The choice between wallpaper vs paint will depend on a few considerations: your budget, the look you’re trying to achieve, the overall state of your walls and how long you want the finish to last.
Paint is usually the more affordable choice upfront and works well for simple colour changes. Wallpaper, on the other hand, offers far more design options and can create a striking visual impact that paint simply can’t replicate. Wallpaper is also good for covering minor cracks and imperfections in your walls.
For homeowners looking to add character, texture or a statement feature wall, wallpaper will give you more options and will result in a more premium finish. If you’re after a quick, cost-effective refresh, paint may be the better fit.
Both options can be very effective, but the ultimate decision will be based on a number of factors.
In this guide we cover:
- The differences between wallpaper and paint
- The pros and cons of each option
- Which rooms suit wallpaper or paint best
- Frequently asked questions
What Is the Difference: Wallpaper vs Paint?
Wallpaper and paint are both designed to decorate your walls.
You apply paint directly to the wall surface. It’s available in thousands of shades and a number of different finishes. You don’t need much skill or experience to paint a wall, but good preparation work will result in a sharper finish, particularly in the corners and around windows and skirting boards.
Wallpaper is a printed wall covering that comes in a wide variety of patterns, textures and designs. It is applied to the wall using wallpaper paste, which also means it can be easily removed without damaging the walls. DIY enthusiasts will be able to install it themselves, but most of our customers opt to get assistance with the installation.
Why Homeowners Choose Paint
Paint remains one of the most popular wall finishes because is relatively affordable, widely available and easy to refresh or change.
Advantages of Paint
- Lower upfront cost
- Suitable for most wall surfaces
- Quick to apply
- Wide range of colour options
Disadvantages of Paint
- Limited texture and visual depth
- Can show marks and scuffs easily
- Difficult to create unique design effects
A freshly painted room can look fantastic, but it may not deliver the same level of character or visual interest as wallpaper so is a common question when looking at wallpaper vs paint.
Why Homeowners Choose Wallpaper vs Paint
Modern wallpaper designs offer far more variety than people realise. With choices from subtle textures and geometric patterns to large-scale wall murals, wallpaper allows homeowners to create spaces that feel truly unique.
Advantages of Wallpaper
- Huge range of colours, patterns and textures
- Creates a premium look and feel
- Excellent for feature walls
- Can hide minor wall imperfections
- Long lifespan when properly installed
- It can be easily removed without damaging the wall.
Disadvantages of Wallpaper
- Higher costs
- Installation can be more complex – customers often opt for professional fitting.
- Colours will fade over time, which makes it difficult to patch any damages.
Which Rooms Are Best for Wallpaper?
Wallpaper can be used in pretty much any room, although we recommend choosing an alternative wall covering in areas of high humidity, walls that are prone to damp and walls that have a prolonged exposure to sunshine.
Here are some ideas on how to use wallpaper to best effect in your rooms:
Bedrooms
Creating a feature wall behind the bed is one of the most popular options for bedrooms.
Living Rooms
Textured wallpapers are popular to create warmth and comfort in a living room.
Offices
A custom branded wallpaper can make your office look more professional.
Nurseries and Children’s Rooms
The current trend is to take a mix and match approach to wallpaper in kids bedrooms to help stimulate their imagination.
Health and Beauty Spaces
Choose a nature themed mural to create a beautiful but calming environment.
Cloak Rooms
A bold feature wallpaper with colourful florals or geometric tones can make your guest bathroom the talk of the town.
Which Rooms Are Best for Paint?
Paint should be used for:
- Ceilings
- Utility rooms
- Garages
- Large open spaces requiring simple finishes
- Areas where colour changes are likely in the near future
- Any wall that is prone to damp, or exposed directly to water
The Best of Both Worlds
We are used to combining a mixture of textures and colours in our soft furnishings. Combining paint and wallpaper can be equally effective in creating a room that is rich in colour and texture whilst still being calming and comfortable.
In addition, using wallpaper on a feature wall, and paint on the remaining walls is a great way to balance style and cost.
Wallpaper vs paint cost South Africa
Paint is usually cheaper upfront, making it a popular choice for large areas and budget-conscious renovations. However, wallpaper generally costs more to purchase and install, but it often lasts significantly longer and can create a much stronger visual impact with the numerous designs that are available. While paint may need refreshing every few years, quality wallpaper can remain in excellent condition for 10–15 years or more. When comparing long-term value rather than just initial cost, wallpaper can often be the more cost-effective option. Check out our blog post about this here.
Wallpaper Frequently Asked Questions
Is wallpaper better than paint?
It depends on the look you are trying to create, and your budget. Wallpaper offers greater design flexibility and visual impact, while paint is more affordable and easier to install, particularly on walls with lots of doors and windows.
Is wallpaper more expensive than paint?
Wallpaper is generally more expensive than paint, particularly for large walls. But the choice of wallpapers is almost limitless, allowing you achieve the exact look that you want.
Can wallpaper be used in bathrooms?
Wallpaper can be installed in bathrooms. We would advise finding a product with vinyl composition as these are more resistant to humidity. You should not install wallpaper in the shower or above the sink and bath.
Is wallpaper difficult to remove?
Most wallpaper products are easy to remove by soaking the wallpaper.
Can wallpaper hide wall imperfections?
We recommend textured wallpapers for walls with light cracks and minor imperfections. Walls that have large cracks should be filled, and large bumps should be sanded down before applying the wallpaper.
Is wallpaper suitable for rental properties?
Wallpaper is often an excellent option for renters because it can usually be removed without damaging the wall surface.
Can I combine wallpaper and paint?
We believe that the best results can come from mixing wallpaper and paint, in the same way that you mix colours, patterns and textures in your soft furnishings.
Final Thoughts
Paint is a cheap and easy way to refresh a room, but wallpaper can help take the look to the next level.
Important considerations to take into account when deciding which option is best for you, include who uses the room and what it is used for; the overall vibe that you are trying to create; your budget, and your preferences.
Often a combination of paint, with a feature wallpaper wall can be a way of getting the best of both worlds.
