The Pros & Cons of Decorating With Wallpaper
Modern wallpapers are a fabulous way to adorn your walls.
Whether you’re creating an accent wall, or changing the entire aspect of a space, wallpaper can be a fantastic way to transform your walls.
But it may not always be the best choice depending on individual circumstances.
So is wallpaper a good idea? There are advantages & disadvantages for hanging wallpaper. But in the end it comes down to individual preference & circumstance as to whether or not wallpaper will be the right choice for your decorating needs.
So let’s have a look at the pros & cons of using wallpaper so you can decide if it’s the right decor choice for you.
The Advantages of Wallpaper
Design - the number of different patterns & colours that wallpaper offers is hard to beat. Whichever theme or style you will find wallpaper to match. From vintage & retro, to modern & chic & contemporary & stylish.
Permanence - Not only are most wallpapers guaranteed for at least 15 years or more, just having wallpaper says you are committed to your decor choices. If you’d like more details on the life of wallpaper you can read this article.
Brings a Room Into its Own - Wallpaper gives a room it’s own character & personality. More so if it’s the only room papered as it will make a unique & distinct space.
Uniqueness - Unlike paint for example where certain colours can be all the rage, a wallpaper can be very unique & the design you choose won’t be as commonly seen in other homes.
Shape Shifting - a room's appearance can be altered through the use of light & dark shades as well as shapes & patterns. Using light coloured wallpaper can visually expand a space whilst cosier colours will create a more intimate space, especially in a large room. Vertical or horizontal patterns can have the same effect in making a wall seem taller or wider.
Add Warmth - as wallpaper isn’t as reflective as painted walls, light becomes more muted making a room seem warmer & to some degree will also quieten a room as sound also doesn’t reflect as readily as it would off of a hard surface.
Makes a Great Feature - it’s a highly stylish & effective, yet simple way to create an accent wall. As wallpaper is available in so many designs & colours, it’s simple to match to your existing decor whilst still creating an eye catching focal point of the room.
It’s a Cover Up - unless the walls are really well prepared, paint will show any defects, whereas wallpaper will cover any imperfections.
The Disadvantages of Wallpaper
Time - wallpapering can be time consuming, especially if you’re not experienced. To look it’s best, it needs to sit square & the patterns need to match & line up within very thin margins. There is a knack to wallpapering walls, I remember watching my Dad do it back in the day.
Permanence - this has already been pointed out in the advantages section, but it can be a disadvantage too if you decide it needs to come down. Although modern papers are removed far easier than the old type, there’s still work involved cleaning the wall up afterwards. But there are removable wallpapers on the market which are sometimes referred to as peel & stick paper. Some are even reusable.
Getting it right - if it’s not applied correctly, there is the possibility of it peeling over time. This isn’t a huge fix, simply reapply adhesive & stick back. But bubbles are trickier to repair. Even some removable wallpapers have been known to come off the wall. Humidity isn’t the best environment for wallpaper, mould & mildew can form behind it over time.
Damage - Many wallpapers are only sold for a year or 2 before new lines are introduced. This means if it gets damaged you may have a hard time matching it. So wallpaper may not be practical in high traffic areas or around small children ( look Mommy...I drew a picture on the wall! ) A handy tip is to buy a couple of extra rolls for emergencies. Some papers are washable, others can be cleaned with mild detergent. But with serious stains or scuffs, you may need to replace the whole section of paper.
Hanging Art - it is possible to hang art over wallpaper, as I explain in an article / guide I wrote. You can definitely minimize any damage to the point of it not being noticeable if & when the art comes down. Plain wallpaper will accept artwork easier than patterned or vivid papers as the art & paper can compete with each other for attention.
Cost
I’ve put the price in it’s own section as it’s neither an advantage or disadvantage.
Like many things, you get what you pay for.
There’s expensive wallpapers, but good quality papers can also be found for around $10 to $15 per roll.
The biggest cost would be if you need to hire a professional decorator to put it up for you.
But that would also be a cost if you had to hire a handyman for any other home project.
Conclusion
Wallpaper has been with us since 1785 & the fact it’s still used by many interior designers is a testament to it’s versatility for creating beautiful & impactful decor.
It’s definitely a wall decor choice worth considering.
What do you think? Are you a fan of wallpaper?
Leave a comment & if you’ve found this article useful .. share the love!
If you're looking for a huge choice of quality wallpaper, I highly recommend checking out Walls Republic. I am an affiliate, this simply means you won't pay a cent more, but I receive a small commission .. it all helps to keep the lights on! So thank in advance if you do make a purchase. You can find out why I only promote certain companies here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?
It can be done, and certain papers are easier to paint than others. It can sometimes be a worthwhile alternative to stripping off old wallpaper. Learn more.
Can You Hang Art Over Wallpaper?
Yes, it can be done. Depending on the size of artwork, there are ways to hang art with minimal to no damage. Discover how ..
Does Wallpaper Fade?
Yes, it can..but that doesn't mean it will. Learn more ..
Is Wallpaper Old Fashioned?
Far from being dated, modern wallpapers comes in many styles, some retro & vintage which work wonderfully with a more contemporary decor. Learn more ..
How Long Does Wallpaper Last?
There are many different materials that wallpaper can be made from & each will be slightly different in how you clean & maintain it. But generally, wallpaper can last a lifetime. Discover more ..
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