Commercial Wallpaper VS Painting
Are you thinking of getting new wallpaper for your home of office? Are you debating painting the walls instead of hanging new wallpaper? Is the price of wallpaper is a concern? So let’s dive into the cost and value of Commercial Wallpaper vs Painting.
Whether you’re designing a chic café, an upscale boutique, or a sleek office, the decision between commercial wallpaper and paint can make or break the vibe you’re going for. Wallpaper in the Chicago area for us is huge! From downtown Chicago to Glenn Ellyn to Crystal Lake, there all shapes in sizes of commercial painting and commercial wallpaper that we have helped business with. As we look at wallpaper vs paint -Both options have their pros and cons, so choosing the right one means reviewing factors like durability, aesthetics, cost, and maintenance. Ready?
The Benefits of Commercial Wallpaper
Modern commercial wallpaper has come a long way from the outdated floral prints of decades past. It’s now one of the top choices for businesses looking to create standout interiors. Here’s why wallpaper might be the MVP for your space:
1. Exceptional Durability
Commercial-grade wallpaper is built to last, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like lobbies, hotel hallways, and restaurants. It’s tougher than paint when it comes to resisting scuffs, scratches, and daily wear and tear. A quality vinyl wallpaper, for example, can last up to 25 years with minimal upkeep!!.
Paint? You’re looking at touch-ups or a full repaint every 3-5 years in busy spaces.
2. Endless Design Possibilities
Wallpaper opens the door to textures, patterns, and colors you just can’t achieve with paint.
Want walls that look like textured concrete, natural wood, or shimmering metallics? Wallpaper can make it happen—no fancy painting techniques required.
You can also incorporate bold patterns, murals, or even your brand’s custom design to make a lasting impression.
3. Low Maintenance
Many commercial wallpapers are washable or even scrubbable, which makes cleaning a breeze. Whether it’s fingerprints in a hallway or food splatters in a dining area, you can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. Try doing that with a flat-painted wall!
4. Hides Imperfections
Do you have older walls or damaged walls? Wallpaper is much more forgiving than paint when it comes to hiding cracks, dents, or uneven surfaces. Textured wallpaper, in particular, can mask flaws and make walls look flawless without a ton of prep work.
5. Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness
While wallpaper is pricier upfront, its longevity and low maintenance often make it more cost-effective over time. (see the video above)
With fewer touch-ups and replacements needed, you’ll save money in the long run.
The Benefits of Painting Walls
Paint has been the classic choice for walls for years for a simple few reasons—it’s versatile, quick, affordable and easy to get done. For commercial spaces, it still offers plenty of benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.
1. Affordable Upfront Costs
Painting is usually less expensive than wallpaper in terms of both materials and labor. If you’re working with a tight budget or just need a fresh coat to brighten up your space, paint is often the better choice.
2. Flexibility and Easy Updates
Paint is great for spaces that need regular updates or rebranding. Changing colors to match a new logo or seasonal trends is as simple as rolling on a fresh coat. This flexibility makes paint a favorite for businesses that like to keep things fresh.
3. Faster Application
If time is a factor, paint is usually quicker to apply than wallpaper. A professional team can paint a room in a day or two, whereas wallpapering requires more precision and time. For businesses with tight deadlines, paint might be the way to go.
4. Minimalist Appeal
Sometimes, less is more. If your business’s aesthetic leans toward clean, simple, and modern, a fresh coat of paint in the right color can achieve that look beautifully. It’s also ideal for spaces where walls don’t need to stand out, like backrooms or utility areas.
5. Easier Repairs
Touching up paint is straightforward and cost-effective. If a wall gets scuffed or chipped, it’s easy to blend in a quick fix with minimal effort.
Comparing Wallpaper and Paint
So, how do you decide between commercial wallpaper and paint? It comes down to the needs of your space and what you’re hoping to achieve.
1. Durability and Longevity
- Wallpaper: Built to last and ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Paint: More susceptible to damage but easier to repair.
2. Aesthetic Options
- Wallpaper: Offers textures, patterns, and customization that paint can’t match.
- Paint: Simple, clean, and great for minimalistic designs.
3. Cost
- Wallpaper: Higher upfront cost but longer-lasting, making it more cost-effective over time, and higher skill level to install making it harder to find people to do the work.
- Paint: Cheaper initially but may require more frequent updates and maintenance.
4. Installation Time
- Wallpaper: Requires precision and takes longer to install, but the results are worth it.
- Paint: Faster to apply, perfect for tight deadlines.
5. Maintenance
- Wallpaper: Wipeable and stain-resistant but harder to replace if damaged.
- Paint: Easier to touch up but more prone to showing wear and tear.
6. Customization
- Wallpaper: Endless design possibilities, from bold patterns to textures.
- Paint: A wide variety of colors but limited in texture and design options.
The Verdict: Which One Is Right for Your Space?
At the end of the day, the decision between wallpaper and paint depends on your specific needs:
- Go with Wallpaper If: You want a long-lasting/long term, high-end finish with eye-catching design options. Ideal for restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and other spaces where durability and aesthetics are key.
- Go with Paint If: You’re on a tight budget, need a quick turnaround, or prefer the simplicity of clean, solid-colored walls. Perfect for offices, temporary spaces, or areas that don’t need a lot of personality.
Your walls are more than just a backdrop—they’re a reflection of your brand and the experience you want to create for customers or employees. Whether you go with the timeless simplicity of paint or the bold impact of wallpaper, the choice should align with your business’s style, function, and budget.
Need help deciding or installing?
We’re here to make your walls a standout feature that lasts for years. Reach out, and let’s create something incredible together!
