Wallpaper has been a popular wall treatment and home decor element for a very long time. This type of wall covering was first invented by the Chinese and dates back to the 12th century when they started experimenting with paper making.

The oldest surviving piece of wallpaper was found in Christ’s College Cambridge, and it dates back to 1509.

These wall decorations have greatly advanced and improved over the centuries, and we’ve seen them make countless comebacks in interior decorating trends as time progressed.

Wallpaper can be a very attractive decor solution for home interiors, but it isn’t practical for all spaces and all people. If you want to know whether it is a suitable option for your home, then it is best to consider all the pros and cons that these materials have to offer.

Aesthetics

Wallpaper can be very beautiful, and it comes in a huge variety of designs, patterns, and styles that you just cannot recreate with paint. The wall treatments can also be made from a wide range of materials and some are smoother while others offer a little bit more texture. 

The right pattern can make any room look very beautiful, and striped designs can even make rooms appear a lot bigger than they are. 

The only aesthetic issue with wallpaper is that prints can quickly become out of date, and there are very few solid wallpaper options available. 

Durability

If the wallpaper installation is done properly and if quality wallpaper is used, your walls should look very charming for 10 – 15 years before the paper will need to be replaced. Some wallpaper types are also washable which is helpful for higher-traffic areas. 

Even though wallpaper typically lasts longer than a coat of paint, it can still have some durability drawbacks. These wall coverings are a nightmare to repair if they become damaged and it is very difficult to remove when it is time to replace the old wallpaper.

Installation

Wallpaper isn’t too messy to install because it doesn’t cause any paint splashes. The paper can, however, be very tricky to install because you do need to be careful when working with patterns. The installation involves a lot of careful planning, measuring, and cutting and it needs to be installed carefully or it can start to peel off.
The installation process might not be as messy but it certainly takes a lot longer.

Cost-Efficiency

The cost of wallpaper can depend on the type of materials you choose. Designer wallpaper can be quite expensive but there are also some brands that are much more affordable than paint. Many consider wallpaper a more affordable solution because it lasts longer than a coat of paint but you should keep in mind that wallpaper can be more labor-intensive to install. 

General Efficiency

You can install wallpaper in any room but these wall coverings usually don’t last as long in high humidity areas like bathrooms or kitchens. Too much humidity can cause mould to grow underneath the paper and can make the paper peel off. Wallpaper can also be more challenging to clean and restore which also makes it impractical for high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ bedrooms. 

From these comparisons, it becomes clear that wallpaper can be more affordable in the long run but it still isn’t a suitable option for everyone because the patterns and prints may go out of fashion and it isn’t a practical solution for kitchens and bathrooms. 

If you still cannot choose between a coat of paint and wallpaper, then it might help to give CP Painting a call. We can offer some great advice regarding the best wall treatments for different types of homes, styles and trends and we can assist with painting or installation when you do make the final decision.

If you’re looking for a painter in Melbourne and other service locations, then give us a call today! Our painters in Annandale, painters in Camperdown, painters in Guildford, and painters in Fairfield will be happy to discuss your needs and give you a free quote.