Wallpaper vs. Paint: Which Wall Covering is Right for Your Home?

When embarking on a home refresh or a complete interior design overhaul, one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make is choosing your wall coverings. The choice between classic paint and the ever-evolving world of wallpaper can dramatically alter a room’s mood, aesthetic, and functionality. For homeowners across Fishers, Crown Point, Indianapolis, and throughout Indiana, considering factors like durability, design options, and how each option performs in our climate is crucial. At ICC Floors, while our expertise lies in flooring, we understand that walls and floors work in tandem to create a harmonious space. We’re here to help you navigate the pros and cons of wallpaper versus paint to determine which wall covering is truly right for your Indiana home.

The Timeless Choice: Paint

Interior Paint remains the go-to wall covering for many, and for good reason. Its versatility, ease of application, and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice.

Pros of Paint:

• Cost-Effective: Generally, paint is a more budget-friendly option upfront compared to wallpaper, especially for large areas.
• Ease of Change: Changing a paint color is relatively simple, allowing homeowners to update their style more frequently without a major overhaul. This flexibility is great for keeping up with trends or personal preferences.
• DIY-Friendly: Painting is a project many homeowners feel comfortable tackling themselves, saving on labor costs.
• Versatility: Paint comes in an almost infinite array of colors and finishes (matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss), offering endless possibilities for customization. It can also be easily touched up.
• Breathability: Paint allows walls to breathe, which can be beneficial in areas prone to moisture, though proper ventilation is still key.

Cons of Paint:

• Durability: While durable paints exist, they can be prone to scuffs, chips, and fading over time, especially in high-traffic areas or sun-drenched rooms.
• Limited Texture/Pattern: Paint primarily offers color. Achieving complex patterns or significant texture requires specialized techniques (like sponging or Venetian plaster), which can be labor-intensive and costly.
• Surface Imperfections: Paint tends to highlight imperfections on walls. Proper wall preparation (patching, sanding) is crucial for a smooth finish.

The Resurgent Star: Wallpaper

Once seen as outdated, wallpaper has made a strong comeback, with modern designs, materials, and application methods transforming it into a sophisticated and durable wall covering option.

Pros of Wallpaper:

• Durability and Longevity: High-quality wallpaper, particularly vinyl-coated or solid vinyl options, is incredibly durable. It resists scuffs, scratches, and stains much better than most paints, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, or kids’ rooms in Indiana homes. It can last 15-20 years or more.
• Unrivaled Design Options: Wallpaper offers an unparalleled range of patterns, textures, and murals that cannot be replicated with paint alone. From subtle woven textures to bold geometrics, sophisticated botanicals, and realistic faux finishes (brick, wood, concrete), wallpaper provides endless creative possibilities for a unique look.
• Conceals Imperfections: The thickness and patterns of wallpaper are excellent at camouflaging minor wall imperfections, providing a smooth, flawless finish even on less-than-perfect surfaces.
• Easy to Clean: Many modern wallpapers are washable or scrubbable, making them very easy to clean and maintain, especially in active areas.
• Adds Warmth and Depth: Wallpaper can add significant warmth, depth, and character to a room that paint simply cannot achieve on its own.

Cons of Wallpaper:

• Higher Upfront Cost: The material cost of wallpaper is typically higher than paint, and professional installation can add significantly to the budget.
• More Challenging to Change: Removing old wallpaper can be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Changing wallpaper is a bigger commitment than repainting.
• Installation Difficulty: While some modern wallpapers are “peel-and-stick,” traditional wallpaper installation requires precision and can be challenging for DIYers, often necessitating professional help for a seamless result.
• Moisture Sensitivity: While more moisture-resistant options exist, some wallpapers can be susceptible to peeling in high-humidity environments (like poorly ventilated bathrooms) if not properly installed or if the wrong type is chosen.

Climate Factors: Wallpaper vs. Paint in Indiana

Indiana’s varied climate plays a role in how your wall coverings perform:

• Humidity: In humid summers, walls can swell slightly. Both paint and wallpaper generally perform well if the house is properly climate-controlled. However, some traditional wallpapers might show signs of lifting or bubbling in extremely humid, unventilated areas. High-quality vinyl wallpapers are far more resistant. Paint, while breathable, can also be affected by extreme moisture, leading to peeling if not properly prepped.
• Temperature Swings: Extreme cold and heat can cause slight expansion and contraction of building materials. Both options are generally stable, but well-prepared walls are key for paint to avoid cracking, and proper adhesive is crucial for wallpaper to prevent lifting.
• Winter Dryness: Very dry winter air can sometimes cause wallpaper seams to open slightly if the paper shrinks, though this is less common with modern products and proper installation. Paint typically holds up well.

Which Wall Covering is Right for Your Indiana Home?

The best choice for your home depends on your priorities:

• For Budget-Conscious Updates: Paint is likely your best bet for quick, affordable refreshes.
• For High-Traffic Areas & Kids’ Rooms: Consider durable, scrubbable wallpaper for its superior longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
• For Bold Design Statements: Wallpaper offers unmatched patterns and textures to create a truly unique and personalized space.
• For Resale Value: While paint can be easily changed, a well-chosen, high-quality wallpaper in a classic or appealing design can add a touch of luxury and uniqueness.
• For Moisture-Prone Rooms (e.g., bathrooms): While paint is common, specific mold- and mildew-resistant paints or specialized vinyl wall coverings designed for high humidity are recommended.

Ultimately, there’s no single “right” answer. Many homeowners choose to incorporate both! Paint in common areas for flexibility and cost-effectiveness, and wallpaper as a stunning accent in a powder room, dining room, or a feature wall in a bedroom.

Choose the Right Wall Covering with ICC Floors

The decision between wallpaper and paint for your wall coverings is a personal one, influenced by your aesthetic vision, lifestyle, and practical needs. Both offer unique advantages that can transform your Indiana home, making it more beautiful, durable, and reflective of your style.

At ICC Floors, we offer quality commercial or residential flooring at a reasonable price, and we understand how beautifully your flooring integrates with your walls. We have an industry-wide reputation for delivering the best products and services. With knowledgeable professionals who will work hard to make your purchasing experience convenient and enjoyable, at ICC Floors Plus, it’s all about you, the customer. While we specialize in floors, we’re happy to discuss how your chosen wall covering will complement your new flooring.

Contact us to speak to one of our Wall covering experts today!

Call or Visit our showroom locations in Fishers, IN – Crown Point, IN – Indianapolis, IN.