Tired of staring at plain, outdated walls and unsure how to give your space a fresh look? Choosing between paint and wallpaper can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing style, budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.
At Custom Built, we help homeowners throughout Greater Lansing and Northern Michigan make confident design decisions that fit their lifestyle. With decades of remodeling experience, we understand how the right wall treatment can completely transform your interior design, from subtle refreshes to bold statements.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of paint and wallpaper, cost factors to consider, and how to choose the right finish for your home. Whether you’re remodeling one room or your entire house, you’ll leave with clarity and inspiration:
- Paint: A Classic Choice with Endless Flexibility
- Wallpaper: Bold Style That Makes a Statement
- Best Rooms for Paint vs. Wallpaper
- So, Which One Should You Choose?
Paint: A Classic Choice with Endless Flexibility
PC: Sherwin-Williams
Paint is the go-to wall finish for many homeowners, and for good reason. It’s budget-friendly, easy to update, and available in thousands of colors and finishes.
Pros of Paint:
- Budget-Friendly: Paint is often more affordable than wallpaper, especially with standard finishes. At Custom Built, we use top-quality brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore for durability and better coverage.
- Easy Touch-Ups: Touch up scuffs or nicks on trim, walls, or doors quickly with just a small can of paint.
- DIY-Friendly: Painting is an approachable project for many homeowners and doesn’t require professional installation in most cases.
- Moisture-Resistant Finishes Available: Eggshell is our go-to finish for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms; it’s easy to clean and resists damage.
- Fast Application & Low Commitment: With a clear weekend, you can completely transform a room. And if you change your mind, just repaint.
- Versatile Finishes: Matte for ceilings, eggshell for walls, semi-gloss for trim, there’s a finish for every surface. And if you’re into unique designs, going for a color-drenched room is a fun way to bring warmth into your room.
Cons of Paint:
- Multiple Coats Required: Most colors need 2-3 coats for full coverage, and possibly more if you are changing from light to dark or dark to light, which adds time and material cost.
- Prone to Scuffs and Fading: High-traffic areas like your entrance or main hallway may need frequent touch-ups, and sunlight can fade bold colors over time.
- Limited Texture: Paint gives a smooth finish with little texture. Additionally, how you prepare to paint your room can make a big difference in the finished work. Sanding, spackling, caulking, and dust removal are necessary to ensure a high-quality finish.
- Ceiling Painting is Challenging: Painting ceilings requires a lot of shoulder and neck mobility; it’s often homeowners’ least favorite part of this approachable DIY project. If you have older ceilings, unique textures can make painting the surface almost impossible.
- Pro tip: If you have a textured ceiling, it’s important to test how the paint absorbs into the surface. Many textured ceilings will act like a sponge with paint, and as a result, the finish can turn out blotchy.
- Paint Supplies Can Get Expensive: Brushes, rollers, trays, prep supplies, tape, tarps, and even cleaning supplies. It will add up!
- Less Dramatic Impact: While classic, paint won’t always deliver the depth or bold statement some are looking for.
Wallpaper: Bold Style That Makes a Statement
Wallpaper is back, and it’s better than ever. Today’s options are bold, textured, and designed to last, making them a standout solution for accent walls and statement rooms.
Pros of Wallpaper:
- Bold Design Potential: Use wallpaper to create a unique design feature in any room with florals, patterns, or even textured styles.
- Textured Appeal: Wallpaper adds depth and dimension you can feel, from soft fabric textures to rugged finishes.
- Long-Lasting: High-quality wallpaper resists fading and can remain vibrant for years.
- Flaw-Hiding Ability: Uneven or imperfect walls? Wallpaper can conceal problem areas beautifully when installed properly.
- Great for Accents: Wallpaper is a way to add a unique style instantly. Even for one wall.
Cons of Wallpaper:
- Higher Upfront Cost: Quality and cost vary drastically with wallpaper. Some high-end papers can run hundreds or even thousands per panel.
