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POLL: Paint or Wallpaper?

12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Is it not the eternal question? When decorating a house, design dilemmas don't come more commonplace than this. Do you go for the cheaper, quicker and more flexible option that is paint, or the longer-lasting and unmatched aesthetic of wallpaper?

Let us know what you chose and why in the comments section below!
Paint
Wallpaper

Comments (46)

  • 12 years ago
    I chose paint. Wallpaper styles go out of favour so quickly and wallpaper is more of a chore than paint if you have to change it up.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    We voted wallpaper- obviously- but certainly some spaces and some patterns just don't go together. Striking the right balance can be hard even for feature walls.

    The best option is of course choose something you absolutely love and if you don't love it in the pattern book/ sampling stage you won't love it on your walls. We would disagree that there is a more limited colour pallet for wallpaper it depends on the wallpaper.
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    100% wallpaper, we feel that sometimes paint can be a bit too safe. Go for something different :-)

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    It has to be a bespoke printed wallpaper for me

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Wallpaper is definitely making a comeback - there are some wonderful textured wallpapers around now - silk, linen , seagrass etc - I'm definitely veering more towards wallpaper now for certain rooms - can add more depth and interest to a scheme but I'm not a fan of feature walls ......

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Wallpaper is always a winner for me!! my clients are often a little scared of wallpaper but without fail when I have suggested a wallpaper they have always not only agreed but got very excited about doing something that would normally be out of their comfort zones!!

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I prefer paint myself, as some have mentioned it is so versatile and easy to update

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Paint and paper work well together paint 3 walls and paper one accent wall

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    It's more sophisticated

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    With the modern commercial fabrics out there at the moment my preference is wallpapers, but obviously it depends on the area to be decorated or the client I am working for.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    a well-chosen quality paint always outlives any wall paper

  • 10 years ago

    I guess paint is less risky but a wallpapered standout feature wall can really transform a room (if you get it right of course)!

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Paint is the most versatile option... Wallpaper is nice but like others have said, can go out of fashion etc... Though, if you don't want to go full blown wallpaper, you could go for a feature wall which would be easier to take down, should the room change designs in the future.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I prefer paint, it's easy to update and prefer to let the artwork stand out

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I voted for wallpaper because a lot of people prefer to have a feature wall in their lounge and bedrooms.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Although some wallpaper are stunning, the paint would give that precise shade you want and also would be easier to change.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Paint is simple and easy to change. Wallpapers can get out of fashion quickly, specially if it has any busy patterns.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I've chosen paint because its very versatile and easy to change when ever you feel like with little mess.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    i prefer wallpaper as they offer more designs

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Paint, unless your walls are completely perfect the join often shows :(

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I voted for paint but I do like wallpaper in some properties I have done

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    We think paint is great, but wallpaper can create a wonderful feature wall in your space. We recently used this amazing wallpaper in a bedroom creating a feature wall behind the bed.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I love working with wallpapers and complimenting paint in the interior of each room, bringing out details, other items with their colour and shape, creating your very own personal story one can connect with.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    It entirely depends on the room and the scheme you are working with

  • PRO
    10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I prefer wallpaper as it liven up the room.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Wallpaper can provide a stronger style statement in a room - but needs to be carefully chosen first to make sure your happy longterm

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Wallpaper can create the warmth some rooms need especially on the back wall behind a bed...great focal point to a room.



    Hadley Wood · More Info

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    The answer to this question completely depends on the situation, place, room, house, country that we are referring to!

  • PRO
    10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I think Wallpaper, with bespoke wallpaper and creative ideas the limits are endless.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    We voted for wallpaper, naturally!

    If you are considered with your choice of design and invest wisely; good design will not date! Wallpaper generally has more durability than paint and is built to last.

    Many clients who have period properties are looking back to traditional wallpaper designs to complement the architectural style of their home.

    Like paint, wallpaper is hugely versatile and with exciting new designers experimenting in wall coverings; it is not just a product for the nostalgic!

    It is not inexpensive, if done properly, but well worth it (we think!)

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Clean lines - crisp finish!

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    It is indeed the eternal question, and one to which there is no right or wrong answer. We find that our customers tend to use both in most of their projects, although we are seeing people moving away from feature walls in otherwise painted rooms and back towards rooms which are fully wallpapered again. Our most cutting edge customers are evening using wallcoverings on their ceilings, something that has been out of trend for many years.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    In my experience paint never lasts as long as wallpapers - just one sticky kids finger on a matte painted wall & it's time to repaint! And good taste doesn't really date. We've got a simple 1790's design that's been up 30 years and looks modern and as good as new. Also a Marthe Armitage paper that's a work of art in its own right!!

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    We find that a lot of our clients prefer paint.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Wallpaper can create the warmth some rooms need especially on the back wall behind a bed or as a feature wall for your living room. www.sarahinteriors.com


    s

    ...great focal point to a room

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Paint - but we're slightly biased!

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    The funny thing is that nothing dates faster than the latest trends! Whether it's the recent vogue for Pistachio green, Orange, or neutral greys or taupe colours or trendy wallpapers, such as the ubiqitous 'Woods'.

    Paint is the safest and easiest option for those without confidence or design knowledge. Paint does bring out the architectural quality and details (that why until recently architects have rejected them on the whole). But I really disagree with those that say paint lasts longer than papers. Of course it depends on if it's used in high traffic areas but wallpapers in some houses have lasted well over a century! A choice of wallpaper show a certain statement of confidence and with current Site specific, carefully designed Digital papers or Artisan designed, hand crafted or printed wallpaper you are installing a work of art to be enjoyed for a considerable time.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Home we present to our guests not only creates an image of the way we live but also the people we are. Wallpaper makes a great statement.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Paint is 100% more beneficial, wallpaper over time (even if well hung) will start to peel, shrink etc. not to say paper does not have its place, but i would always choose paints or decorative plasters over paper.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Paint is more versatile, as you are able to wash it down, and you can get some amazing finishes, and textures.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    It depends. We use both. Vescom and Wall and Deco are favoured, however we seem to be specifying and using a lot of stucco finishes at the moment.


  • last year

    bumping for 2025 which wins wall paper or paint!! I am team paint but leaning to using wall paper in kitchen and hallway cuz my kids keep getting it dirty and I am sick of cleaning it!! Washable wallpaper seems easier to clean

  • last year

    Paint all the way. Problem with wallpaper, it’s such an effort to re-decorate. All that wallpaper stripping which can ruin the walls, so need to fill holes etc. With paint you can redecorate so quickly and easily. You can get washable paints too.

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    I have never had a forever house so I would never use wallpaper. It's marmite too. If I was buying a house and many of the walls were papered I would use that as a reason for a discount. All the replastering required as well as repainting just isn't worth it. The chances of someone choosing a wallpaper that you would want to keep are minimal. The only exception I can think of is a cloakroom. Sian Zeng Hua trees or John Derian are the only two people whose wallpapers I would ever use if pushed.

  • PRO
    last year

    As Decorator Artist that works everyday with wallpaper and alls with colors .Nothing will give you warmness in your hous like wallpaper. Choosing the right one changes everything.

    Paint colors are beautiful but with thr right furneture or Pictures.

    Allso don't forger about walls as Microcement or Venetian plaster much more expensive but very durable and luxurious.

    Thanks Dariotti

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