Install Wallpaper Or Paint The Room?
It’s 2023, is wallpaper really still in style? Can you choose wallpaper to make a statement, or should you just paint the room with a vibrant colour?
Wallpaper has been around for years. And while many things have changed, it’s never really gone out of style. But frequently-changing trends usually stop most people from choosing wallpaper versus interior paint. Paint is just so much easier than wallpaper, after all.
That said, in the eyes of designers, wallpaper is becoming a tempting option for creating a buzzworthy room. And, if you’re not the type to change your wall colour every year, then wallpaper is much more practical. But is it the right move for you? Keep reading to find out!
Is Wallpaper Still In Style?
Prints and patterns have changed over time. But, in general, wallpaper has always been in style. What’s also changed is the types of wallpaper. While whole-room wallpapering still calls for traditional wallpaper, smaller projects can benefit from the easy peel-and-stick options.
Installing Wallpaper Versus Painting Your Home:
Let's look at the differences between installing wallpaper and painting your home.
Cost
Wallpaper: Installing wallpaper can cost anywhere from $250-1000 per room.
Interior Paint: Painting the room ranges from $200-700 (depending on how big the room is). You can get a more accurate quote for your project by contacting us.
Application
Wallpaper: Installing wallpaper properly, meaning straight and with no wrinkles, is extremely difficult and usually calls for a professional. However, there are many DIY-friendly peel-and-stick options.
Interior Paint: Painting is much easier to do yourself. But– and forgive us for boasting– the quality and perfection you get from a professional painter is unbeatable.
Best Placement
Wallpaper: Depending on the print, you can put wallpaper anywhere. Some designs are too “loud” to be placed all over the room, and best serve as an accent wall or statement piece in the living room or the bedroom.
Interior Paint: Paint is much more versatile, especially given the unlimited colour options. You can put it anywhere and everywhere. Plus, adding a new interior colour is much easier than reformulating your whole colour scheme to match your wallpaper.
Durability & Longevity
Wallpaper: Surprisingly, wallpaper is very durable. When you properly install it, your wallpaper will last up to 15 years and won’t budge until then. Peel-and-stick wallpaper tiles, however, do not last as long.
Interior Paint: Paint is durable, depending on the quality and the painting process, but won’t last as long as wallpaper. It typically only lasts 5 years before needing repainting. Paint also holds up to humidity much better than wallpaper.
Change & Removal
Wallpaper: Properly installed wallpaper is notoriously hard to remove (and therefore change), so you’ll want to be sure you love it because it’ll be around for a long time. And even then, it’ll take a lot of work to remove.
Interior Paint: Paint is easier to remove than wallpaper. You can scrape and sand paint right off, while wallpaper may need some extra steps.
So, What’s Really Better? Installing Wallpaper Or Painting The Room?
When you know all the factors, this decision can still seem like a toss-up because they’re both great options. So, to help you make that decision, we’ll give you some advice.
Wallpaper is the most durable option, so if you’re looking for a lasting design for your living room walls, it’s your best bet. It’s also a better statement piece than painting the room in one solid colour.
Painting is the more cost-effective option upfront. Plus, it’s easier to remove and change and is much better for home staging. And finally, it’s easier to do it yourself.
When Painting The Room Is The Right Move, Call McHugh
Got a painting project and want it done with five-star perfection? There’s no one better for the job than McHugh Painting! Let 50+ years of painting experience show you what perfection really is. Contact us today to get started with a free estimate.