Wallpaper vs paint — I'm redecorating and can't decide between the two so I asked for the experts' help. Here's what they said

I always find it fascinating how quickly some interior trends come and go, while others endure, looking as fresh and relevant today as they did when they first burst onto the scene – Shaker kitchens, natural stone flooring and good-quality built-in storage being amongst these timeless choices.

Wallpaper is a funny one here. While it has never exactly been struck off the list of interior design trends in any one year, its popularity has definitely fluctuated and certainly the patterns it comes in are constantly on the move. Paint, on the other hand, never falls out of favour, although certain shades move in and out.

I am aware that my house is in desperate need of redecorating and am toying with the idea of wallpapering certain areas – something I have to admit I have never done before. Paint just seems such an easy way to finish off the walls. With this in mind, I reached out to the experts for their opinions on whether wallpaper or paint is seen as the better option these days – here's what they had to say.

Wallpaper vs paint – is one better than the other?

While both paint and wallpaper are methods of finishing off walls, I realise that they are quite different. But is one of these wall covering ideas better than the other – and why?

"It’s a question I’m asked often, and in reality, the most successful homes use both wallpaper and paint, but in very intentional ways," reveals interior designer Holly Scott, founder of Holly Scott Interior Design. "Wallpaper vs paint isn’t about which is better – it’s about what the space needs."

"Both paint and wallpaper are beautiful ways to shape the mood and style of a room, and choosing between them often comes down to the atmosphere you want to create as well as the level of practicality required," explains Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn.

Holly Scott

Also know as The Happy Home Designer, Holly Scott is an award-winning luxury interior designer based in Oxfordshire. Holly is known for designing unexpected, statement interiors that create talking points through the finishing touches and styling. She has over 20 years of experience dressing windows and interiors for iconic brands such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Liberty, Harrods, and Ralph Lauren – not to mention many beautiful residential projects

Cathryn Sanders

Cathryn Sanders is Head of Creative at Earthborn and has worked for the brand for over a decade, meaning she has a wealth of knowledge on paints, trends and the interiors industry as a whole. Working on several colour launches, she is well-versed in trend forecasting, particularly with regard to colour, and subsequently gets the final say on all of Earthborn’s new colours and colour names. 

When is paint a better option than wallpaper?

Painting a wall is a job well within the capabilities of most DIYers, making it the go-to option for many – available in a mind-boggling array of shades and in all kinds of finishes to suit every setting you can think of.

"Whether you’re new to painting or a DIY expert, painting tends to be easier than hanging wallpaper as this can require more skill," picks up Cathryn Sanders. "Paint tends to feel more adaptable and approachable, it is usually quicker to apply and it requires fewer specialist tools.

"Paint also allows homeowners to refresh or change a scheme with relative ease, whereas hanging and removing wallpaper can be quite time consuming," continues Cathryn. "Maintenance is also simpler, particularly in busy or humid spaces where washable finishes are easier to look after and can simply be wiped clean. Finally, paint tends to be more affordable than wallpaper, plus you don’t need as many tools which adds to it being more cost-effective overall."

James Mellan-Matulewicz, creative director and interior designer at Bobbi Beck, points out that certain areas of the home are more suited to paint than wallpaper.

"Paint is often better suited to hallways, kitchens and utility rooms than wallpaper," says James. "These are high-traffic areas where marks and scuffs are more likely, and being able to touch up or refresh with paint makes it a much more practical choice over time."

Pros of paint:

• More affordable overall than wallpaper
• Quicker to apply
• Perfect for creating subtle backdrops
• Easy to paint over if you change your mind
• Huge range of colours
• Scrubbable finishes available for high-traffic areas

Cons of paint:

• Multiple coats required
• Cutting-in can be tricky
• Can be messier to apply
• Will chip over time – many experts say wallpaper is the more durable option

James Mellan-Matulewicz

James is the creative director and interior designer at design brand Bobbi Beck. He has over a decade of experience as a multidisciplinary designer, working across interiors, styling and art direction.

Shop durable paints

When is wallpaper a better option than paint?

Next up, wallpaper. In the past, it garnered a bit of a bad reputation, mainly due to the slew of quick-fix makeover shows of the 1990s that saw designers using it to create bold feature wall ideas that you just knew would look dated a few months down the line. However, according to the experts, things have changed.

"Wallpaper works beautifully in bedrooms, dining rooms and lounges, where you tend to unwind and spend more time. Even though these can be busy spaces, they’re places to switch off, and adding pattern to the walls injects a more personal, contemporary feel," explains James Mellan-Matulewicz, who goes on to point out that even when it comes to how to hang patterned wallpaper, this task is no longer such a fiddle thanks to modern developments.

