The Pros and Cons of Paint vs. Wallpaper

We’ve broken down some pros and cons of paint vs. wallpaper for you to consider when it’s time to make a decision that you won’t regret. The walls of a home are no small matter when it comes to putting the finishing design touches on your home renovation project. After all, they do take up a great deal of space, and therefore, can change and transform the look of your entire home. Whether it’s soft and light, or bold and cozy – your walls matter. When it comes to deciding between paint or wallpaper, which is the best to choose?

Wallpaper

Pros

Durability – Wallpaper can be very durable against wear and tear over the years. If you’re in search of something to stand strong against all of those dirty fingerprints from the kids, this could be worth considering. Versatility – Although paint is available in a variety of different colours, with wallpaper, you can incorporate different designs that you can’t achieve with paint. There is great versatility if you’re looking to add more flair and personality to a wall and room. Preparation – Depending on the state of your wall, it can take more effort and time for preparing the surface for paint.

Cons

Expensive – Wallpaper will generally cost more than paint, especially considering the size and surface you are covering. Difficulty Installing – Although you can attempt to wallpaper yourself, it can be much more challenging to apply correctly without any bumps. Having a professional is usually the best way to ensure it is done correctly without any flaws. Removing it – If you change your mind in the future, removing wallpaper can be a tedious and frustrating endeavour. You need to have the right tools and a whole lot of patience to ensure that it’s fully removed and that the wall beneath isn’t damaged during the process.

Paint

Pros

Preparation – It can be easy and can take little time and effort to prepare a wall for painting depending on your walls. With a quick application of primer or spackle, you can correct many imperfections in no time. Affordable – Paint is much more affordable than wallpaper, and you don’t have to spend money having someone apply it for you. Easy DIY– Although hiring a professional painter is always an option, it’s much easier to take on as a DIY project than with wallpaper. And even for hiring someone, the fee is generally lower than when applying wallpaper.

Cons

Not as Durable – Paint can mark and chip away much easier than wallpaper. So if you do have small children, the wear and tear factor could be an issue to consider. Less Selection – Although you can select a wide variety of paint colours, there still is a lack of selection when compared to the wallpaper designs. So you may be limited when you want to customize a wall. Can Emphasize Imperfections – Paint can easily show imperfections that are present on the wall. It’s less forgiving, especially when the sun shines on the surface. Wallpaper is usually better at concealing this. Whichever you decide to go with for your walls, these pros and cons of paint vs. wallpaper are worth considering before transforming the walls of your home.  Please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, you can call us at (613) 727-9427.