Which option is better for wall decoration — wallpaper or painting

This question is perhaps most often heard in the implementation of repairs in residential premises. Each of the materials has its own characteristics and, of course, disadvantages. And, without having your own experience with such a finish, it is difficult to make a choice in favor of one of them. What, after all, is better for decorating walls — painting or wallpaper? Our experts have the answer to this question.

Answering important questions

The durability and appearance of the finish to a large extent depends on the correct choice of a suitable finishing material for the walls, which will affect the interior of the room as a whole. If you use the services of a professional designer, you don’t even have to solve a dilemma like which option is better — painting or wallpaper. But if you plan to carry out repairs yourself, you will have to take the issue seriously.

First of all, you need to understand that there is no truly right decision when choosing a suitable finish option. But in order to choose the optimal material, try to consider the following factors:

1. What is the budget — inexpensive wallpaper and paint are not rivals, for example, vinyl wallpaper;

2. Who will design the interior design — a professional or the owner of the house;

3. Who will perform the work — a specialist or a landlord;

4. What is the shelf life of the product planned — wallpaper and paint suggest a completely different operational life;

5. The material from which the walls are made — textured options, for example, only paint can be emphasized favorably.

Advantages and disadvantages of wallpaper

In this case, it is necessary to take into account a number of important factors.

Surface preparation

The process of decorating the walls with wallpaper is quite simple and requires only care and patience. But preparing the surface for sticking is much more complicated and time-consuming (especially if you need to remove old wallpaper).

Material strength

Wallpaper is a material of relative strength, so it is difficult to consider it durable. The average shelf life of a product is no more than 5-7 years, vinyl wallpaper, for example, will last up to 10 years. Wallpapers are great for hiding minor wall surface defects, but they quickly get dirty, wear out, fade, losing their presentable appearance.

Material safety

Wallpaper manufacturers offer consumers a variety of options for products made from hypoallergenic materials. They are completely safe for all households (including four-legged ones), but protection from the latter cannot be guaranteed.

special design

A variety of patterns, patterns, textures and colors allows you to choose the best option for any interior.

About air humidity

With a moderate level of humidity in the room, the wallpaper “feels” quite comfortable. In addition, they have sufficient throughput, providing air access to the walls (they are not afraid of mold). But excessive humidity for wallpaper is detrimental.

Advantages and disadvantages of painting

For those who want to opt for painting the walls instead of wallpapering, it will also not be out of place to take into account a few points.

Surface preparation

Preparing the work surface before painting is a very time-consuming and rather complicated process that requires careful execution and considerable costs. On the other hand, with proper work, you can get perfectly smooth, durable walls, devoid of the slightest cracks.

Subtleties of care

Painted walls do not accumulate dirt quickly, are easy to clean, and can be washed without fear of damaging the coating. In addition, if you wish, you can periodically update the paint layer or even choose any other color — the wall will no longer require preparation, just walk with a roller.

Color Variety

Painting the walls, of course, is the widest scope for imagination. You can not limit yourself in shades. The main thing is to accurately choose the right one for your interior. And if you don’t have what you need in any catalog, you can turn to professionals — they will create a shade especially for you.

Paint and interior change

If frequently changing/rearranging furniture or updating the decor for your home is not uncommon, wall painting is the perfect solution. The coloring composition guarantees an excellent appearance of the surface in any part of it and, in which case, it is not necessary to close the somehow designed areas that were hidden behind a cabinet or a picture, as is the case with wallpaper, for example.