Thinking about giving your room a fresh new look, but unsure whether wallpaper or paint is the better option?
Many homeowners find themselves stuck at this exact decision point. After all, a room makeover is an investment, and you want to get it right the first time.
Choosing between wallpaper and paint isn’t just about colour or pattern. It’s about finding the right balance between style, practicality, and long-term satisfaction. You might be wondering: which one will suit my space better? Which is easier to maintain? Which will still look great years down the track?
At Southern Highlands and Wallpapering, we help homeowners transform their spaces every day with both wallpaper and paint. We understand the trendiest styles, the common concerns, and the real-world factors that should shape your choice.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, so you can confidently choose the best option for your room makeover.
Wallpaper vs Paint: The Look, Feel, Durability, Maintenance, and Cost
Choosing between wallpaper and paint is about deciding what feeling you want in your space, how much work you want to put in, and how long you want the results to last. Here’s how each option stacks up.
The Look and Feel
Your walls set the mood for the entire room. Wallpaper and paint each create a different atmosphere, depending on what you want to achieve.
| Feature | Wallpaper | Paint |
| Visual Impact | Rich textures, bold patterns, detailed designs | Smooth finish, solid colours, clean lines |
| Style Flexibility | Wide variety of designs, textures, and murals | Easy to change colours, fresh minimalism |
| Best for | Feature walls, cosy or dramatic spaces | Bright, open, or flexible design styles |
Choose wallpaper if you want a standout feature or detailed design. Choose paint if you want flexibility and a clean, classic look.
Durability and Maintenance
A room makeover is about having a beautiful room that lasts a long time. Here’s how wallpaper and paint hold up.
| Feature | Wallpaper | Paint |
| Durability | Highly durable, resistant to scratches and marks | Prone to chips, scratches, and fading |
| Cleaning | Many wallpapers are wipeable and scrubbable | Most paints can be wiped; touch-ups easy |
| Longevity | Can last 10–15 years or more | Typically needs repainting every 5–7 years |
Wallpaper wins for long-term durability, especially in busy households. Paint offers easier touch-ups but may need more frequent full refreshes.
Ease of Installation and Updates
If you’re thinking about the practical side of things, either DIY or hiring a pro, this is what you need to know.
| Feature | Wallpaper | Paint |
| Installation | More challenging to install, especially for patterns | Quicker and simpler to apply |
| DIY Friendliness | Peel-and-stick options available, but still tricky and prone to mistakes | Very DIY-friendly |
| Updating/Removing | Can be difficult to remove | Easy to repaint over existing walls |
Paint is the winner if you value a fast, simple update. Wallpaper requires more care to install and change but offers a bigger impact if done right.
Cost
Budget matters, but it’s important to think about not just the upfront costs, but the overall value over time.
| Feature | Wallpaper | Paint |
| Initial Cost | Higher (material + installation) | Lower (especially if DIY) |
| Long-Term Cost | Fewer updates needed, durable finish | More frequent maintenance and repainting |
Paint is cheaper at the start, but wallpaper could save you money in the long run by lasting longer without needing a refresh.
As you can see, both wallpaper and paint have their own strengths and the right choice really comes down to what matters most to you. If you’re after bold designs, extra durability, and a long-lasting finish, wallpaper could be your perfect match. If you prefer flexibility, quicker updates, and a simple, clean look, paint might suit you better.
Wallpaper for Rooms: When is it the Right Choice?
Wallpaper has made a serious comeback in interior design — and for good reason. In the right setting, it can completely transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s look at when wallpaper really shines.
Why Choose Wallpaper?
Wallpaper isn’t just about pretty patterns anymore. Today’s interior design wallpaper brings texture, depth, and a sense of character to a space that paint often can’t achieve. It’s ideal if you want to create a striking feature, add a touch of luxury, or make a space feel more personalised.
| Best Situations for Wallpaper | Why It Works |
| Feature Walls | Instantly draws the eye and creates a visual focal point. |
| Bedrooms | Adds warmth and personality, creating a cosy retreat. |
| Powder Rooms or Small Spaces | Turns a small, overlooked area into a design highlight. |
| Formal Living or Dining Rooms | Brings a sense of elegance and sophistication. |
| Kids’ Rooms | Fun patterns and themes make it easy to design playful, imaginative spaces. |
Wallpaper is perfect when you want to create a strong impact, add texture, or bring a unique, personalised touch to your space.
Interior Painting: When is it the Right Choice?
Paint remains a classic choice for good reason: it’s flexible, cost-effective, and perfect for creating a clean, timeless look.
Why Choose Paint?
Paint is a brilliant option when you want versatility and control over your space’s mood. Whether you’re after a bright, breezy feel or a cosy, cocoon-like atmosphere, changing a room’s colour with paint is one of the fastest, easiest transformations you can make.
| Best Situations for Paint | Why It Works |
| Rental Properties | Easy to repaint between tenants; cost-effective for updates. |
| Living Areas | Ideal for large, open spaces where you may want colour flexibility. |
| High Traffic Zones (like hallways) | Quick touch-ups keep the space looking fresh. |
| Kitchens and Bathrooms | Moisture-resistant paints can handle splashes and steam better than most wallpapers. |
| Frequent Decor Changers | Easy to repaint if you like updating your look often. |
Paint is perfect when you want a fresh look without too much commitment. It’s flexible, affordable, and relatively easy to change when your tastes evolve. Whether you’re after a bold statement or a soft, neutral backdrop, paint gives you all the creative freedom you could ask for (with less hassle!).
Ready to Transform Your Space?
If you’re still unsure which direction to take, you’re not alone, and that’s where Southern Highlands and Wallpapering can help. Whether you’re leaning towards stunning interior design wallpaper or considering a fresh coat of paint, we’re here to guide you, show you options, and help you create a room you’ll truly love. Get in touch with us today for expert advice, personalised recommendations, and beautiful results.