Wallpaper is a time-honored way to give your home a luxurious and unique aesthetic. But with so many paint hues and finishes on the market, you may be struggling to decide between wallpaper and wall paint.

Some homeowners use wallpaper or a bold paint color as an accent wall. Either way, how you treat your walls can transform your home.

So, which is better for your interior design — wallpaper or paint? Each has its own pros and cons. Let’s take a look.

Benefits of Interior Painting

Considering a home remodel or building a custom home? Painting or repainting your walls could be a good option. Here are the pros and cons of painting over wallpaper.

Versatility

Paint comes in many different hues, from neutral off-whites and beiges to dramatic reds and indigos to refreshing yellows and golds. The right color sets the tone for each room and can perfectly complement your decor.

Cost-Effectiveness

Paint is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of wall treatment. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or would rather invest your remodeling expenses in other work, painting is a great option.

It’s also a fairly quick process if you plan properly, which is ideal if you want your remodel to be done sooner.

Low-Maintenance

Once paint is done, it’s easy to clean and patch (assuming you’ve chosen the right finish). Painting is often a better choice for walls in high-traffic areas such as hallways or foyers.

Drawbacks of Interior Painting

Low Durability

While painted walls can be cleaned, they’re also prone to scuffs and dents. Be sure to use higher-sheen paint finishes, such as satin or eggshell, for high-traffic areas. However, these sheens may not look as good with your desired colors. Reach out to the CorsPaint team for a color consultation to learn which hues and sheens would be best for your home.

Extensive Preparation

Painting goes pretty quickly once you’re set up. But before that, it can take a lot of time to clean, sand, and prime your walls. Plus, you’ll need to tape off your moldings, baseboards, door and window frames, etc. In most cases, those are painted with a different color or sheen, which adds yet more prep time.

You’ll also need to map out your work so you don’t get painted into a corner!

Benefits of Using Wallpaper

Wallpaper adds personality and texture to your walls. Here’s why wallpapering may be a good choice for your home.

High Durability

Wallpaper lasts a long time, as you may have seen if you’ve ever been in an old building! It’s less likely to fade, chip, or peel.

Great Coverage

If your walls have flaws such as cracks or uneven portions, wallpaper can cover those effectively. Paint doesn’t do much to cover imperfections. In fact, certain finishes can actually highlight flaws.

Easily Applied

In many ways, wallpapering is easier than painting. With proper prep and good technique, it can be a very smooth process.

Drawbacks of Using Wallpaper

Expensive

Wallpaper adds up quickly, especially if you choose designer options. Painting will usually be cheaper, although it may not last as long as high-quality wallpaper. Consider your remodeling budget and where you’d most like to invest your funds.

Hard to Clean

When wallpaper gets dirt, dust, or grime, it can’t be easily wiped off like high-sheen paint. Therefore, it’s not an ideal option for busy rooms or hallways.

Difficult to Remove

Wallpaper’s long-lasting durability comes at a cost. It can be very difficult to remove wallpaper. Keep this in mind if you envision remodeling or selling your home down the line. When you choose a wallpaper design, make sure it’s one you love!

Struggling with wallpaper removal? Call CorsPaint for expert help. We can safely take down old wallpaper and give your walls a fresh new look.