Wallpaper vs. Paint: Which Is Better for Long-Term Design?

If you’re planning a home refresh, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question:

Should I use wallpaper or paint?

Paint has long been the default choice. It’s familiar, easy to access, and often seen as the “safe” option. Wallpaper, on the other hand, is sometimes viewed as bold, intimidating, or high-commitment.

But when it comes to long-term design, durability, and overall impact, the answer isn’t as simple as it used to be.

At Northwest Wall Designs, we’ve seen firsthand how each performs over time. Below is a clear breakdown to help you decide what truly makes sense for your space.

Why Paint Is Often the First Choice

Paint is popular for a reason. It’s accessible, flexible, and familiar.

The Advantages of Paint

• Lower upfront cost

• Easy to change or refresh

• Widely available in endless colors

• Familiar DIY option for homeowners

For short-term updates or quick refreshes, paint can absolutely serve a purpose.

But when homeowners are thinking beyond “right now” — paint starts to show its limitations.

Where Paint Falls Short Over Time

Painted walls tend to age faster than most people expect.

Over the years, we commonly see:

• scuffs and marks that don’t clean well

• uneven fading, especially in high-light areas

• frequent repainting to maintain a “fresh” look

• limited depth or texture compared to wallpaper

In many homes, paint becomes something that needs to be maintained rather than enjoyed.

Why Wallpaper Excels in Long-Term Design

Wallpaper today is not what it was decades ago. Modern materials, inks, and installation techniques have completely changed how wallpaper performs.

The Advantages of Wallpaper

• Greater durability and longevity

• Rich texture and visual depth

• Consistent appearance over time

• Resistance to everyday wear when properly installed

• Elevated, custom feel that paint can’t replicate

When installed professionally, wallpaper is designed to last years, not months.

Durability: Wallpaper vs. Paint

This is where the difference becomes most obvious.

Painted walls often require touch-ups, repainting, or full refreshes every few years — especially in:

• entryways

• hallways

• dining areas

• bathrooms

• powder rooms

Wallpaper, when properly installed, holds up significantly better in these same spaces. Seams stay clean, patterns remain consistent, and the surface maintains its integrity far longer than paint.

Design Impact: One Wall vs. the Entire Room

Paint relies on color alone to make a statement.

Wallpaper offers:

• pattern

• scale

• texture

• movement

• personality

This is why a single wallpaper wall can completely change the feel of a room — something paint often struggles to achieve without overwhelming the space.

It’s also why wallpaper works so well for:

• accent walls

• powder rooms

• dining rooms

• offices

• entryways

You don’t need to paper every wall to see the benefit.

Maintenance and Longevity

One of the biggest misconceptions about wallpaper is that it’s hard to maintain.

In reality:

• High-quality wallpaper is easy to care for

• It resists everyday wear better than paint

• It doesn’t require frequent refreshing

• When removed properly, it can be cleaner than multiple layers of paint

Paint feels low-maintenance upfront — but over time, wallpaper often proves to be the lower-effort option.

Cost Over Time: The Bigger Picture

Paint typically costs less at the start.

Wallpaper often costs less over the life of the space.

When you factor in:

• repeated repainting

• labor costs

• downtime

• inconsistency in finish

Wallpaper becomes a long-term investment rather than a recurring expense.

So… Which Is Better for Long-Term Design?

If you’re looking for:

• a quick, temporary refresh → paint can work

• durability, depth, and long-term impact → wallpaper is the better choice

Wallpaper isn’t about trends or decoration alone — it’s about creating a space that feels intentional, finished, and built to last.

Professional Insight: Why Installation Matters

Wallpaper performs best when installed correctly.

Professional installation ensures:

• clean seams

• proper wall preparation

• correct adhesive use

• longevity

• a flawless final result

The difference between wallpaper that lasts and wallpaper that fails almost always comes down to installation.

Ready to Explore Wallpaper for Your Home?

Whether you’re considering a single accent wall or a full-room transformation, our team brings experience, precision, and design-focused craftsmanship to every project.

📍 Serving Spokane & the Inland Northwest

If you’re curious about what wallpaper could do for your space — we’re always happy to help you explore the possibilities.

Peel-and-stick: when and when not to use.

