How to choose between wallpaper and paint

How to choose between wallpaper and paint is a question many homeowners face when renovating or decorating their spaces. This comprehensive guide will explore all the aspects you should consider when making this decision. We'll dive into the pros and cons of each option, focusing on factors such as longevity, application, design variations, and environmental impact of both wallpaper and paint.

 

Longevity

When it comes to interior finishes, longevity is a crucial factor. Whether it's wallpaper or paint, you want your choice to stand the test of time. Below, we discuss the lifespan of each to help you make an informed decision.

Wallpaper

 

Wallpaper tends to have a longer lifespan, often lasting up to 15 years. High-quality options can be durable and resistant to wear and tear, making them an excellent long-term investment. It's important to remember that not all wallpaper has the same features regarding durability. For instance, Photowall's non-woven wallpapers are especially fire-rated and resistant to fading in sunlight. Additionally, their premium wallpapers are scrape-resistant, providing your living room with long-lasting elegance. Their peel-and-stick wallpaper is also made from high-quality self-adhesive material. These characteristics aren’t always present in all wallpaper products.

Paint

 

 

Paint generally requires more frequent touch-ups and may start to show wear after 5-10 years, depending on the quality and finish. Sunlight exposure can also affect paint longevity; it can cause the paint to fade, peel, or blister over time since ultraviolet rays can lead to the paint's discoloration and weakened adherence to the wall. Consequently, walls that are frequently exposed to direct sunlight may require more frequent repainting. On the flip side, it's easier to touch up specific areas without needing to redo the entire wall.

 

Application

The ease or difficulty of application is critical when deciding between wallpaper and paint. Both options have unique challenges and benefits, which we'll outline below.

Wallpaper

 

Generally, applying wallpaper can be more complicated than paint and often requires professional installation, especially for sensitive wallpaper types, fiberglass, and vinyl-coated. 

However, this isn’t the case with Photowall: their products are designed to be suitable for DIY projects without the need for professional skills. They offer non-woven wallpapers known for cleaner application and peel-and-stick options popular for quick and easy installation. They also meticulously organize every wallpaper order in sequentially labeled strips for easier assembly. These features provide an efficient experience, perfect for DIY enthusiasts. A complete guide on installing wallpaper is available here: How to install wallpaper

 

Paint

Painting is generally easier and quicker than installing certain wallpapers, like flocked, foil, grasscloth, fiberglass, pure-fabric, and vinyl-coated wallpapers. Prepping the wall involves simple steps like cleaning and priming. The application itself, with rollers or brushes, is straightforward but does require careful attention to avoid streaks or uneven coverage. Specialty finishes like matte or gloss may also require specific techniques.

 

Maintenance

Long-term upkeep is another essential consideration when choosing between wallpaper and paint. Each option has specific requirements for maintenance to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper maintenance largely depends on the type of wallpaper you have. Foil wallpapers are delicate and prone to tearing, making them challenging to clean. Flocked wallpapers require gentle care due to their raised patterns, which can trap dust. Bamboo wallpapers are often sensitive to moisture and need to be kept dry. Textured or embossed wallpapers can accumulate dust in their crevices and may need more frequent cleaning using specialized methods.

If you want wallpapers that are easy to clean, Photowall’s non-woven wallpapers, which can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, are a smart choice. If you use Photowall premium wallpapers, you’d have another advantage as they are suitable for cleaning products. Their peel-and-stick wallpapers are also wipeable and resistant to surface stains. For more information on cleaning wallpapers, check here: How to clean wallpaper

Paint

Paint tends to show marks and stains more readily, especially lighter colors and matte finishes. However, it is generally easier to touch up paint with a fresh coat or even just spot treatment. Certain types of finishes, like semi-gloss or high-gloss, are easier to clean and are thus better suited for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. However, paint can chip or crack over time and depending on the exposure to sunlight, might also fade, necessitating periodic repainting.

 

Design variations and aesthetics

When it comes to injecting your personal style into a space, both wallpaper and paint offer unique avenues, but there are distinct differences in the level of visual impact they can create.

Wallpaper

 

Wallpaper opens up a world of design possibilities that paint cannot match. Whether it's intricate patterns, textures, or even photorealistic images— wallpapers and murals allow for a level of detail and visual complexity that can turn a wall into a work of art. Additionally, wallpapers can provide the illusion of materials like wood, stone, or metal, giving you a luxurious look without the hefty price tag. From the subtle elegance of minimalistic designs to the bold statements of vibrant patterns, wallpaper can effortlessly elevate a room’s aesthetic. No matter what color, pattern, picture, theme, or surface illusion you want, Photowall has over 30,000 designs that can cater to all preferences.

Paint

 

While paint offers a simpler, more subdued aesthetic, it often lacks the visual richness that wallpapers provide. Although various paint techniques like sponging, ragging, or stenciling can add texture and depth, these methods still can't replicate the intricate designs possible with wallpaper. Paint's strength lies in its simplicity and the ability to complement other design elements rather than being the focal point.

 

Customizability

When tailoring your walls to fit your unique tastes and requirements, wallpaper and paint offer some level of customizability. However, the extent and ease of customization vary significantly between the two.

