Wallpaper vs PaintWallpaper vs Paint

Whether to use wallpaper or paint when decorating your apartment can be a difficult decision. Wallpaper and paint each have benefits and drawbacks to their use, and each should be thoroughly researched prior to their application.

The Benefits of Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to cover damage done to the walls by previous tenants. Wallpaper permits you to thoroughly cover dents, scratches and even poorly done paint jobs with one easy application. Furthermore, wallpaper can be bought in a variety of colors and textures, making it certain that there will be one to fit your budget and tastes.

Most importantly, however, wallpaper permits you to place a pattern on your walls. This can be benefit an otherwise neutrally-colored rooms or add dimension to any décor. Stripes, floral or abstract patterns can all be found on wallpaper nowadays.

The Drawbacks of Wallpaper

At the same time, however, wallpaper is extremely difficult to apply and alter. Application of wallpaper requires experience and sometimes training depending on its pattern, and typically must be done by a professional. This means that using wallpaper is more expensive and time-consuming to apply and requires hiring, managing and paying a professional.

Of course, it is not impossible to put up wallpaper if you research its proper application. Typically, however, wallpapers contain a pattern that if not maintained will be extremely unsightly. So, while you may be drawn to wallpaper for its pattern, that pattern may make it difficult to use.

Finally, wallpaper is difficult to remove. Should you change your mind on the color or pattern of the wallpaper you have previously used, making that change requires removing the first wallpaper with special tools, dissolving the wallpaper paint and then re-applying your new choice. While it may be possible to simply glue your second choice over the first, often the glue will not adhere as well, potentially leading to curling in the corners or puckering along the seams.

The Benefits of Paint

Compared to wallpaper, paint is much less expensive and easier to apply. Most anyone can paint walls, ceilings or woodwork and so you will not necessarily have to pay a professional. Paint can be found in almost any color, making it even more versatile. Additionally, the sheen to paint can make it extremely easy to clean; higher sheen paints can be wiped off with a wet rag.

Furthermore, paint can be easily changed depending on your moods. Should you decide that you would like a brighter or more neutral color, obtaining such is as easy as the stroke of a paint brush. Without the worry of a pattern, you can change one or multiple walls without a worry about matching stripes or flowers. It is possible, too, to create your own pattern using the paint you choose.

The Drawbacks of Paint

The difficulty with paint is that, depending on the color, it can be difficult to evenly apply. There is also the need when applying paint to purchase the proper tools and multiple cans of paint to cover the entire area, raising the cost of painting your walls.

Overall, though, it is more likely possible that your landlord will permit you to paint rather than wallpaper the walls of your apartment because of the ease of changing the color when your lease ends. Prior to making a choice between either decorating tool, though, check with your landlord to see whether either option is prohibited.