Painting vs Wallpapering: How to Decide for Your Renovation

Posted on September 8th, 2025

Renovating your space? Fun idea—until you realize how many decisions you're about to make.

One of the first curveballs: paint or wallpaper?

Sounds simple, but it's not just a question of color versus pattern.

It's about what feels right for your space, your wallet, and your tolerance for future upkeep.

Paint might seem like the easy win. Wallpaper feels like the fancy option.

But once you peel back the surface, there’s more to this choice than meets the eye.

What you put on your walls says a lot—about your style, your priorities, and maybe even how often you like to switch things up.

So before you commit to one or the other, it’s worth taking a closer look at what each really brings to the table.

The Pros and Cons of Painting Your Home

Paint gets a lot of love for a reason—it’s flexible, approachable, and easy to swap out when you’re ready for something new. If you’re the kind of person who changes your mind with the seasons (or just likes to experiment), paint is a solid choice.

It doesn’t demand perfection. A roller, a few brushes, and a free weekend can take a room from dull to dramatic without too much fuss.

There's also no shortage of options. You’ve got endless shades to pick from, plus finishes ranging from flat to high-gloss. Want a cozy, soft look? Go matte. Need something that bounces light around? Try satin or semi-gloss.

Paint can also pull off more than just color. Specialty techniques—like faux finishes or textured rollers—can mimic everything from linen to stone. So if you want your space to feel custom without the commitment, paint can play that role nicely.

That said, it’s not always sunshine and smooth walls. Painted surfaces tend to show wear over time. Fingerprints, scuffs, and chips are common, especially in rooms that see a lot of action.

Touch-ups are part of the deal. And while glossy finishes are easier to clean, they can highlight every flaw in your wall. Matte finishes hide more, but they’re less forgiving whenever it comes to stains.

Here’s the short version:

Pros of Painting:

• Easier for DIY projects and touch-ups

• Huge variety of colors and finishes

• Simple to change or update

• Can mimic textures with specialty techniques

Cons of Painting:

• Prone to scuffs, chips, and fading

• Doesn’t hide wall imperfections well

• Some finishes are hard to clean

• May require regular upkeep in high-traffic areas

Paint also gives you some eco-conscious options. Low-VOC or no-VOC formulas are available if you're looking to reduce indoor air pollutants. That’s especially helpful in homes with kids or pets, or if you’re just tired of that fresh-paint headache.

All things considered, paint is the go-to for people who want control and flexibility. It's quick to apply, easy to experiment with, and forgiving enough to let you learn as you go.

Just be ready to roll up your sleeves—and maybe keep a touch-up brush handy.

The Pros and Cons of Wallpapering Your Home

Wallpaper isn’t just for grandma’s powder room anymore.

With today’s patterns and textures, it’s a design move that can turn a plain wall into a standout feature. Think of it as the statement piece of your renovation—bold, refined, and unapologetically personal.

One of wallpaper’s biggest strengths is its staying power. A well-installed roll can hold up for over a decade, shrugging off scuffs and dings that would leave paint looking tired.

It’s especially handy in spots that take a beating, like hallways or kids' rooms. Then there’s the texture factor. Wallpaper brings dimension to a room in a way paint can’t. Grasscloth, linen, and embossed prints—they don’t just look good, they feel good.

And let’s talk patterns. If you’re after detail, wallpaper delivers. Clean lines, delicate florals, dramatic geometrics—no brushstroke required.

It works especially well for accent walls or areas where you want to add a bit of drama without going overboard.

Still, wallpaper isn’t all effortless elegance. Installing it takes precision. One crooked panel and the whole pattern feels off.

Unless you’re unusually patient or skilled with a smoothing tool, hiring a pro is often the safer bet. And even if you nail the install, taking it down later can be a pain—especially if you’re dealing with older paper or multiple layers.

