Paint vs. Wallpaper: How Do You Decide?
Redecorating comes with lots of decisions to leave your mind reeling. Let MidSouth Lumber help make at least one decision easier: paint or wallpaper?
When trying to decide how to decorate your home, the options can be overwhelming. Choosing between paint and wallpaper isn’t always easy, either, and as it’s a big choice to make that will affect the feel of your living space, it is one you should give some thought to. Both have their own pros and cons, so neither is inherently the “best” choice. It all depends on your style and what will work best and be easiest for you.
MidSouth Lumber & Supply Inc. wants to help lift you out of the confusion so you can make up your mind. Feel free to peruse this list of pros and cons of wallpaper vs. painting.
The Pros of Both
Wallpaper is a great choice for texture, durability, and aesthetic. Most wallpaper can last up to 15 years and tolerate more bumps and scrapes than paint can. It comes in reasonable prices that you will appreciate, and with so many designs available thanks to technology, you can find a style that will fit perfectly with your home. Scrubbable wallpapers are available—perfect for a home with kids or pets for easy cleaning. You can also find textured papers for added depth and style, and they help to make large, open spaces feel more cozy and comforting. Wallpaper comes in all colors and patterns, so finding one to match your color palette will be as easy as a quick trip to the store. Plus, if you rent your home, peel-and-stick papers are perfect for quick removal without damaging the wall behind it, making move out a breeze.
Paint has plenty of pros, as well. It comes in every color imaginable, even customizable colors, and can be mixed in store especially for you. Its application is easier and quicker than wallpaper, with much less prep work and application time involved. Paint comes in a range of prices and finishes, such as glossy or matte, and is easy to paint over—excellent for someone who likes to change things up often. Water-resistant paint can be super helpful for those with kids or pets, and if you’re renting your property, it’s a good option to personalize the space, easy to paint over before you move out. Paint can make a smaller space feel more open, too, so it’s great for dorm rooms or tight apartments.
The Cons of Both
Now that you know about the plus sides of both paint and wallpaper, it’s important to know the downsides, too. Paint is less durable than wallpaper, so it will probably need a couple of touch-ups and re-paintings as accidents happen. Another downside of painting is that the fumes and process, depending on the size of the space, can take a few days to finish and air out, sometimes making the room unusable during that time. Also, you can’t get designs or patterns in a can, so if you want anything besides one solid color, you will have to paint the design yourself, which leaves the less talented of us with solid walls.
Wallpaper cons is a bit longer of a list, but don’t let it discourage you. Wallpaper cannot go on all surfaces, especially rough surfaces, and the prep time is longer than paint, as you have to first prime the wall. The application itself can be tricky, as well, what with trying to get the edges and corners straight without allowing air bubbles to form under the paper. Certain types can be difficult to remove, which is why people often just re-paper over existing layers, and in humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, the moisture can cause the glue to lose its hold and peel away from the walls.
So Which is the Best?
Ultimately, there is no inherent “best” choice. Wallpaper is a bit more difficult to apply and remove, but once it’s up, it can be worth every minute you put into it, and you won’t have to worry about it for years to come. Paint is a simpler, faster process, but it doesn’t offer the attractiveness of designs to match your space, so you’ll need wall decorations to keep it from looking blank. It is also less durable, meaning you might have to do touch-ups periodically, but it’s easy to paint over if you want to try something new. MidSouth Lumber & Supply Inc. can help you decide which is the best option for your home if you still aren’t sure.
Happy decorating!
Still don’t know what to choose? Call MidSouth Lumber today!