Interiors

Wallpaper Vs Paint - Time to Choose


10, January 2026

Have you wondered if there's a way to add life to those lusterless walls? Make them look vivacious?

If you are stuck in a debate between wallpaper versus paint, we shall help get your head out of the sand. While the furnishings must be just right and comfortable, the colourful walls are the ones that make a home complete.

To be sure about your choice, you can experiment in the rooms that are smaller and less visited by guests, such as bathrooms or storerooms. This helps if you are scared to paint or wallpaper a bigger space.

Experimenting in a smaller space will give you an idea of which patterned wallpaper or paint will be apt for the other spaces.

It's not an easy task to choose from either of these, and both have their pros and cons.

Wallpaper vs paint - is the confusion of every household. The factors that you need to consider before making a decision are durability, cost, application, and versatility of a room or required space in your home.

Durability- Wallpaper Vs Paint

Wallpaper-

  • Wallpapers last for a decade and a half and are cost-effective. The wallpapers might wear out in damp and moist places and will need re-pasting, which can be time-consuming.

  • If you are a person who gets bored looking at the same walls for a long time, this might not be the right choice for you.

Paint-

  • Paint can go on for about 5 years; being cost-effective depends on the quality of paint you choose.

  • If you paint a high traffic room, it can chip and flake out easily after a couple of years. It needs to touch up paint every 3-4 years if it fades out.

  • The paint used to touch up the old one has to match the color, or it will look bizarre and odd.

Installation- Wallpaper Vs Paint

Wallpaper-

  • The installation of wallpaper can be done by you or a professional, but the job is best done by the experts.

  • Wallpapers hold fast to the walls; they stick with ease and less hassle. They can easily cover up the damaged walls and make them look brand-new.

  • Wallpapers have advanced to be quicker and less messy by introducing new varieties like "peel and stick" and "paste the wall." New wallpaper can not be put on an old one, and it must be removed.

Paint-

  • Painting is a much quicker job, and it requires less than three days to paint a room.

  • There are no skills required to complete painting a room, it's easy, and you just have to put on some old clothes. Paint can not cover any damage on the wall, and the wall first has to be fixed and smoothed before the application of paint.

  • A new coat of paint can be applied to the old one.

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Variety- Wallpaper Vs Paint

In the topic of Wallpaper versus paint, we must not forget that there are abundant varieties in both wallpaper and paint.

Wallpaper-

  • A huge variety of colours, prints, and patterns are available in wallpapers, from the perky contemporary patterns to harmonious motifs.

  • There are various finishes you can choose from, be it fabric, vinyl, non-woven, or foil printed. There are ways to print the wallpapers digitally.

Paint-

  • Paint is available in all colours that you can think of, and you can mix them and match them with any colour of your desire.

  • It can create some stunning designs and transform the look of a room.

  • Matte, semi-gloss, or glossy finishes are available as per your requirements.

Cost- Wallpaper Vs Paint

Wallpaper-

  • Wallpapers are rather expensive than paint, but they last for a longer time if they are of good quality.

  • The cost of the rolls, the supplies, and the assistance needed to apply the wallpaper can cost you a small fortune.

  • If your budget is low and you want to have wallpaper, there are cheaper options, but they won't last that long and are comparatively thin, and easily torn.

Paint-

  • Paint fits any budget, and you can find a variety of types and colours of your choice.

  • Painting requires minimal supplies, and if you don't want to spend money on assistance, you could do it yourself with the required equipment.

  • If you purchase a cheap quality paint, it might require applying 2-3 coats of paint and has to be done with precision. It is an affordable option but not cost-effective as it needs repainting every few years.

Is wallpaper better than paint?

As mentioned in the above paragraphs of Wallpaper versus paint, we have mentioned that wallpaper is durable and cost-effective compared to paint.

It has many added benefits. It is washable and also thick enough not to tear apart easily.

As paints are just colour hues and do not have patterns of creativity naturally, and to put up different designs can be time-consuming.

Wallpapers have different textures, patterns, fabric, and prints of mosaic, hearth, rustic, etc.

A level of creativity is reflected in the patterns of wallpaper, which is not found in painting walls unless you hire an expert to do it.

You can make your home look exquisite, luxurious, versatile, and creative by adding different prints of wallpaper.

Combination of wallpaper and paint

We are discussing Wallpaper versus paint. Have you considered using both?

There's nothing to stop you from using both paint and wallpaper, and they put together a unique and sumptuous outlook of a room.

If you are looking to combine both, it's important to keep the properties in mind. You have to choose a paint and wallpaper that work together and complement each other.

Both paint and wallpaper have to look extraordinary, and that will make the room look splendid. The confusion of wallpaper versus paint can turn into wallpaper plus paint.

Overall, wallpaper or paint anything you choose will give your home a subtle character. The choice you make may be highly influenced by your budget. Ultimately, you will have to make the decision, and hopefully, we have made it easier for you.

When choosing between wallpaper and paint, you can consider things like:

  • Durability

    Wallpaper can last up to 15 years, while paint can last 5–6 years. The paint needs to be touched up every year or two.

  • Maintenance

    Both wallpaper and paint require maintenance. Painted walls need a new coat every 3–5 years.

  • Application

    Wallpaper can be applied quickly with basic tools. Painting can take a minimum of 2–3 days and can be messy.

  • Cost

    Wallpaper can cost more than paint. A 10x10 foot room costs about $150 to paint, but $275 to cover in wallpaper.

Here are some other things to consider:

  • Environmental friendliness: Wallpaper is environmentally friendly because no particles are wasted.

  • Cleaning: Wallpaper is easy to clean and doesn't chip.
  • Light and moisture: Wallpaper can be damaged by moisture or direct sunlight.
  • Finish: Paint can ensure a perfect finish, including at the edges.

Reference Links:

1. Feng Shui Colours to Create Harmony and Balance

2. Vastu Paintings to Improve Positivity in Your Home

3. Exquisite Showcase Designs for Home

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