Pros of Wallpapering:

• Long-lasting and hard-wearing

• Offers unique textures and finishes

• Crisp, detailed patterns with strong visual impact

• Great for accent walls or feature areas

Cons of Wallpapering:

• Tricky to install without visible seams

• Tough to remove once applied

• Mistakes are harder to fix than with paint

• Less flexible if you like frequent style changes

Unlike paint, wallpaper isn’t meant for frequent updates. It's more of a commitment, which can be a plus or a problem depending on your decorating habits.

That’s why it works best when you’re sure about your design direction—or at least ready to live with it for a while.

Used thoughtfully, wallpaper can improve a room in a way paint often can’t. But it demands a bit more planning, a bit more effort, and a clear idea of what you want. If that sounds like your style, wallpaper might just be worth the extra work.

Cost Comparison Between Paint and Wallpaper

If you're deciding between paint or wallpaper based on price, the upfront numbers tell one story—but the long game tells another.

Painting usually wins on initial cost. A gallon of decent-quality paint covers up to 400 square feet and runs about $30–$60.

Add brushes, rollers, trays, tape, and drop cloths, and you’re looking at around $100–$150 total for a small-to-mid-sized room—assuming you’re doing the work yourself.

Labor costs for professional painting average around $2 to $6 per square foot, depending on wall condition, paint type, and any special finishes.

Wallpapering starts higher. A single roll of wallpaper covers roughly 30–50 square feet and ranges from $25 to well over $100 per roll.

You'll also need adhesive (unless it’s pre-pasted), a smoothing tool, a straight edge, and a sharp blade—expect to spend at least $200–$500 to wallpaper that same room yourself.

Professional installation? That’ll likely cost $3 to $10 per square foot, especially if the pattern requires alignment.

Here’s how the essentials stack up:

Painting Tools & Materials:

• Paint ($30–$60/gallon)

• Brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths (~$50–$80)

• Optional: primer, ladder, painter’s tray

• Skill level: Beginner-friendly

• Pro cost: $2–$6/sq ft

Wallpapering Tools & Materials:

• Wallpaper ($25–$100+/roll)

• Adhesive (if needed), smoothing tool, utility knife (~$50+)

• Optional: seam roller, pasting table

• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced

• Pro cost: $3–$10/sq ft

Now, zooming out—wallpaper tends to win in longevity. A high-quality install can last 10 to 15 years without much attention. Paint, especially in high-traffic areas, may need touch-ups or full recoats every 3 to 5 years.

So while wallpaper demands a bigger investment up front, it might save you effort and money down the road if you're not the redecorate-every-two-years type.

Resale factor? Paint is the safer bet. Neutral walls give potential buyers a clean slate.

Wallpaper, especially bold or trendy styles, can be polarizing. If you go the paper route and resale is on your mind, stick to subtle, timeless patterns—and keep it to accent walls.

Bottom line is this: Paint is cheaper, easier to DIY, and easier to change. Wallpaper is pricier and trickier to install but built to last. Choose based on how often you plan to update your space—and how much work you’re willing to put in or pay for.

Paint or Paper? Get a Quote and Find Out How Much You Can Save

Deciding between paint and wallpaper doesn’t need to feel like a design crisis. It comes down to how you want your space to look, feel, and function over time.

Both have their place—and their own kind of charm. The key is choosing what fits your lifestyle and design goals.

But whatever route you take, the real game-changer is how well it’s done. Clean lines, smooth finishes, and proper prep work make all the difference between a job that lasts and one that needs redoing.

If you’re leaning toward paint but want a professional finish, or you’re eyeing a wallpaper project that demands precision, we’ve got you covered.

Our interior painting services will be a perfect choice for your space, style, and schedule. We also offer expert consultations—free of charge—to help you decide what works best before lifting a finger.

We bring over 35 years of experience to the table, and our work reflects that. From textured finishes to smooth, modern palettes, every project is built around your vision.

Want to talk details? Schedule your free consultation today. Or reach out directly at 817-457-9353 or [email protected].

No pressure—just honest advice, quality work, and results that speak for themselves.