Paint vs Wallpaper: Which is Better for Your Walls?

When it comes to decorating the interior walls of your home, paint and wallpaper are two of the most popular options. Both offer unique advantages as well as certain drawbacks. Paint is more affordable and easier to work with for DIY application. However, wallpaper offers limitless prints and textures to transform room decor. 

This comprehensive guide compares all factors between wall paint and wallpaper. We analyse the pros and cons, costs, durability, maintenance needs, and aesthetic flexibility. Read on to decide which is better wallpaper or texture paint for different rooms based on Indian environmental factors and trends.

Understanding the Basics: Paint and Wallpaper

Wallpaper and paint are two common ideas for decorating and protecting the walls inside. Paint refers to coloured liquid, which the person directly applies over the surface of the wall. They usually involve pigments in a solvent medium. 

Wallpaper, on the other hand is a decorative paper and is glued on the walls. It is available in a broad range of prints, textures and materials.

What is Wall Paint?

Wall paints are water or oil-based coatings used to colour and protect interior masonry surfaces. Common types of wall paint include:

• Emulsion paint: Water-based paint with vinyl or acrylic binders. Easy to apply and clean.
• Distemper paint: Water-based paint with glue or chalk binders. It offers a breathable finish to two colour combination for living room.
• Oil-based paint: Harder finish but emits strong fumes.
• Textured paint: Embossed finish for decorative effects.

Paints come in different sheens from matte to high-gloss. They can be customised with colour tints and bought in different quantities based on the coverage area.

What is Wallpaper?

Wallpaper refers to decorative paper material that is pasted onto walls to enhance aesthetics. Types include:

• Vinyl wallpaper: Most affordable and durable option.
• Fabric wallpaper: Made from natural/synthetic fabrics.
• Flock wallpaper: Soft velvety texture.
• Peel-and-stick wallpaper: Easily removable, reusable.
• Grasscloth wallpaper: Natural woven texture.
• Metallic wallpaper: Reflective and shimmering.

From traditional floral prints to modern textures, wallpaper offers endless design options to match one’s taste and style.

Pros and Cons of Painting Walls

Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of paint for home walls:

Advantages of Paint

• Cost-effective: Painting is cheaper than wallpapering in most cases.
• Easy maintenance: Can be spot cleaned or completely repainted easily.
• Colour options: Available in any colour with custom tints.
• Reflective: Lighter colours help brighten up the space.
• Durable: Lasts over 5 years with proper prep and primers for wall.
• Breathable: Allows water vapour transfer through the wall.

Disadvantages of Paint

• Prep work: Requires filling cracks, sanding, and priming the wall.
• Odour: Oil-based paints emit strong fumes.
• Prone to scuffs: Doesn’t withstand hard scratches or knocks.
• Flaking: Improper prep causes chipping or peeling over time.
• Not removable: Can’t change paint schemes easily.
• Less decorative: Limited to solid colours and sheens.

Pros and Cons of Wallpapering Walls

Now let’s analyse the pros and cons of wallpapering home walls:

Advantages of Wallpaper

• Aesthetics: Wallpaper offers unlimited prints, patterns, colours and textures.
• Easy installation: Pre-pasted wallpapers are convenient to install.
• Texture: Adds depth and dimension to the walls.
• Removable: They come in peel-and-stick form that can be changed easily.
• Durable: Vinyl wallpapers last over 10 years.
• Stain-resistant: Can be easily wiped with mild soap and water.
• Designer looks: Use exclusive prints or grasscloth.

Disadvantages of Wallpaper

• Expensive: Pricier than paint per square foot.
• Installation: Professional services add to the overall cost.
• Prep work: Wall smoothing and sizing are vital.
• Peeling: Improper installation or moisture causes peeling at the edges.
• Fading: Prolonged sun exposure fades the colours.
• Flammable: Fabric wallpaper is flammable.
• Waste: Requires extra paper purchase for matching repeats.

Wall Paint vs Wallpaper: Comparison Table

Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of key factors between paint and wallpaper:

Which is More Cost-Effective?

Both wallpaper vs paint cost have significant upfront material and labour costs. However, when we analyse the long-term expenses, paint proves to be the cheaper option in most cases.

