Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by teamobn
Are you looking to increase the appeal of your home’s interior, and you are planning to go DIY? You have two options: either you can choose from wallpaper or you can go with paint. But which should you choose? Wallpaper is a durable option. However, paint is much better in terms of ROI and cost.
Maybe you’re dreaming of a cozy living room or a bright kitchen—both can totally change the vibe of your space. Picking the right wall finish isn’t just about looks; it’s about how much time, money, and effort you’re ready to throw in.
Paint’s been around forever, but wallpaper’s making a comeback with cool designs. So, let’s break it down and figure out what fits your DIY goals best. Time to dive into which one suits your vibe and budget.
Pros and Cons of Painting
The following are the pros and cons of painting:
Pros
- Painting is an affordable option. You can get a gallon for as low as $15. Due to its affordability and cost-effectiveness, it has become the go-to choice of many homeowners. Plus, you can snag deals at hardware stores during sales, dropping that price even lower if you’re lucky.
- Paint is very versatile. This means you can get paint in every color. Hence, you don’t have to worry that the paint won’t complement your interior. Want a bold red accent wall or a soft pastel vibe? Paint’s got you covered—literally. You can even mix colors at home if you’re feeling creative.
- Paint is very easy to apply. Therefore, it is the best option for DIY lovers. All you need to do is get a gallon, a brush and start painting on the wall. No experience is needed. Rollers make it even faster, and a little painter’s tape can keep those edges clean without much hassle.
- Paint is quite easy to maintain. This means that you can easily replace or renovate it if it gets damaged. A quick touch-up with a small can fixes scratches or marks in like 10 minutes—no big deal.
Cons
- One potential negative is that there is not very much variety in the texture. This means that you may not be able to find a texture that meets your needs. And the texture you will get may not go well with your room. Sure, you can try fancy techniques like sponging or rag-rolling, but that takes extra skill and time that most DIYers don’t have.
- Paint is not durable. It can fade, get chipped, or even peel over time if the surfaces have not been prepped correctly. Therefore, you need to consider this point while going with paint. If you’ve got kids or pets running around, those walls might look beat-up fast. High-traffic spots like hallways? They’ll show wear in a year or two.
Here’s a bonus thing to think about: paint dries quite quickly. Most types are ready in a few hours, so you can knock out a room in a weekend. But watch out—cheap paint might need extra coats, which eats up more time and cash. Also, picking the right finish matters. Flat hides flaws but stains easy; gloss looks slick but shows every bump. Satin’s a solid middle ground for most DIY folks.
Pros and Cons of Wallpaper
Listed below are the pros and cons of wallpaper:
Pros
- It is very durable. This means that it can last for a long time, maybe even for 10 or 15 years. High-quality wallpaper can even go longer than that. Some brands promise up to 20 years if you care for it correctly — no peeling, no fading, just solid coverage.
- There is a wide range of textures or patterns available. You may easily get a wallpaper that perfectly fits the decor and ambience of your room. Think floral prints for a vintage feel or geometric shapes for a modern pop—tons of styles to match your personality.
- Wallpaper is the best option to hide the imperfections of your room. If you have humidity disturbance or corrosion in your room, stick and peel wallpaper is the best DIY option for your room. Cracks, dents, uneven plaster? Wallpaper smooths that out like magic, no sanding required.
Cons
- Installing DIY wallpaper has a high upfront cost. You have to pay a high price per coat of wallpaper for your room. However, in the longer run, it can pay for itself due to its better durability. A single roll might set you back $30 or more, and big rooms need like five or six rolls—yikes.
- Color options are very limited. You may get the texture you need, but you will struggle with the color of your choice. This is because very few color options are on the market. You might love a pattern but hate that it only comes in beige or gray—super frustrating.
- Wallpaper is not very easy to replace or change. Since it is attached with glue to the wall, you may end up damaging the wall during removal. Hence, you need to be very mindful while DIY installing the wallpaper. Rip it off wrong, and you’re scraping glue for hours or patching drywall—total headache.
Want more to chew on? Wallpaper’s a beast to install if you’re new at it. Lining up patterns takes patience, and cutting around corners is tricky. Mess up, and you’ve wasted a pricey roll. But here’s a perk: some peel-and-stick types are newbie-friendly—no glue, no mess. Still, removal’s a gamble. Old-school wallpaper might need steaming tools, which aren’t cheap to rent. And if your walls are damp, forget it—mold loves hiding under there.
Bottom Line – Wallpaper Vs. Paint
The concluding remarks are that DIY wallpaper versus paint depends on your needs, preferences and budget. If you are looking for lower upfront costs, go with paint; if you need a durable option and also have to hide the imperfections, choose a peacock wallpaper bathroom. Lastly, if you need more variations in terms of color, then paint is the best. However, if you are looking for more variations in terms of texture and patterns, there is nothing better than wallpaper.