If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest, TikTok, or in the seasonal aisle at Target, you’ve seen it: peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s marketed as the “easy, renter-friendly, weekend project” solution for transforming a room with zero commitment.

But here’s the truth most homeowners aren’t told:

🎯 Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a temporary product — not a long-term, high-quality installation. And while the industry pushes it hard, it’s not the right choice for most projects, surfaces, or design goals.

At Northwest Wall Designs, we’re all about helping you create a space you absolutely love and part of that means being honest about what works and what doesn’t.

Below is a clear breakdown of when peel-and-stick makes sense… and when it’s likely to disappoint you.

Why Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Isn’t Recommended for Most Projects

Peel-and-stick sounds great in theory… until you’re actually living with it. Here’s why we do not recommend it for permanent or high-impact spaces:

It’s Not a High-Quality, Long-Term Product

Peel-and-stick adhesives simply aren’t as durable as traditional wallpaper pastes. Over time, you’ll likely notice:

• lifting at the seams

• bubbling

• shrinking

• peeling around corners

• uneven adhesion on textured areas

Even premium brands struggle to match the longevity of traditional wallpaper. If you want a finish that looks professionally installed and lasts for years — peel-and-stick won’t deliver that.

It Performs Poorly on Textured Walls

Most homes in the Inland Northwest have some form of texture: orange peel, light knockdown, heavy knockdown, etc.

Peel-and-stick does not bond consistently to textured surfaces, which leads to:

• visible imperfections under the material

• air pockets

• uneven application

• premature failure

It’s designed for perfectly smooth walls — which is rarely the reality in residential spaces.

It’s Harder to Install Than People Think

“Just peel and slap it up!”
If only.

Peel-and-stick is unforgiving, especially with:

• large patterns

• murals

• rooms with corners

• intricate layouts (bathrooms, entryways, powder rooms)

Repositioning it stretches the material, creating warped patterns and misaligned seams. Traditional wallpaper is far easier to correct, smooth, reposition, and perfect.

It Can Damage Walls When Removed

Ironically, the “renter-friendly” product often causes:

• lifted paint

• torn drywall

• sticky residue

Especially in bathrooms or humid areas — the adhesive breaks down incorrectly and bonds unpredictably.

When Peel-and-Stick Can Be Used Successfully

While we don’t recommend peel-and-stick as a go-to wallpaper product, it does have a few very specific uses.

Here’s when it can make sense:

✔ Short-Term or Temporary Projects

If you’re decorating:

• a rental

• a nursery you know will change

• a dorm

• a studio

• a staging home

…then peel-and-stick can serve as a low-commitment, low-risk option.

✔ Small, Single Accent Walls

If you’ve already purchased peel-and-stick and cannot return it, we are willing to install it on one-wall areas only.

This helps reduce the risk of misalignment and increases the likelihood of a cleaner result.

✔ Completely Smooth, Prepped Walls

This is rare — but if your walls are perfectly smooth and primed correctly, peel-and-stick adheres better.

Still temporary, still lower quality — but more predictable.

So What Should You Use Instead?

If you're aiming for:

- a long-lasting finish
- crisp seams
- seamless pattern alignment
- durability
- design that elevates the home
- increased resale value

…then professional-grade wallpaper is the clear winner.

Traditional wallpaper:

• lays flatter

• adheres more securely

• lasts significantly longer

• handles humidity better

• gives a noticeably higher-end finish

• is easier to install precisely

• is easier to remove cleanly when done correctly

It’s simply engineered for performance — peel-and-stick is engineered for convenience.

Professional Insight: Why We Recommend Avoiding Peel-and-Stick

At Northwest Wall Designs, we’re committed to giving our homeowners the best possible results — and that means recommending materials that:

• look beautiful

• perform beautifully

• stay beautiful

Peel-and-stick rarely checks those boxes.

For clients who have already purchased a roll and can’t return it, we’re happy to help install it on a single, small accent wall — but for long-term, high-quality design?
We encourage you to invest in traditional wallpaper installed by a professional. You’ll see and feel the difference.

Ready for a Beautiful, Long-Lasting Wallpaper Installation?

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy powder room, bold entryway, or a stunning full-room transformation, our team brings precision, expertise, and design-focused workmanship to every project.

📍 Serving Spokane & the Inland Northwest