One of the most important decisions that you’ll have to make for your interiors is whether to go with paint or wallpaper. While it may seem like a pretty straightforward decision. There are a slew of different things you have to take into consideration to find the best option for your space.
To help you out, we thought it would be useful to have a brief discussion on this subject. If this is something that you want to learn more about, read on as we break down everything you need to know about wallpaper installation and paint for your interiors.
Paint: The Classic Choice
Paint is that old friend that never lets you down. Usually less expensive, it offers a simple installation and plenty of solid colour choices.
Wallpaper: The Dramatic Statement
Wallpaper, on the other hand, is the more dramatic, design-forward choice, offering patterns, textures, and a sense of bespoke elegance.
Let’s delve into the aspects that make them unique:
Peel and Stick Wallpaper vs Painting
Ease of Application
Paint is the easier and less fussy choice for painting a room. Usually, a day or two is sufficient to apply a new coat of paint to a standard-sized room. Unlike wallpaper, painted walls are also very accommodating to newer coats of the same hue. Typically, if the surface isn’t too worn out, a new coat of paint can be applied over the older one. Wallpaper installation is a job best left to the experts. Their skill and attention to detail are needed to get the job done right. The same is true for peeling old wallpaper; a new layer of wallpaper cannot be applied on top of the existing one.
Aesthetics
You can use paint or wallpaper to enhance the style of your rooms. Use textured paint in certain areas or brightly patterned wallpaper to create an attention-grabbing backdrop for your furniture.
Bring the colours you like best and use them throughout your house.
Customization
Customization is incredibly important, as you’ll surely want designs that compliment your interiors.
Paint is available in a huge variety of colours, and you can even choose from thousands of colour swatches or mix colours and dilute them to get the right shade.
However, it’s hard to find a vendor who will print out custom patterns for wallpaper.
Maintenance
Your paint job might need a yearly touch-up to stay in top shape. You may need to repaint any chipped areas. Each type of paint comes with its own care instructions, but be sure to use a soft cloth when you clean it.
Other than that, try to keep it away from the ravages of nature. Wallpapers are a little easier to maintain as all you really need to do is simply wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Removal
Removing paint from a wall may seem like a long, tedious process, but it’s actually not that bad as long as you know what you’re doing. It begins by scraping the old paint off the walls; scraping removes the bulk of the paint, but you’ll also have to pick off what’s left in small bits.
You can sand the wall after scraping it to make it smooth, or you might want to install peel-and-stick wallpaper instead. Either way, you’ll have to clean up at least a little bit when you finish. Alternatively, you can choose to remove regular wallpaper altogether. You can scrape it off or attempt to pick it off in big pieces. But in either case, you’ll end up with some residue remaining.
After removing regular wallpaper, wash the remaining glue off the wall; after that, the wall will be as good as new.
Cost and Installation
When it comes to cost, paint is typically cheaper than wallpaper, making it a budget-friendly choice. The installation is more straightforward, and fixing mishaps or refreshing the look is as simple as adding a new coat.
Wallpaper can be pricier, particularly for high-end designs. Installation is more complex, requiring precision and patience, but when done right, it provides a unique aesthetic that paint simply can’t replicate.
Wallpaper and Paint Combination Ideas
Why choose between paint and wallpaper when you can embrace both and create a unique, dynamic design for your space?
Choosing both paint and wallpaper can tap into the strengths of each, forging a design path that offers depth, personalization, and creative flair. Let’s explore how to incorporate this strategy into your design plan.
Idea 1: Serene Florals and Solids
Picture a wallpaper accent wall featuring delicate floral patterns paired with solid, pastel paint colours. It creates a calming abode that’s hard to resist. Use the top half of your wall for the wallpaper, ensuring the botanical prints blossom beautifully across your space, while the lower half is painted in a complementary, solid shade.
Idea 2: Bold Geometrics and Neutral Hues
For a sophisticated and futuristic vibe, consider a wallpaper with bold geometric patterns. Paint the rest of your walls a neutral colour, like white or grey. This design pairs the high energy of geometric patterns with the calming effect of neutral shades, striking an interesting balance.
Idea 3: It's All About Balance
Pair vibrant wallpaper with neutral paint colours, or go the other way by choosing a wallpaper with subtle colours and pairing it with bold paint. Balancing a dramatic element with a more understated one can create a harmoniously trendy home environment.
Idea 4: Monochrome Magic
If you’re a fan of the classic monochrome aesthetic, consider utilizing black and white. Choose a black and white patterned wallpaper for one feature wall, and paint the remaining walls a perfectly coordinating shade of grey.
Idea 5: Rustic and Cozy
Want to create a warm, inviting rustic charm? A plaid or distressed wood-like wallpaper paired with a cozy earth-tone paint colour does the trick perfectly.
Each of these ideas intends to inspire your creativity, encouraging your autonomy in decision-making. Remember, your home should feel like an extension of your personality. It should tell your story and reflect your moods, your likes, and your journey. Embrace the journey of experimentation within your familiar space. Use these suggestions as a launchpad for your design ideas, and craft a home that feels just right to you.
In Conclusion: Your Home, Your Canvas
We’ve embarked on a detailed journey together, exploring the compelling worlds of both paint and wallpaper. Each presents its unique merits, challenges, and aesthetic victories. Whether you lean towards the time-tested elegance of paint, the statement-making grandeur of wallpaper, or a thrilling fusion of the two, your choice is a vital brushstroke in the painting that is your unique home.
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you figure out which option is best for your interiors. As you can see, there are benefits to both options, so you really just have to determine which is the right one for your space.
Be sure to keep all of this information in mind so that you can make the most informed decision possible.
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