Wallpaper

 

In the realm of customizability, wallpaper offers an unparalleled range of options. Whether you're interested in patterns, textures, or even murals, wallpaper allows you to personalize your space fully. With modern digital printing technology, you can create your own designs or artwork or use personal photographs to craft a truly one-of-a-kind wall. However, not all wallpaper shops allow and help users customize wallpapers, making Photowall an ideal destination due to their professional design, editing assistance, and user-friendly customization process. Check here if you want a complete guide on how to make custom wallpaper for your home.

 

Paint

While paint can be mixed in almost any color, its customizability mostly ends there. Textural effects can add some personality, but they still can't compare to the limitless options offered by wallpaper. Furthermore, achieving intricate patterns or scenes via paint often requires the skill of an experienced artist, thereby adding to the cost and complexity of the project.

 

Removal and redecoration

Changing the look of your space is an inevitable part of home ownership or long-term renting. Wallpaper and paint come with their own challenges and advantages when it's time to redecorate.

Wallpaper

While wallpaper offers a wide range of design options, removing it can be a more labor-intensive and potentially costly process, especially if it's adhered strongly to the wall. Some modern wallpapers are designed for easier removal, but generally, you might need professional help. 

Photowall addresses this by offering non-woven wallpapers that utilize a paste-the-wall technique, simplifying the removal process. These wallpapers can be dry-stripped from the wall without inflicting damage. Moreover, Photowall’s peel-and-stick wallpapers offer another great alternative. These can be removed without leaving behind any residue, which is ideal for renters or individuals who enjoy frequently changing their decor. Check the guide on removing wallpaper here: How to remove wallpaper

Paint

Paint is generally easier to remove or paint over than certain wallpaper types, including vinyl-coated, foil, flocked, bamboo, textile, and textured or embossed wallpapers. However, changing from a darker to a lighter shade may require multiple layers of primer and paint, making it more time-consuming than it initially appears. 

 

Environmental impact

 

The environmental footprint of your wall-covering choices is increasingly becoming an important consideration. Both wallpaper and paint have their own environmental concerns, but advancements in materials and production techniques are making them more eco-friendly.

Wallpaper

Many modern wallpapers are made from sustainable materials like bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled paper. Some brands even offer wallpapers printed with eco-friendly inks.

On this aspect, Photowall stands out: they use eco-friendly materials, which are free from PVC and CE labeled, their wallpaper glue is biodegradable, their printing inks use are also biodegradable and solvent-free, they apply a waste-conscious manufacturing process by operating on a made-to-order model, and they have an eco-friendly packaging process, with boxes made from recycled materials. Read more about eco-friendly wallpapers here: How to choose eco-friendly wallpaper

Paint

Paint has made significant strides in becoming more environmentally friendly, especially with the introduction of low-VOC and zero-VOC options. However, traditional paints can emit harmful fumes and pollute indoor air. Paint production and disposal can also be resource-intensive, although recycling programs for paint are becoming more prevalent.

 

Coverage of imperfections

Covering wall imperfections can be a top priority, especially in older homes where walls have cracks, dents, or uneven surfaces. Both wallpaper and paint offer solutions, but their effectiveness varies.

Wallpaper

 

Wallpapers can be excellent for masking imperfections. They can hide minor flaws like dents and small cracks effectively, giving walls a uniformly smooth appearance. However, it's worth noting that the wall should be somewhat smooth for the wallpaper to adhere properly. If the imperfections are too significant, they can affect how well the wallpaper sticks to the wall.

Paint

 

Paint, particularly matte finishes, can hide minor imperfections but not as effectively as wallpaper. For more significant flaws, specialized primers and techniques like skimming can prepare the wall for painting. However, this can add extra steps and costs to the painting process.

 

Final tips and reminders

As we've navigated the world of paint and wallpaper, it's clear each option offers its own unique benefits. To cap off our guide, here are some final tips and pointers to consider:

● Mix and match for visual depth: In some instances, you don’t have to choose only one. Many interior designers recommend using paint for some parts of the room and a feature wall with wallpaper to add character and visual interest. This approach allows you to enjoy the durability of paint while also introducing a unique design element with wallpaper.

● Create a dramatic statement with wallpaper: When it comes to making a room "pop," wallpaper holds the upper hand. Today's wallpapers come in a myriad of innovative designs, including realistic wall murals and three-dimensional pictures, which can transform your room into a different universe entirely.

● Consider wallpapering your ceiling: While most people default to paint for their ceilings, wallpaper can transform this often-overlooked 'fifth wall' into a statement piece. Unlike paint, which generally contributes to a more subdued look, a wallpapered ceiling can offer intricate patterns or textures, adding a sense of grandeur or whimsy that is hard to achieve with paint alone.

In conclusion, choosing between wallpaper and paint is a significant decision that impacts both the aesthetics and functionality of your space. Each option has its own set of advantages and limitations, making it essential to consider factors like longevity, application ease, and design flexibility. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal style, maintenance preferences, and long-term living needs. If you’re wondering where to buy wallpaper, here’s a guide outlining all the factors you must consider: Where to buy wallpaper