- Difficult to Remove: While it’s true that emerging technology has made a real difference in the quality of wallpaper on the market, we have still found wallpaper difficult to remove without causing some damage. Outside of damaging drywall, glue or residue is often left behind, requiring a lot of elbow grease to remove.
- Moisture-Sensitive: Fabric or highly textured wallpapers tend to absorb moisture or odors, making them a poor fit for bathrooms or kitchens.
- Not as Easy to Change: Unlike paint, wallpaper changes require full removal and surface prep before reinstallation. Many homeowners we’ve worked with over the years tend to live with wallpaper they don’t love because of the extensive work involved in removing and repairing the surface.
- Professional Install Recommended: For most wallpapers, we recommend working with a professional installer. Proper surface preparation, selecting the right adhesive, and using expert techniques all play a crucial role in the longevity and finished look of your wallpaper. One of the most challenging aspects is aligning the pattern correctly. If you decide to tackle the installation yourself, be sure to watch plenty of instructional videos, especially on how to match patterns accurately.
- Stronger Adhesive Smells: Many wallpapers still recommend strong glues, so good ventilation is a must during the process.
Best Rooms for Paint vs. Wallpaper
Not every wall treatment works well in every room. Knowing where each option shines can help you make smarter design decisions:
Paint is best for:
- Bathrooms: Moisture-resistant finishes like eggshell or satin are easy to clean and resist humidity.
- Kitchens: Simple to wipe down and easy to touch up after cooking messes or splashes.
- Living Rooms & Hallways: High-traffic areas benefit from paint’s low cost and easy maintenance.
- Ceilings & Trim: Matte or flat white finishes are typically used for a clean, uniform look.
Wallpaper is best for:
- Bedrooms: Especially accent walls in primary bedrooms or nurseries, where texture and softness add coziness.
- Dining Rooms: Formal spaces benefit from elegant patterns or textures.
- Home Offices: Add personality and character to the backdrop of your workspace or video calls.
- Powder Rooms: These smaller spaces are perfect for bold wallpaper that makes a big statement without overwhelming the room.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
PC: Benjamin Moore; MyDomaine
Still on the fence? Think about how each wall treatment supports your lifestyle, budget, and the overall feel you want in your home.
Choose Paint if you want:
- A budget-friendly way to refresh your space
- The freedom to change colors frequently or seasonally
- A low-commitment DIY project you can knock out in a weekend
- Easy touch-ups for baseboards, trim, and high-traffic areas
- A wide selection of moisture-resistant finishes for bathrooms or kitchens
- A clean, classic look that’s simple to maintain and repaint
Choose Wallpaper if you want:
- A bold design statement that adds personality to a space
- An accent wall that draws attention without overwhelming the room
- To hide wall imperfections with texture or patterned designs
- A long-lasting wall treatment that won’t fade over time
- Unique textures like fabric, grasscloth, or geometric embossing
- A finish that adds visual depth and elevates the overall aesthetic
Next Steps to Updating Your Walls
Paint and wallpaper each offer distinct advantages. Paint is flexible and easy to update, while wallpaper brings bold design and texture.
Choosing the right option depends on your goals, budget, and how much maintenance you're willing to take on.
At Custom Built, we help homeowners in Greater Lansing and Northern Michigan make design decisions that fit their lifestyle and space.
Ready to explore your wall treatment options? Connect with our team to get expert advice and a plan tailored to your home.
Now that you know more about the pros and cons of paint vs. wallpaper, let’s explore how to create an open-concept kitchen, the top bathroom remodeling designs, and design elements that never go out of style:
- 9 Design Strategies to Create an Open-Concept Kitchen - Explore exciting ways to design your open-concept kitchen for hosting and year-round enjoyment.
- The Best Bathroom Remodeling Designs for 2025 - You deserve a comfortable and functional bathroom that completes your home. Discover the year’s best project designs.
- 5 Timeless Home Design Elements That Never Go Out of Style - From neutral color palettes to natural materials, these design elements continue to elevate all home remodels.
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