Whether you've moved into a new home, are renovating, or simply want to make a change in your living space, walls deserve significant attention in interior design. Their appearance influences the ambiance of a room, its brightness, creates the impression of space, and serves as a support for certain decorative elements.
There are many choices to be made when it comes to walls, and one of them is: wallpaper or washable paint?
Why choose wallpaper?
Wallpaper is a durable finish that replaces traditional paint, made from paper, textile material, fiberglass, or vinyl.
One main advantage of wallpaper is its cost, which is lower than washable paint. Prices for wallpaper vary depending on the design and material, ranging from 4 lei to 21 lei/sq m, with the cheapest being paper-based and the most expensive being vlies or vinyl.
In addition to the wallpaper itself, you'll also incur costs for adhesive and its application if you hire a professional.
Like washable paint, if you have some dexterity, you can apply the wallpaper yourself by following the instructions provided by specialty stores along with the product or even online. The main steps involve applying the adhesive, followed by the wallpaper and smoothing it out with a spatula to remove any air pockets.
Choosing wallpaper saves time as it applies faster than washable paint. Additionally, you don't have to worry about making a mess around you like when painting.
Wallpaper is durable, much more so than washable paint, lasting up to 10-15 years. However, maintenance can be challenging, with some types not being cleanable like washable paint, such as paper or textile-based ones. Textile wallpapers can retain dust, and there's a risk of condensation forming between the wall and the wallpaper.
Why choose washable paint?
Washable paint is applied much easier than wallpaper, and its biggest advantage is the ease of cleaning with just a damp cloth. With wallpaper, there's a risk of mold and mildew formation as it dries slower.
Removing it doesn't require much effort compared to wallpaper, as no special tools or solutions are needed. Moreover, after removing wallpaper, you may need to do minor wall repairs.
With washable paint, you can achieve spectacular effects using certain techniques, such as ombre walls or stencils to create decorative shapes and patterns.
Besides these advantages and disadvantages, consider the style in which you've chosen to decorate your home – simple or sophisticated, modern or classic. If you're undecided, you can combine both methods of finishing the walls. For example, you could wallpaper one wall in a room and paint the rest.
