Wallpaper vs Paint: Which Is Better?
Updating your wall colour can make a huge impact on your space – but which should you opt for, wallpaper or paint? In this article, we share the pros and cons of both.
Tampines | Greenweave ($40,000) by Design 4 Space Pte Ltd
Wall painting is the default choice that most homeowners opt for – it’s affordable, it’s easy, and you can even DIY it. Here’s what to keep in mind when you use wall paint:
| Variety | There are tons of different paint colours to choose from; paint is also available in different finishes such as matte, satin, semi-gloss and glossy. |
| Ease of application | Painting is a relatively easy task, and can be DIY-ed if you’re trying to save cost. |
| Durability | Paint lasts for approximately 5-6 years. |
| Maintenance | It’s fairly easy to touch up your walls with paint. |
| Versatility | Wall paint is highly versatile, and can be used in virtually any room. |
| Price | Painting your walls is cheaper than opting for wallpaper if you’re looking at a one-time application. However, considering that paint lasts ⅓ the time that wallpaper does, you might save more money with wallpaper in the long run. |
Using Wallpaper
37A Pine Lane ($35,000) by The Interior Lab Pte Ltd
While wall painting is traditionally more popular than wallpaper, wallpaper is becoming more common these days, especially for homeowners who are looking for a bold choice for their walls. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re thinking of using wallpaper:
| Variety | There’s a wide variety of styles and colours when it comes to wallpaper. Finishes include vinyl, fabric, foil printed, embossed textures, and even suede. |
| Ease of application | Wallpaper requires more skill to apply properly - it’s highly recommended to hire a company specialising in wallpaper application rather than trying to do it yourself. |
| Durability | Wallpapers can last up to 15 years if applied properly. |
| Maintenance | If your wallpaper peels or tears, there’s no way of touching up a specific portion of the wallpaper - you’ll need to strip the entire piece, get a new piece of wallpaper, and re-paste it. Otherwise, for standard maintenance, just wipe down your wallpaper with a damp cloth. |
| Versatility | Wallpaper is less suitable for use in your kitchen or bathroom - the humidity in these rooms might result in the wallpaper peeling. |
| Price | Using wallpaper is more expensive than wall paint if you’re looking at a one-time application. However, considering that wallpaper lasts significantly longer as compared to paint, you might save more money with wallpaper in the long run. |
Sun Natura ($28,000) by The Interior Lab Pte Ltd
When trying to decide between wallpaper vs wall paint, also consider how often you want to update your space. If you like to keep up with interior design trends, you might want to go with wall paint – this way, you can repaint regularly without feeling the pinch. With wallpaper, since it’s more expensive, you’ll probably want to make it last for as long as possible.
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