The choice between wallpaper or paint is dependent on an individual’s preferences. The choice between the two often depends on personal preference, the desired aesthetic, and the space’s specific requirements.
To define the choice between wallpaper or paint we could look at some of these key characteristics we often look out for.
Durability and Maintenance
High-quality wallpaper can be quite durable and resistant to wear and tear. It can withstand minor impacts and can last for a long time without fading or peeling. Paint durability can vary based on the quality of the paint used and the finish. Some paints can be prone to chipping, fading, or wear over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
Cost Considerations
Cost may be one issue when deciding which walls should be painted and which should be covered in wallpaper, even if it shouldn’t be the main deciding factor.
Painting is typically less expensive than wallpapering, although wallpapering has a longer lifespan. If money is tight, well-chosen paint colour and many accent pieces in complementary colour schemes may still create a lovely look in any space.
One accent wall covered in wallpaper can be your choice if your budget allows for an additional room. This is a fantastic method to add visual impact without going over your budget.
Appearance and Aesthetics
Wallpaper provides a wide range of designs, patterns, textures, and styles that can add depth, character, and visual interest to a room. It can create a specific ambiance or focal point, making a bold statement with intricate designs or textures that might be difficult to achieve with paint alone.
Paint on the other hand offers fewer design options but allows for various finishes, colours, and sheens that can create different moods and effects. It’s versatile and can be used creatively with techniques like colour blocking, gradients, or murals to achieve specific aesthetics.
Trends and Timelessness
Both wallpaper and paint have trends and timeless aspects to consider. Wallpaper trends often change with time, introducing new patterns, textures, and styles that align with current design aesthetics. Trends in wallpaper can range from bold geometric prints to natural textures or metallic finishes. Some classic wallpaper designs can stand the test of time and remain stylish for decades, especially certain traditional patterns like damask, floral prints, or subtle textures that can add elegance and sophistication to a space.
Paint trends also evolve, with popular colours and finishes changing over the years. Certain colours might become trendy for a while, such as pastel tones, bold accent walls, or earthy neutrals. Neutral paint colours, such as whites, greys, and beiges, tend to endure as they provide a versatile backdrop that can adapt to changing decor styles. They’re often considered timeless choices.
Installation Complexity
Installing wallpaper typically requires more skill and expertise compared to painting. It involves precise measurements, proper surface preparation, matching patterns, cutting accurately, and applying adhesive correctly.
Certain types of wallpaper, like those with intricate patterns or textured designs, can be more challenging to install as they demand meticulous alignment and application to avoid visible seams or air bubbles.
Due to these complexities, hiring a professional wallpaper installer is often recommended to ensure a flawless finish, which can add to the overall cost.
Painting is less complex in terms of installation. However, achieving a professional-looking paint job still requires proper surface preparation, selecting appropriate tools, applying multiple coats evenly, and ensuring clean lines at edges and corners.
While paint doesn’t usually demand highly specialized skills, it can be time-consuming, especially for larger areas or when using multiple colours or intricate techniques.
Resale Value
When considering resale value, both wallpaper and paint can impact a property’s appeal:
While wallpaper can enhance the visual appeal of a space, it yields mixed results in relation to a home’s resale value. Some buyers may appreciate unique or well-executed wallpaper designs, especially if they align with current trends or add a distinct charm to the home. However, others might view wallpaper as a personal choice and may see removing or replacing it as an additional expense or hassle.
Neutral paint colours are considered more universally appealing to potential buyers. They provide a clean canvas that allows buyers to envision their own decor and style preferences more easily. Freshly painted walls in neutral tones can make spaces look brighter, larger, and well-maintained, potentially appealing to a broader range of buyers.
Maintenance and Cleaning
While both wallpaper and painted walls require regular maintenance and cleaning, the key differences lie in their sensitivity to moisture and cleaning solutions. Wallpaper demands more caution to avoid moisture damage, while painted walls are more forgiving but still require gentle cleaning to preserve the paint finish.
Conclusion
Choosing between wallpaper and paint often depends on personal taste, the desired atmosphere for the room, and the specific design goals. Wallpaper tends to be more expressive and can make a stronger visual impact, while paint offers versatility and allows for a broader range of styles and applications. Over the years, we have come to appreciate the art of combining both to create unique and visually appealing spaces by using paint for certain walls and wallpaper as an accent or feature wall.