What Is the Wall Paper Installation Price in India? Cost Breakdown and Benefits
March 25, 2025
Best Home Colour As Per Vastu 2025 For Positive Energy
March 25, 2025
When scrolling Instagram or Pinterest on your phone, have you seen those mindblowing home makeover clips? One second, it’s a plain, boring wall and in a finger’s snap, it’s covered with aesthetic wallpaper, lifting the whole vibes of the home instantly.
We bet it would have left you dreaming, ‘Should I get wallpaper instead of paint?’ for your next home renovation.
For years, paint has been the only option for most Indian houses. But now, wallpaper is everywhere- on your social media feed, in modern, luxury apartments, and even in budget-friendly DIY transformations.
It is stylish, it is trending… but is it actually better than paint? Let’s find it out!
Also read: Different types of paint for home
Table of contents
- Paint vs Wallpaper: Differences at a Glance!
- Wallpaper vs Paint: Which is More Budget-Friendly?
- Which One Has More Design Options- Paint or Wall Paper?
- Wallpaper Versus Paint: Which Lasts Longer?
- Which One is Faster to Install?
- Best Option for Imperfect Walls?
- Which One is Easier to Maintain?
- Which is Easier to Remove or Replace?
- Best Choice for Different Rooms
- Paint vs Wallpaper: Pros & Cons
- Final Takeaway
- FAQs
Paint vs Wallpaper: Differences at a Glance! | ||
Factor | Paint | Wallpaper |
Cost | Starts from INR 20 per sq.ft. | Starts from INR 40 per sq.ft. |
Variety | Unlimited shades, different finishes | Many patterns, textures and custom prints |
Durability | Lasts 5 to 7 years | Lasts 10 to 15 years |
Installation Time | 3 to 5 days (includes drying) | 1 day (ready immediately) |
Best for imperfect walls? | Covers minor imperfections with textured paints | Needs a smooth, even surface |
Maintenance | Glossy paints are easy to clean, but matte stains easily | Some are washable, but delicate wallpapers can get damaged |
Removal & replacement | Easy; just repaint | Harder to remove; might damage walls |
Best for which rooms? | Best for kitchens, bathrooms and children’s rooms | Best for living rooms, bedrooms and feature walls |
Wallpaper vs Paint: Which is More Budget-Friendly?
- The basic plastic paint starts from INR 20 per sq.ft. and can go up to INR 150 per sq. ft. for premium textures and enamel options.
- The basic PVC and simple design wallpapers start from INR 40 per sq.ft. and can go up to INR 500 per sq.ft. for high-end options like fabric, textured or imported.
If you are on a tight budget, paint is the most affordable option.
For example, if you are painting a 10x12 ft room, the painting cost would range between INR 3.5k to 6k. If you opt for wallpaper, it ranges between INR 8k to 15k.
Which One Has More Design Options- Paint or Wall Paper?
- Paint has more than a thousand shades to choose from. It includes matte, satin, glossy and textured finishes. There is also room for customisation, by mixing colours for a desired shade. Techniques like stencilling, sponging and textured painting are also used.
- Wallpaper comes in different patterns, prints and textures, like floral, geometric, and 3D. There are ample prints mimicking wood, marble, brick, fabric, or leather. With digital wallpapers coming into the scene, you can also customise designs and in fact, have your photos as wallpaper.
There are plenty of paint and wallpaper designs. If you want a simple colour change, you can go for painting or else, for high-end decorative looks, choose wallpaper.
Wallpaper Versus Paint: Which Lasts Longer?
- A fresh coat of paint can last from 5 to 7 years.
- While, high-quality wallpapers can last from 10 to 15 years.
If maintained properly, wallpapers last longer.
Also read: How to choose the best paint for your home?
Which One is Faster to Install?
- Paint can take 3 to 5 days for multiple coats, including the drying time. Textured paints take an even longer period.
- Wallpaper just takes 1 day to paste the wallpaper for a single room. And there’s no drying time. Once it is up, it’s done.
So, for the installation factor, wallpaper is a clear winner.
Preparation Time
- To paint the all, you need to clean it, patch up the cracks, and apply primer, before starting the work.
- For wallpaper application, you need to smoothen the wall and fill and sand down if there are any cracks, dents or uneven areas. This helps avoid the bubbles in the wallpaper.
If you are running short of time, you can opt for painting.
Best Option for Imperfect Walls?
- If your walls have cracks or bumps, paint is the best option. Textured paints can help hide minor imperfections on the wall.
- Wallpapers need perfectly smooth and drywall for proper application. Because, it won’t stick on rough, cracked or damp walls.
So, comparing paint vs wallpaper, for imperfection walls, paint to good to go.
Which One is Easier to Maintain?
- Glossy and satin paint finishes are easier to clean and last longer, while matte paints stain easily and require frequent touch-ups.
- Wallpapers are washable, but not all of them. They are prone to damage by water, scratches or sharp objects. Humidity can also cause peeling. If one section gets torn, foxing it can be difficult.
Hence, the easy maintenance option is paint.
Which is Easier to Remove or Replace?
- Paint removal is easy; all you need to do is repaint over the old one.
- Peeling off wallpaper can be difficult. It damages the wall and requires additional fixes before replacing it with another design.
So, comparing paint vs wallpaper, paint is easier to remove.
Best Choice for Different Rooms
Room | Best Choice | Why? |
Living Room | Wallpaper | Wallpaper adds a rich, stylish look. |
Bedroom | Wallpaper | Wallpaper creates a cosy and aesthetic vibe to your intimate space. |
Kitchen | Paint | Paint is easier to clean and maintain, especially in a place like a kitchen where it gets stained frequently. |
Bathroom | Paint | Paint is more resistant to moisture. |
Children's Room | Paint | Kids tend to keep their rooms untidy. Walls can be easily repainted if stained. |
Also read: How to paint your floor tiles?
Paint vs Wallpaper: Pros & Cons
Pros of Paint
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to apply & remove
- Can be touched up easily
- Work on uneven walls
Cons of Paint
- Can fade, peel or chip over time
- Take longer to apply and get dried
Pros of Wallpaper
- Lasts longer than paint
- Offers unique textures, prints and patterns
- Gives a premium feel
Cons of Wallpaper
- More expensive for premium options
- Difficult to remove or replace
- Not suitable for humid areas
Final Takeaway
Deciding between paint vs wallpaper depends on your budget, style and maintenance preferences. If you want an affordable and easy-to-maintain option, you can choose paint over wallpaper. The latter is suitable if you want a premium, designer look. Both paint and wallpaper have their own pros and cons. Choose wisely based on your needs!
Now that you know what’s best for your walls, what about your doors and windows? At GreenFortune, we make strong and stylish uPVC doors and windows that last long, save energy, and keep noise and dust out. Our products need very little maintenance and are perfect for modern homes.
FAQs
1). Which is better, wallpaper or paint?
Paint is cheaper and easier to apply. Wallpaper looks fancy and lasts longer but can peel in humid weather. If you want simple and budget-friendly walls, choose paint.
2). What are the disadvantages of wallpaper?
Wallpaper can peel in humid places and is harder to remove. It is also prone to scratches, so it is better to keep sharp objects far from it. If it gets damaged, you may have to replace a whole section.
3). Is it cheaper to paint or wallpaper a house?
Painting is cheaper because it costs INR 20 to 150 per square foot, while wallpaper costs INR 50 to 500 per square foot. Paint is also easier to maintain and lasts longer in most Indian homes.
