Wallpaper vs paint: which is better for your walls?
Paint is cheaper and quicker for plain colour; wallpaper adds pattern, texture and depth that paint cannot, hides minor surface imperfections better, and on a scrubbable paper can be very durable. Many rooms work best with both: one papered wall or room, and painted woodwork and ceilings picking out a colour from the design.
Cost
Paint is usually the cheaper material per square metre. Wallpaper costs more but delivers pattern – use our roll calculator for exact quantities.
Durability
Our Premium paper is scrubbable; plain matt emulsion marks more easily in halls.
Changing your mind
Non-woven wallpaper dry strips; paint needs repainting or covering.
Comparison
| Wallpaper | Paint | |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern & texture | Yes | Plain only (unless hand-painted) |
| Hides minor flaws | Better | Shows flaws |
| Effort | More preparation & hanging | Quicker |
| Removal | Dry strip (non-woven) | Repaint |
| Scrubbable options | Premium paper | Depends on paint |
Designs to try
Stafford Diamond Wallpaper
Kerrigan Garden Birds Wallpaper
Rossiter Scattered Leaf Wallpaper
Edmund Bamboo Trellis Wallpaper
Cambrey Rainforest Wallpaper
Trerice Willow Court Wallpaper
Magnolia Leaf Sprig Wallpaper
Hammond Atomic Star Wallpaper
Questions & answers
Is wallpaper back in fashion?
Feature walls and fully papered rooms are both good ways to use pattern. Choose what you love rather than what is fashionable.
Can I paint over wallpaper?
It is possible on some papers but not recommended for patterned designs – it is usually better to strip and repaint.