Reasons You Should Choose Wallpaper Over Paint
The choice between wallpaper and paint often sparks a lively debate among homeowners and interior designers. Each option has its own set of loyal fans, but more and more people are rediscovering the charm of wallpaper. It's not just about aesthetics; wallpaper has evolved significantly over the years, offering a host of practical benefits that make it a worthy contender for your next home design project. If you’re on the fence, check out these reasons why you should choose wallpaper over paint for your home.
Aesthetic Appeal
One of the most compelling reasons to choose wallpaper is its unmatched aesthetic appeal. Paint may give you a solid, uniform color or standard texture, but wallpaper opens up an entirely different universe of possibilities. From intricate floral patterns to minimalist geometric designs, wallpaper offers something for every taste and every room.
Its ability to mimic the look of other materials, such as brick, wood, or stone, means you can achieve a high-end design without the high-end price tag. If you like the idea of turning your walls into a statement piece or a topic of conversation, wallpaper is unquestionably the way to go.
Impressive Versatility
Wallpaper’s versatility is another reason why it outshines paint in many scenarios. While paint mainly limits you to solid colors, wallpaper can adapt to virtually any room, mood, or style. Want to create a cozy, rustic vibe in your living room? Choose a wallpaper with earthy tones and natural patterns. Looking to make your home office feel energizing and vibrant? Go for a bold, colorful design. Bedrooms, kitchens, nurseries—there’s a wallpaper design tailored to fit perfectly in every part of your home.
Additionally, wallpaper isn’t limited to walls. It’s a versatile material that can be used creatively in other areas of your home. From stair risers to ceilings, wallpaper can give any surface a fresh, stylish appearance, making it a flexible option for any design project. Whatever your personal taste, you can find wallpaper that fits your vision and enhances your overall decor.
Durability and Longevity
One of the major misconceptions about wallpaper is that it’s fragile and high maintenance. The truth is, modern wallpaper is designed to be durable and long-lasting. Unlike paint, which can fade, chip, or develop unsightly marks over time, high-quality wallpaper can easily withstand the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Many manufacturers now offer wallpaper that’s resistant to tears, scratches, and moisture, making it a practical choice even for high-traffic rooms like hallways and kitchens.
The longevity of wallpaper also outperforms paint. While painted walls require touch-ups or a complete repaint every few years to keep them looking fresh, wallpaper can hold up beautifully for more than a decade with minimal signs of wear. This means that although wallpaper might have a slightly higher upfront cost, its durability can save you both time and money in the long run.
Cost-Effectiveness
Speaking of money, cost-effectiveness is a significant reason why many people choose wallpaper over paint. Once installed correctly, wallpaper requires little to no ongoing investment, unlike paint, which often demands additional expenses for regular touch-ups.
Wallpaper doesn’t just save money on maintenance—it also adds value to your home. Unique, high-quality wallpaper can elevate your interiors, creating an impression of thoughtfulness and attention to detail. This can make your property more appealing to potential buyers, should you decide to sell.
Easy Maintenance
Another reason wallpaper has gained favor in recent years is the improvement in its ease of maintenance. Modern wallpaper is a breeze to clean; all you need is a damp cloth or mild cleaning solution. This makes it ideal for homes with children, pets, or busy lifestyles. Unlike painted walls, which may suffer from smudges, stains, or handprints, wallpaper provides a resilient and easy-to-maintain surface that stays looking fresh and clean for years.
Some wallpaper designs even come with specific features to repel moisture or resist stains, making them uniquely suited for areas where cleanliness is paramount, such as kitchens or bathrooms. With these advancements, maintaining the beauty of your wallpaper has never been easier.
Endless Customization
If you want to make your space truly yours, wallpaper gives you plenty of room to customize. At Olivia + Poppy, we can work with you to tweak a design’s colors to perfectly match your vision. This allows you to create a design that reflects your unique style and personality.
Even if you stick to pre-made designs, the sheer variety of wallpaper options ensures you’ll find something that feels personal and unique. Personalization has always been one of wallpaper’s standout qualities, and today’s advanced manufacturing techniques have only made it more accessible and exciting.
Creative Accent Walls
Accent walls are one of the hottest trends in interior design, and wallpaper is the ultimate tool for creating one. With an eye-catching design or bold pattern, a wallpaper mural can transform a single wall into the focal point of the room. Unlike paint, which might require intricate stenciling or multiple layers to achieve the same effect, wallpaper lets you achieve a high-impact look with minimal effort.
And why stop at walls? Ceiling wallpaper—sometimes referred to as the “fifth wall”—is another trend taking over the design world. By applying wallpaper to your ceiling, you can add a dramatic, artistic touch that makes your space memorable and unique. Whether you’re highlighting an accent wall or creating a statement ceiling, wallpaper provides endless possibilities for creative expression.
Environmental Impact
For environmentally conscious homeowners, wallpaper is a fantastic option. Olivia + Poppy’s eco-friendly wallpaper is free of PVC, plasticizers, phthalates, chlorine, and formaldehyde. These kinds of options that incorporate sustainable materials and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) adhesives minimize harmful emissions while providing the same level of quality and durability as traditional wallpaper. Choosing wallpaper with environmentally friendly credentials not only benefits the planet but also helps create a healthier living space for you and your family.
Elevate Your Home with Wallpaper
When it comes to home design, wallpaper offers a rare combination of beauty, practicality, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for durability, cost-effectiveness, or endless design possibilities, Olivia + Poppy’s luxury wall coverings provide a range of benefits that paint simply cannot compete with. Find the perfect wallpaper design for your next project when you shop our elegant collections online today.