Wallpaper Versus Paint for Walls: Pros, Cons, and Best Practices
Wallpaper can conceal minor wall imperfections and typically costs less than paint. This insight comes from Maxim Nikishin, a designer who works with the OBI construction hypermarket network, and who shared his observations on how homeowners choose wall coverings.
The main factors to consider when selecting wall finishes are application complexity, cost, appearance, and service life. When evaluating paint, a few advantages stand out: it tends to be durable, offers a wide color palette, and supports creating minimalist interiors with concealed doors and baseboards. In contrast, wallpaper simplifies wall preparation and is friendly for people doing the repairs themselves.
There is a suggestion to rely on professionals for painting work to ensure quality results.
After each stage of painting, including priming, plastering, applying starting and finishing putties, drying and inspection are necessary. The process demands careful attention to detail because paint does not tolerate a half-hearted approach. On the plus side, walls can be repainted later by the owner. Light damage can be repaired easily, and moisture-resistant paints can be cleaned if they get dirty. The market offers numerous options, including products from familiar global brands, many of which have local manufacturing presence in Russia and Belarus.
Non-woven wallpaper is highlighted as a top option within the wallpaper category. Its benefits include straightforward glue preparation, good compatibility with standard doors, trims, and skirting boards. A paintable wallpaper is a practical middle ground. It does not demand perfect wall surfaces, masks imperfections, and can be repainted multiple times. Wallpaper adds a texture that paint alone cannot reproduce. Wall panels, decorative moldings, and plaster finishes are also widely available to create varied looks. The designer notes that combining these finishes often yields the best outcomes for accent walls.
Historically, practical interior solutions have ranked highly for everyday living spaces, and wallpaper has continued to evolve as a versatile choice for both concealment and design expression.