Place

You have to take good care of your wallpapers in order for them to last a long time. Wallpapers are delicate, and you cannot install wallpaper in a place that has excessive moisture.
That’s why it is advised not to install wallpapers in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Also, even small damage or tear in the wallpaper can be costly because you need to change the entire wallpaper. Here, paint comes out as the better option in the wallpaper vs paint debate.

disadvantages of wallpaper

Conclusion

Both painting and wallpapering are great options to personalise your home design. Consider both the pros and cons of wallpaper vs paint before deciding.

Book your free consultation with HomeLane today to get an expert opinion on wallpapering, painting, and other interior ideas for Bedroom designs and Living room designs.

FAQs

1. Is Wallpaper Better than Paint?

Wallpapers are highly sustainable and can last up to 15 years. On the other hand, wall paint gets damaged more easily and needs to be touched up every year or two, making it the less appealing choice in the debate of wallpaper vs wall paint.

2. Wallpaper or Paint, Which Is Better?

Both wallpaper and paint have their pros and cons, which leads to the debate about wallpaper vs paint. To make the best choice, you have to consider factors like expense, ease of application, durability, aesthetics, customization, and ease of removal while making a choice.

3. Which Is Better, Wallpaper or Texture Paint?

Both wallpaper and textured paint make your walls look good. But when debating wallpaper vs texture paint based on price, textured paint is more cost-effective and can be applied with minimum tools. On the other hand, wallpapers are easier to clean and more durable.

4. Which Is Better, Wallpaper or Paint?

There is no conclusive answer to the wallpaper versus paint debate because wallpapers have their advantages and disadvantages, as does paint. Multiple factors need to be considered before going for either. If you wish, you can choose the wallpaper for living room designs and paint for bedroom designs or vice versa.

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