Wallpaper vs Painting

When it comes to what to do with the most prominent interior feature of your house, the walls, the debate traditionally centres on whether to use wallpaper or paint them. Over time, most people have moved away from eye-catching wallpaper and toward subtle, more familiar paint coverings. Wallpaper can be regarded as gaudy and garish, something you might find in a fun pub or club rather than inside a comfortable home. But, times change and more and more people are considering the advantages and disadvantages of each when it comes to their walls. Let’s explore those further. 

Wallpaper advantages

First, let’s look at wallpaper. Contrary to popular belief, wallpaper is quite durable, usually lasting up to 15 years. This makes it somewhat cost effective too. If applied correctly, it’s actually longer lasting than paint. If the walls you have in your house have noticeable imperfections, paint may not be enough to cover it, but wallpaper will. Plus, if you don’t like mess and the possibility of an accidental paint spill, wallpapering is a better option. It’s also quite easy to wipe clean from minor scuff marks and spills. 

Concerns with wallpaper

However, there are obvious concerns with wallpaper. If it isn’t applied properly initially, it will be prone to constant peeling or bubbling. Particularly humid environments are not suited to wallpapering. Again, with regard to the initial application, mismatching the pattern can be off putting to owners and guests. Also, and many would argue this is purely subjective, wallpaper dates itself. Usually wallpaper is chosen to match other décor in a room, so if that is updated, so should the wallpaper too.

Painting your walls

Painting, as mentioned is more popular today. It’s certainly a quicker and more efficient job to complete as opposed to applying wallpaper, which can test the patience of even the best interior design professional. Paint is also cheaper than wallpaper. When applied across a number of rooms, it provides a uniform sense of comfort and space for homeowners, something wallpaper won’t. Paint is also better for repelling allergens and moisture in a house, so for people sensitive to these, painting walls is a far better option. Unlike wallpaper, painted walls do far better in humid environments. 

Painting Pains

In terms of disadvantages, many argue that painting walls can make for a dull and less interesting interior design concept. Painting can also be a messy process. Have you ever seen a painter with spotless clothes? There’s a reason they have loads of old, large dirty and paint covered sheets too. Chipping and cracking of paint can be a problem for many homeowners, especially with pets and children.

So there you have it. There are lots of advantages and disadvantages to both methods of covering your walls. It’s not a choice that can be considered lightly either. So you better choose wisely!

If you would like further support for your interior design project, get in touch, and we’d be more than happy to help you.