"With the rise of paste-the-wall papers, the process has become far more straightforward," says James. "Applying adhesive directly to the wall makes it easier to position and adjust, and overall it can feel less fiddly than expected. Each drop covers a good amount of surface area, and any excess paste is generally easier to clean away than paint splashes."

"Wallpaper comes into its own when you want to add depth, character and a clear design statement," agrees Holly Scott. "I most often use wallpaper behind a bedhead to create a focal point and anchor the room, behind a sofa in a living room to define the seating area and add interest and in cloakrooms to create a sense of drama and personality in a smaller space. I also use it in areas that feel flat or lack character, particularly after a renovation. Wallpaper brings pattern, texture and movement into a space, which is often what’s missing when a room doesn’t quite feel finished."

Wallpaper pros:

• Durable – can last for a decade if applied properly, according to James Mellan-Matulewicz
• Perfect for creating a focal point
• Will help add depth and personality to a characterless space
• Now available in moisture-proof versions

Cons of wallpaper:

• Takes a little practice and patience to hang
• You need the right tools for the job
• Can peel and bubble if walls are not prepared properly
• Bold patterns can be more likely to date

Is wallpaper more expensive than paint?

Overall, paint came out on top in the affordability stakes, but actually, it is important to be aware that there is a difference between cheap and premium paints and, if you want a quality finish, you might find there isn't too much in it when comparing costs between wallpaper and paint.

"In terms of cost, there isn’t a huge difference at the higher end. Premium paints can range from £60 to over £100 per tin, with wallpapers sitting at similar price points," points out James Mellan-Matulewicz. "While paint will cover a larger area initially, it often needs refreshing more regularly. Wallpaper, if chosen well, tends to stay in place for much longer, making it a worthwhile investment."

"Paint is generally more cost effective, particularly in larger spaces," says Holly Scott. "Wallpaper can feel more expensive upfront, but it often delivers more impact in a smaller area. A single wallpapered wall can completely transform a room without the need for multiple layers of styling."

Is paint or wallpaper more durable?

If you are going to the effort of buying materials and spending time carrying this job on a DIY basis, you want to know your chosen finish is going to stand the test of time. So does paint or wallpaper promise a longer lifespan?

"When it comes to longevity, wallpaper often has the edge," reveals James Mellan-Matulewicz. "A good-quality paper, properly applied, can last well over a decade, whereas painted walls typically need refreshing every few years, even with premium finishes. Many wallpapers are now wipeable too, making them a practical option for family homes or busier areas.

"Preparation is key for both, whether you’re painting a house or wallpapering, properly cleaning and priming the walls will make all the difference to the final finish."

Shop timeless wallpapers

Wallpaper or paint – the conclusion

After looking at the pros and cons of both paint and wallpaper, I think that there is no right or wrong option here. In fact, in many cases, a combination of both seems to be the most attractive route.

"Rather than viewing them as competing options, many homeowners now combine the two," picks up Cathryn Sanders. "Paint can create a calm, cohesive backdrop across larger areas, while wallpaper adds focal points, personality and layered interest within a space.”

"The best results come from layering both," agrees Holly Scott. "Paint creates the structure of the scheme – wallpaper or creative detailing is what makes it feel designed. From a design perspective, the biggest decorating mistake I see is relying on paint alone and wondering why the space still feels unfinished. That’s usually where wallpaper, texture or pattern is needed to add depth and interest."

"Ultimately, it comes down to personal style and how you use the space," adds James Mellan-Matulewicz. "Paint is ideal for a quick, easy refresh, but if you’re looking to bring in character and make more of a statement, wallpaper offers far greater impact."

FAQs

Is paint easier to apply than wallpaper?

One of the things that has put me off wallpapering in the past has been the idea that wallpaper is rather unwieldy, making it time-consuming and difficult to hang – one of those DIY jobs best left to the professionals. But am I right or is this just a myth?

"Paint is far more forgiving and is usually the easiest option for homeowners to take on themselves," says Holly Scott. "Wallpaper requires precision. Pattern matching, alignment and finishing details make a big difference to the end result. Paste-the-wall papers have improved accessibility, but for a polished finish, I would still often recommend bringing in a professional."

"While paint has traditionally been seen as the quicker option, wallpaper is shedding its reputation for being overly time-consuming," adds James .

That said, if you’re working to a tight timeline or tackling smaller, more awkward, spaces like cloakrooms or utility areas, paint is usually the more straightforward and practical route.

Spring is the ultimate time for redecorating so if your home is in need for an update be sure to check out these easy DIY projects to get your home looking shipshape in no time.