Upfront Cost

Paint: In India, painting can cost between ₹10-35 rupees a square foot on the inside, and an interior cost can range from ₹100-300 rupees to a square meter. The main variables which influence price include paint type, surface, labour and coats. In a 1000 square foot house, the standard price of painting it with emulsion or distemper in interiors and enamels on surfaces where it must face the weather would cost between ₹75,000 to 1.5L. So, before you buy paint for your home walls ensure to calculate paint cost per sq ft. 

Wallpaper: Basic wallpaper costs ₹20 per sq ft, while intricate or premium options can cost up to ₹5,000 per sq ft. Installation by skilled labour averages ₹30 per sq ft. Unique 3D designs range ₹60-₹80 per sq ft. Overall costs vary by wallpaper type, complexity and location. For quality wallpaper and professional installation, expect total costs between ₹50 and ₹5,030 per sq ft.

Long-Term Cost

Paint lasts up to 5-7 years before needing repainting. At ₹100/sq.ft. Including labour every 5 years, the 10-year cost is ₹200/sq.ft.

Pre-pasted wallpapers may last 7-10 years. But when the replacement cost exceeds ₹300/sq.ft. Including installation, it adds up over time.

Best for Indian Homes: Paint or Wallpaper?

When evaluating wallpaper versus paint, particularly for Indian conditions, the following factors matter:

Weather Suitability

Wallpaper is prone to peeling or bubbling when subjected to moisture or steam, like in bathrooms or humid climates. It also fades faster on exterior walls facing sunlight. Paint offers better adhesion and water-resistance for the tropical Indian climate that sees monsoons, heat and humidity.

Popular Choices in Indian Homes

Painted walls with simple gloss or putty finishes are the norm in most urban Indian homes today. Large, spacious houses also frequently showcase textured paint for its durability and contemporary vibe. Among wallpapers, basic grasscloth or textured vinyl papers are gaining appeal.

Maintenance and Durability

For busy Indian households, low-maintenance finishes make practical sense without having to redo the walls frequently.

How Long Does Paint Last?

With good surface prep, premium acrylic paints can easily last over 8 years before needing fresh coats. Some exterior paint brands in India even offer 10-year performance warranties against chipping, peeling or fading.

Is Wallpaper Durable?

In India’s tropical climate, moisture getting trapped behind wallpaper can make it peel or develop mould/fungi unless the underlying walls are properly sealed. Vinyl-based wallpapers last between 8-12 years with careful upkeep before requiring replacement.

Aesthetic Appeal and Style Options

One of wallpaper’s most significant advantages is the wide range of prints and textures possible as compared to standard paint.

Texture and Finish Options in Paint

Interior paints can be customised with sand, quartz granules, or embossed rollers. Some popular textured paint styles for Indian homes include:

• Designer texture paint with stone, wood grain, or leather effects
• Smooth gravel paint
• Drag the texture paint
• These add depth and dimension to otherwise flat walls.

Wallpaper Designs and Patterns

From modern geometrics to tropical botanical prints, wallpaper offers endless motifs that can transform room decor. Metallic gold patterns and 3D designs are equally popular choices.

Eco-Friendliness and Health Impact

With environmental awareness growing among homeowners, green considerations also affect decisions:

Low-VOC Paints

Paints with low Volatile Organic Compounds have fewer harsh chemicals and don’t emit strong odours. These “zero-VOC” or “eco-friendly” wall paints are safer, especially for kids’ bedrooms.

Wallpaper Glue and Air Quality

When installing wallpaper, some odour and fumes are inevitable. Opting for non-toxic, water-based adhesives can minimise indoor air pollution and health risks.

Final Verdict: Paint or Wallpaper?

For most Indian homes today, good quality emulsion paint checks all boxes like cost-effectiveness, durability, and weather-resistance. DIY painted walls are easier to execute than wallpaper installation. We recommend wallpaper selectively for focal accent walls in living rooms, bedrooms or as a backsplash. 

Consider peel-and-stick removable wallpaper if experimenting with the latest trends without a long-term commitment. Evaluate all humidity and mould risks before wallpapering baths or exterior areas. At the end, what matters is identifying the right finish that fits one’s budget and lifestyle.