Wallpaper vs Paint: Which Material Is Better for Home Decor?
Wallpaper vs Paint: Which Material Is Better for Home Décor?
By Wallpaper Land on January 06, 2023
One can’t argue that the color and design of walls play a major role in deciding the home’s interior décor. Therefore, the choice for the look of interior walls should be made precisely and thoughtfully to complement every element and improve the interior aesthetics.
For this purpose, we have two choices to make a selection from i.e. Wallpaper and Paint. Now, undeniably paint is the most used material across the globe while wallpaper trends have also rapidly gained attention and are no less popular in most parts of the world.
In this informative and verdict-providing piece of writing by Wallpaper Land, we’re going to compare both wallpapers and paint to make the ultimate decision for home décor upgradation.
A Decisive Comparison Between Wallpaper and Paint Job based on Home Decor Parameters
Before starting the actual discussion, we will briefly discuss what is wallpaper and paint and then move on to the actual topic of discussion to help you have a clear-cut understanding of what is being discussed.
What Is Wallpaper?
Wallpaper is a paper material comprising various captivating designs or patterns imprinted on its surface, that is pasted on the walls of residential, commercial, and business interiors.
What Is Paint?
Paint is a form of pigmented material that is applied to the walls in a liquified thin layer and that later converts to a solid film. It can be regarded simply as a surface coating material applied to add color, provide texture, and ensure wall protection.
To help you make an ideal choice, we will perform a comparative analysis between wallpaper and paint based on various selection parameters like cost of material, installation time, durability, maintenance, versatility, need for replacement, and many other factors. So, let’s discuss these parameters one by one in detail.
1. Material Cost
The general cost depends on the area where the wallpaper or paint is to be applied or coated. However, you’ll have to pay more for wallpapers to cover the exact same area as with paint. That’s because wallpaper cost is dependent on material quality and design. So, the better the quality of paper in demand, the higher the price and vice versa.
On the contrary, paint is less expensive for being a coating material and having a dispersive nature. The cost of paint is dependent on the material quality and quantity. And, even increasing the number of coats to be applied, the cost of paint can never match the wallpaper.
2. Application Procedure
Most of you must be already familiar with the long-practiced tradition of DIY painting your home walls to save expenses. This makes paint material a favorite for home decor because this application procedure requires only a basic level of skills i.e. use of a painting brush.
While on the other hand, wallpapers may or may not be applied DIY. That’s because it’s not that difficult; in fact, wallpaper fitting is a simple and easy task to perform by every person at home.
Besides, you’ll have to be precise and careful with cutting and gluing the wallpaper for a proper fit so as not to let your valuable investment go down the drain. Hence, the reason most people opt for professional installation services for wallpaper.
4. Variable Choices
Both wall coverings share similar versatility in terms of design, color, and pattern choices. Hence, it all comes down to your personal preferences, such as whether to choose sparkling red combined with floral-printed wallpaper design or go for hand-crafted delightful paint appearances.
5. Durability Or Longevity
The best quality wallpaper, when installed properly with regular care and maintenance, can easily last for around 10 or maybe 15 years. Conversely, paint material, even the finest of quality, will only last about 3 or a maximum of 5 years, and after that, you’ll have to refresh the treatment.
6. Conservation
The waterproof wallpaper can be cleaned using a wet cloth or a quick wipe. However, you’ll have to replace a section or piece of wallpaper completely in the case of any tear or visible scratch.
Instead, paint usually cracks and peels with time due to environmental exposure. But, the good thing is you can conceal all the cracks with just a retouch to regain your home wall’s seamless, delightful appearance.
3. Drying Interval
Wallpaper needs minimal or no time to dry/settle, and you can proceed with the remaining interior furnishings immediately after installation. However, paint demands you to take a break for the time being until it’s fully dried and settled, in other words, ready to be used.
7. Replacement
This is something where the wallpaper would be recommended as the best option. That’s because you’ll have to put in no effort, and you can take off the previous wallpaper for a change without damaging the walls.
Besides, the wall paint has to be scratched to upgrade the interior theme and decor settings to something more refreshing, attractive, and desirable. During this procedure, most people can inflict damage to their home walls and have to bear financial expenses in terms of repair costs.
8. Usage Versatility
For this explanation, the kitchen wallpapers are the perfect examples. These remain not so appealing and attractive after some time of installation because of the damaging effects of heating, moisture, splashes, etc. And the same goes for interiors with high moisture content like bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc, for which a wallpaper application is not recommended.
On the other hand, paint is an all-rounder material for wall coverings, therefore, it wins this battle of usage versatility comparison.
9. Personal Preferences & Scenarios
Last but not least, you’ll have to decide whether or not having wallpaper installed in a certain interior of your home will complement the décor settings or whether the paint will be a better choice. For instance, modern design bedrooms and trendy living room decors will demand to be compiled with stylish wallpapers rather than painted as a wall theme.
Conclusion
Depending on the above-mentioned considerations, you can go with wallpaper as the ideal choice for a wall theme when decorating your sophisticated bedroom, living room, or guest room. Whereas, the wall paint should be ideally chosen for complementing your bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, etc. Hence, you can also use a combination of both these wall coverings for the best outcomes.