To paper or to paint? That is the question!
(Part 1 in the series)
by Patrick Shields
You’ve made the decision to decorate your home. Now you have to decide whether
to use wallpaper or paint. Making this decision is a lot like making a decision
about a relationship. Wallpaper answers the call for those ready to commit to a
long-term relationship. Paint works nicely for those who struggle with
commitment, for those who want to keep their options open. Some people like it
both ways and wallpaper some rooms and paint others. Whether or not you are
ready to commit or you prefer more flexible arrangements, the choice between
wallpaper and paint is really a matter of two variables – preference and price.
What’s your preference?
If you want to instantaneously turn your living
space into an expression of your style, wallpaper is the way to go. It is the
fastest way to change the atmosphere of a room. The artwork or art designs on
the paper give your walls texture and depth. It can also highlight the style of
your house. For example, Victorian, Federalist, colonial or contemporary are
just a few of the patterns and designs available. Wallpaper selections range
from a simple stripe to the most sublime in high end decoration. Finding
wallpaper to match your preference often can take some time. If you like a
pattern or paper you have seen in a magazine or on a website, make sure to
bookmark it or start keeping a preference folder. It will save you time whether
you are working with a designer or visiting the wallpaper store.
If you are searching for a clean, simple look,
painting should be your choice. You can make a statement with paint by choosing
bold colors, using basic design or applying decorative paint. In bathrooms and
kitchens, semi-gloss paints are washable and are not affected by frequent
changes in humidity and heat. As with wallpaper, there is a myriad of color
choices so start making a preference folder of colors for each room you plan on
painting. Having a picture to show the paint clerk will accelerate getting you
to the color you want much faster than trying to verbally explain it. Better
yet, have the manufacturers’ code for your preferences prior to visiting the
paint store.
What is your price?
As a rule of thumb, wallpaper and installation is
about three times the cost of a one coat paint job. That probably leads you to
conclude that painting is far cheaper than wallpaper. But it is not that simple.
Depending on the interior condition of your house, painting can require more
preparation labor than wallpaper. Also, if you choose a color that requires
multiple coats, it will drive the cost close to wallpaper. On the other hand,
wallpaper can also involve extensive preparation ranging from removing old
wallpaper, sanding, and sizing. But here is where we get back to the commitment
issue. Wallpaper can look great for fifteen years. Paint usually requires touch
up or repainting every five years. While wallpaper requires a bigger upfront
expense, over time it can be about the same as paint.
What’s your answer?
Both wallpaper and paint can get the decorating
job done in your house. Your likes and dislikes, your house’s style, your
budget, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, all factor into your
decision. But your answer to the question of whether to paper or paint will
ultimately be a commitment decision. Are you ready to make that long-term
commitment? Or, do you want to stay flexible?
Got a question?
Click here to email me.
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