For decades, paint has been the default wall finish. It’s familiar, it feels “safe,” and it’s often framed as the easier option. But wallpaper has made an alluring comeback, shedding its outdated reputation and becoming one of the most versatile design tools available today.
So, when does wallpaper actually make more sense than paint? Let’s break it down.
1. When You Want Depth and Texture, Not Just Color
Paint can change a room’s color, but wallpaper changes its character.
Wallpaper introduces layers, patterns, textures, rhythms, and movements that paint can’t replicate. Even the most subtle wallpaper brings visual interest that reads as intentional and finished, rather than flat.
This is especially true for:
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Neutral lovers who want warmth without bold color
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Spaces that feel a little empty or undefined
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Homes craving softness, structure, or visual calm
A subtle stripe, a small-scale floral, or a tonal botanical can do the work of color and texture at the same time, such as Lark in Linen (picture below).
2. When a Room Needs Personality (Without Being Loud)
Wallpaper doesn’t have to scream to make a statement.
Many people assume wallpaper means bold murals or high-drama patterns, but today’s designs are far more nuanced. Think gentle repeats, heritage-inspired motifs, and patterns that feel collected rather than trendy.
Wallpaper shines in spaces like:
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Bedrooms
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Hallways and stairwells
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Dining rooms
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Reading nooks and home offices
In these rooms, wallpaper adds personality without overpowering the space, something paint often struggles to achieve without going very dark or very saturated. Patterns like Laurel in Midnight (pictured below) do this gorgeously.
3. When You’re Designing a “Problem Room”
Every home has one: a narrow hallway, an awkward alcove, a small powder room that feels unfinished no matter what color you paint it.
Wallpaper is often the better solution in these situations because it:
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Distracts from odd proportions
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Adds interest where furniture can’t
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Turns “in-between” spaces into intentional moments
Small spaces, in particular, are where wallpaper truly excels. A compact room wrapped in pattern can feel cozy, thoughtful, and complete, where paint alone might feel like a placeholder. Sedona in Walnut (pictured below) is a great option for this type of room. 
4. When Durability Matters
Here’s something paint doesn’t always win at: longevity.
Quality wallpaper can be surprisingly durable, especially in:
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Entryways
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Dining spaces
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Kid-adjacent areas
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Light-use commercial or office settings
While paint scuffs and marks easily (and often requires frequent touch-ups), wallpaper tends to wear more gracefully. Patterns disguise minor imperfections, and the surface holds up well over time. Fable Petite (pictured below) is a whimsical style that can work its magic in many rooms.
5. When You Want a More Forgiving Finish
Paint is unforgiving. Every dent, uneven patch, or imperfect wall shows through, especially in darker or matte finishes.
Wallpaper, on the other hand:
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Softens minor wall imperfections
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Hides uneven textures
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Creates visual cohesion even on older walls
For historic homes, rentals with less-than-perfect drywall, or DIY projects without a full renovation budget, wallpaper can actually be the more practical choice. Megafauna in Chinese Blue (pictured below) designed by Eloise Short works beautifully for this application.
6. When You Want Impact Without a Full Redesign
Wallpaper is one of the fastest ways to make a space feel “done.”
You don’t need new furniture. You don’t need to rework the layout. One wall, or one room, can carry the entire design story.
This makes wallpaper ideal for:
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Accent walls
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Feature rooms
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Refreshing a space without replacing everything
Paint can refresh a room. Wallpaper can redefine it. Take Wilder, for instance, a gorgeous, painterly statement piece by Alex Farmer (pictured below)
So… Is Wallpaper Better Than Paint?
Not always, but often, yes.
Paint will always have its place. It’s great for ceilings, trims, and rooms where simplicity is the goal. But when you want warmth, personality, depth, and longevity, wallpaper is often the smarter and more satisfying choice.
If paint is the backdrop, wallpaper is the conversation.
Thinking About Wallpaper for Your Space?
Modern wallpaper is easier to work with than ever, and today’s designs are made to live with, not tiptoe around. Whether you’re drawn to subtle texture, classic pattern, or something a little more expressive, wallpaper offers a level of intention that paint simply can’t match.
Sometimes the question isn’t “Can I use wallpaper?” It’s “Why wouldn’t I?”
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