Wallpaper or painting walls: which is better?

Wallpaper gluing and wall painting are the two best ways to transform the space, not just hiding the walls, but also giving them a bright, original or even exotic look. Both of these methods have been deservedly popular for many centuries and, being in an adequate state, it can not be said that one or the other of them is 100% better than the other.

But, having understood the advantages and disadvantages of using them from various aspects, such as cost, ease of use, universality, ecology and aesthetic possibilities, you can surely make the most advantageous choice for yourself. This article will certainly help you with this.

Factor # 1: preparation of walls under cover

Wallpaper:

+ wallpaper, especially having even the smallest relief, perfectly hide the small flaws in the surface of the walls;

- removing old wallpaper from walls often turns into a headache, although there is an exception to this rule - vinyl wallpaper on a textile or non-woven basis.

Paint:

- the walls must be perfectly even before painting, otherwise the coating will begin to crack and peel with time;

+ If you do not like the color of painted walls, you can simply apply new paint over the old one.Painted walls in the interior

Painted walls in the interior

Factor No. 2: Coating

At this point, the primacy clearly remains behind the paint - a competent process of gluing wallpaper requires much more time and effort, while it is extremely difficult to carry out alone.

The controversial point at this point is the factor of obtaining a beautiful pattern on the wall. While the wallpaper pattern often needs to be carefully and carefully adjusted, paint painting on the walls requires special skills and abilities. Here, everyone decides for himself, what is closer to him.3D drawing on the wall

3D drawing on the wall

Factor number 3: friendliness

"Paint eco-friendly wallpaper" - this statement can be heard quite often while it is quite rude.

Today, many leading manufacturers, realizing the importance of preserving the environment, are releasing wallpaper collections from natural materials plant origin: bamboo, raffia, cane, algae, etc. The ecological compatibility of such wall coverings can not be questioned, since their origin is evident due to interwoven fibers of plants.Wallpapers Phillip Jeffries, woven of manila hemp

Wallpapers Phillip Jeffries, woven of manila hemp

If we talk about more familiar types of wallpaper (textile, paper, non-woven and vinyl), then before making your choice you need to carefully study their composition. As for the first three varieties: if they do not have synthetic additives and their design is made with water-based ink, then they can be considered ecologically. As for vinyl wallpaper, then it is necessary to purchase only those of them that have a certificate confirming that they do not emit volatile organic compounds.

And yet, considering that besides searching environmentally friendly wallpaper you also need to find non-toxic glue, and even to exclude the possibility of mold formation under the wallpaper surface, then it's really easier and easier to paint walls for people caring about a healthy atmosphere in the house.

Factor No. 4: Reliability

Wallpaper:

+ The wallpaper does not crack, because they are strong enough and plastic, besides there are a lot of their washable varieties;

- wallpaper that is glued to the walls, can not withstand high humidity and fall away, in addition, it is not recommended to install light monotonous wallpaper in rooms where there are small children and animals.

Paint:

+ Painted walls can be washed;

- the paint may crack from accidental impact, and if the piece disappears, you will have to repaint the entire wall.

Proceeding from this, it can be concluded that the paint serves better than wallpaper, in poorly ventilated rooms and rooms with high humidity.

In premises that quickly become dirty (for example, an anteroom), it is better to install washable wallpaper, because on a painted wall the washed place can stand out in color from the rest of the wall, even if it looks clean, and regularly every wallwoman will not have to wash the walls to taste.

In a house where there is children and / or animals, it is best to trim the upper part of the walls with wallpaper, and the lower part (where most of the small households account for most of the schools) - special washable panels or curbs. You can also do with vinyl wallpaper, if you are not from those parents, from whom they cause fear.Vinyl wallpapers from BN International

Vinyl wallpapers from BN International

Factor # 5: Cost

If you take on average, then the wallpaper and their installation go more expensive than painting the walls. Although, of course, you can find both inexpensive wallpaper, as well as high-grade paint (textured, professionally-applied) for more sophisticated wall decoration.

An advantageous investment of money can be considered vinyl wallpapers, as they are inexpensive, and serve from 10 to 20 years (depends on the variety), while the walls need to be repainted about once every 3 years. With them, you can also reduce the cost of the second installation, because they are easily separated from the walls without soaking.

Factor No. 6: Aesthetics

Modern choice of wallpaper offers such aesthetic possibilities that can not be surpassed, but to begin with we list the existing ways of painting walls:

  • monochrome coloring: one room - one color;
  • accent indoors: one room - one color of all walls, except for one of them, painted in a brighter, more contrasting hue;
  • custom-made drawing - a fresco painted by the artist on the wall using several colors;
  • textured paints - paints of special composition (with sand, granite chips or others), which give the walls a light relief;
  • нестандартные ways of painting walls: глубокий узор и рельеф поверхности, который достигается с помощью специальных валиков или роликов для тиснения.

It should be noted that only the first two ways you can implement yourself, not being a professional and not having special tools. In addition, to preserve a complex pattern or texture of the walls, they must be covered with varnishes or other protective coatings, from which the walls cease to "breathe".Embossed pattern on the wall

Embossed pattern on the wall

Now consider the unique possibilities for walls that you can get with the wallpaper:
  • textured surfaces - from the most simple to decorative;
  • frescoes - ready-made non-woven fabrics, perfectly imitating wall paintings;
  • imitating a wide variety of coatings (metal, leather, tiles, masonry, etc.) - reproduction of an expensive-looking wall surface at a significantly reduced price;
  • historical aspect: it is difficult to imagine, for example, the Victorian style of a house without wallpaper;
  • digital possibilities: today there is a wide choice of high-quality photo wallpapers, and many manufacturers are ready to use for their creation the image you like;
  • Photo on the walls: wallpaper manufacturers who own digital printing mills can make custom wallpaper using your family photos;
  • substrate under the coating: using these special wallpapers, you can avoid difficult removal of wallpaper and repair of uneven or damaged wall surfaces;
  • nature in your home: discover the luxury of natural plant fibers on the wall, such as jute, algae, bamboo, etc .;
  • sotkannıe walls: the interior always looks very good, being upholstered with beautiful canvases made of high-quality fabric, not to mention how much the walls give seamless wallpaper;
  • wooden surface: wallpaper from natural veneer gives the room a wonderful natural and at the same time businesslike appearance, with their relatively low cost in relation to traditional wooden panels.

Magnetic (left) and metal wallpaper from Architects Paper

Magnetic (left) and metal wallpaper from Architects Paper

As you can see, the amazing world of wall decoration is huge and diverse. And with the help of paint, and with the help of wallpaper you can give the house an unprecedented beauty, subtlety, courage and character. Now that you have become acquainted with all aspects and possibilities, you can safely make a choice in favor of your personal preferences and values.

But if you are still deeply perplexed, try a combination of these two ways of finishing the walls - wallpaper for painting. Glue ready-made texture wallpaper is much easier than to give the texture to walls in the process of painting them, besides they are extraordinarily durable, do not crack and they can be repainted at least 5 times.

We will be interested to know which way you chose for yourself. What were your impressions? Were they themselves finishing or hiring specialists? Share your experience?

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