Inspiration and advice
Wall panels, wallpaper and paint compared
Wall panels, wallpaper or paint? We compare the most popular ways to finish a wall, with the strengths and drawbacks of each, so you can pick the right one.
Introduction
Fitting out an interior means making a great many decisions, and one of the most important is the choice of wall finishing materials. A few answers dominate the market: wall panels, wallpaper and paint. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, so in this article we compare all three to help you pick the best one for your interior.
Wall panels — modern and practical
Wall panels are steadily gaining in popularity thanks to their versatility and their looks. Made from a range of materials such as MDF, PVC and timber, they come in a wide spread of patterns and colours.
Advantages of wall panels
- Durability: panels resist physical damage, moisture and soiling.
- Ease of fitting: installation is simple and quick, and often needs no specialist tools.
- Looks: the range of patterns and textures available lets you create interiors that are one of a kind.
- Insulation: they do not only decorate but also improve a room's thermal and acoustic insulation.
Drawbacks of wall panels
- Price: compared with wallpaper or paint, panels can cost more.
- Thickness: they can reduce a room's usable floor area very slightly.
Wallpaper — a classic with room for invention
Wallpaper is a traditional form of wall decoration that still enjoys a following thanks to modern patterns and technology.
Advantages of wallpaper
- Wealth of patterns: from classic motifs to modern geometrics.
- Personalisation: easy to match to the owner's style.
- Price: wallpaper is often cheaper than panels.
Drawbacks of wallpaper
- Harder to maintain: wallpaper is less resistant to soiling and moisture.
- Fragile where damage is likely: it can scuff or peel away.
- Time-consuming to hang: it calls for precision and often for specialist tools.
Paint — simple and universal
Paint is the most universal and widespread finish of all, available in an almost unlimited palette of colours.
Advantages of paint
- Price: paint is often the cheapest answer.
- Easy to change: walls can be repainted quickly to refresh an interior.
- Availability: paint is widely available in a range of finishes, matt, satin and textured.
Drawbacks of paint
- Durability: paint is less resistant to soiling and physical damage.
- Limited decorative range: compared with wallpaper and panels it offers fewer creative possibilities.
- Time-consuming to apply: it needs proper surface preparation and several coats.
Costs compared
- Wall panels: the highest initial outlay, but great durability and lower running costs over the long term.
- Wallpaper: a middling cost, but more upkeep needed.
- Paint: the lowest initial cost, but redecoration is needed more often.
When to choose panels, wallpaper or paint
- Wall panels: ideal where durability and appearance both matter, in a bathroom, kitchen or living room, say.
- Wallpaper: best in rooms less exposed to moisture, such as a bedroom or an office.
- Paint: a universal answer for any room where low cost is the priority.
In summary
The choice between wall panels, wallpaper and paint depends on your needs, your budget and the style of the interior. Wall panels are for anyone looking for a durable, good-looking answer; wallpaper offers enormous variety of pattern; and paint remains the most universal and the most economical. Any of the three can be the right choice if you match it to your needs and the way you live.
See our wall panel range here
