Wallpaper or Paint: Which Is Better for Your Interior Design Goals?

Whether you’re renovating a single room or transforming an entire home, one of the most important design choices you’ll face is whether to go with wallpaper or paint. Both offer unique advantages, and the decision depends on your design goals, lifestyle, budget, and long-term vision.

At Oui Colour Paint & Wallpaper, we specialize in helping homeowners across Canada, especially in Toronto, make confident decisions for their spaces. In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare paint and wallpaper side-by-side to help you decide which is the better fit for your next interior project.

1. Aesthetics: Versatility and Style

Wallpaper

Wallpaper has made a massive comeback in recent years, especially with modern and minimalist interiors. It allows for complex patterns, bold textures, and unique finishes that are difficult to replicate with paint.

• Options include florals, geometric prints, grasscloth, linen, murals, and metallic finishes.
  
• Ideal for creating a statement wall, adding depth, or bringing personality to rooms like powder rooms, nurseries, or offices.
  
• Custom wallpaper designs are becoming more popular with artists and boutique brands.

“Wallpaper is essentially artwork for your walls,” says Elle Décor’s 2024 trend report.

Paint

Paint is more subtle and flexible. It gives you complete control over color, tone, and texture, great for layering neutrals or experimenting with bold shades without permanent commitment.

• Hundreds of Benjamin Moore paint colors offer timeless options.
  
• Matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes provide visual variety.
  
• You can easily repaint to change the mood or update a look seasonally.

Verdict

Use wallpaper for bold or artistic focal points. Use paint for adaptable, full-room coverage and subtle styling.

2. Application: DIY or Hire a Pro?

Wallpaper

Installing wallpaper requires precision, especially with pattern alignment and paste application. Peel-and-stick options simplify the process for temporary spaces like rentals, but traditional wallpapers are best left to professionals for flawless results.

• Learning curve: medium to high
  
• Mistakes can be costly.
  
• Removal can damage drywall if not done correctly.

Paint

Painting is widely considered DIY-friendly, though larger projects may still benefit from hiring professionals for speed and quality.

• Learning curve is low to medium
  
• Easier to fix or redo
  
• Minimal tools required (roller, brush, painter’s tape)

Verdict

Paint wins for ease of application and repairability. Wallpaper is ideal if you’re hiring a pro or have advanced DIY skills.

3. Durability and Maintenance

Wallpaper

High-quality wallpaper can last 10 to 15 years or more, depending on the material. It’s resistant to scratches and scuffs, and many varieties are now washable.

• Best for low-traffic areas or feature walls
  
• Vinyl wallpapers are great for bathrooms and kitchens.
  
• Fabric-based wallpapers may require professional cleaning.

Paint

Paint durability depends on type and finish. Higher-gloss finishes like satin or semi-gloss are easier to clean, while matte finishes can show wear more quickly.

• Repainting is relatively easy and low-cost.
  
• Can chip or fade over time, especially in sunlight
  
• Stains can be scrubbed depending on the finish.

Verdict

Wallpaper is more durable over time but less forgiving. Paint is easier to maintain and update.

4. Cost: Upfront and Long-Term

Factor	Wallpaper	Paint
Material cost	$40–$250+ per roll	$50–$90 per gallon (premium)
Labor cost	Higher	Lower
Lifespan	10–15 years	5–7 years (before touch-ups)
Ease of updating	Low (harder to remove)	High (just repaint)

While wallpaper has a higher upfront cost, its longevity can offer better value over time—if you love the design and want it to last. Paint is more affordable initially and allows for more frequent changes.

Verdict

Paint is more cost-effective in the long term. Wallpaper may pay off long-term in value and visual impact.

Sustainability and Health

When comparing wallpaper vs. paint, indoor air quality and eco-friendliness are growing concerns, especially in Canadian homes where ventilation is crucial during colder months.

Paint: VOCs and Green Options

Many paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can release harmful gases during and after painting. However, low-VOC and zero-VOC paint lines like Benjamin Moore’s Eco Spec are now widely available.

According to a study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, primarily due to off-gassing materials like paint and wallpaper adhesives.

Wallpaper: Natural Fibers and Adhesives

Some wallpapers contain PVC, plasticizers, or synthetic dyes. However, more brands now offer eco-conscious papers made from recycled fibers or printed with water-based inks.

• Look for FSC-certified or Greenguard Gold-certified wallpaper.
  
• Peel-and-stick versions tend to have fewer chemicals.

Verdict

Both paint and wallpaper can be eco-friendly if you choose low-VOC and sustainably produced options.

Trends in Interior Design

Understanding current design preferences can also guide your choice:

Paint Trends (2024–2025)

• Soft earth tones and desert-inspired neutrals
  
• Deep blues and forest greens for accent walls
  
• Warm whites and off-whites for timeless minimalism

Wallpaper Trends

• Oversized botanical prints
  
• Grasscloth textures for subtle luxury
  
• Hand-drawn or mural-style wallpapers for kids’ rooms and creative spaces

Verdict

Both options are on trend, choose based on your room’s purpose, natural light, and desired ambiance.

When to Choose Wallpaper

Consider wallpaper if:

• You want to add drama or create a feature wall
  
• Your design vision includes texture or pattern.
  
• You’re updating a low-traffic room like a powder room, bedroom, or office.
  
• You’re working with a designer and want a bespoke look.

Pro Tip

Use wallpaper to bring visual interest to awkward spaces like alcoves, stairwells, or behind bookshelves.

When to Choose Paint

Consider paint if:

• You prefer a minimalist or clean aesthetic
  
• Your design style may evolve.
  
• You’re painting large areas or entire rooms.
  
• You want a budget-friendly refresh or plan to resell soon

Pro Tip

Mix finishes to add subtle depth. Try combining matte walls with a satin or semi-gloss trim.

The Right Choice for Your Home

Paint or Wallpaper? It Depends on Your Vision

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; paint and wallpaper both offer unique advantages. For adaptability, budget, and ease of use, paint is the go-to choice. For richness, texture, and personality, wallpaper adds a designer touch you can’t get with a brush.

At Oui Colour Paint & Wallpaper, we offer expert advice and curated products to help Canadians transform their interiors with confidence. Whether you’re drawn to the sophistication of premium wallpaper or the timeless appeal of Benjamin Moore paint, we’re here to help.

Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?

Visit www.ouicolourpaint.ca to browse our premium selection of paint and wallpaper collections. Or stop by our Toronto-area showroom for hands-on samples and design consultations.

Explore. Compare. Transform.
Oui Colour Paint & Wallpaper – Your Home, Your Style.