Wallpaper vs Paint: A Feature Wall Worth Talking About

Wallpaper vs Paint: A Feature Wall Worth Talking About

When it comes to home decorating, few decisions stir up debate quite like the choice between wallpaper and paint. Both have their strengths, and both can completely transform a room. But when you want to add personality, texture, or even a bit of drama, wallpaper often takes centre stage.

Wallpaper vs Paint: The Basics

Wallpaper Pros:

• Long-lasting and durable when applied properly
• Comes in a wide variety of textures, patterns, and finishes
• Ideal for feature walls or statement spaces
• Covers minor imperfections on walls better than paint

Wallpaper Cons:

• Can be tricky to apply without experience
• More difficult to remove or replace than paint
• Pattern matching and wall prep are essential

Paint Pros:

• Easier and faster to apply or change
• More cost-effective upfront
• Great for clean, minimal finishes or frequent style updates

Paint Cons:

• More prone to marks, fading, or damage over time
• Doesn't offer the same depth or texture as wallpaper

For homeowners looking to add charm and character, wallpaper can be a standout solution, especially when installed by an expert.

Tony’s Wallpaper Project: Swans, Style & Skill

One of our favourite pink wallpaper transformations comes from Tony Veale – Hire A Hubby Te Awamutu, who helped a vibrant and creative homeowner bring her lounge to life with a bold feature wall covered in—yep—swans!

Her previous wallpaper was plain, but she had a vision. Tony carefully removed the old wallpaper, plastered and prepped the wall, and applied a sizing layer to ensure a proper bond and easy future removal. From there, it was all about precision, matching each swan perfectly to create a seamless look.

"It was definitely a fun challenge," Tony says. "Pattern matching with swans isn't something you do every day, but she absolutely loved it. Her friends in the church community rave about it every time they visit."

DIY vs Expert Install
Tony’s seen it all, and he’s quick to note the common pitfalls of DIY wallpapering:

• Not removing old wallpaper properly
• Skipping the crucial wall sizing step
• Creating bubbles from trapped air or adhesive issues
• Struggling to match patterns, especially in older homes with uneven walls

He’s also worked on some seriously complex homes, like an old villa with intricate crisscross patterns and completely uneven surfaces. That one, he says, was "a bit of a nightmare"—but also rewarding once finished.

How Long Does It Take?
It depends on the space, the condition of the wall, and the wallpaper type. Tony says that in a best-case scenario, you can wallpaper two average-sized rooms in a day, but stripping wallpaper can take much longer, especially if it’s been on for years.

Cost & Maintenance Tips
Customers usually choose their own wallpaper (with Tony measuring and advising on quantity). Prices can vary, from $90 per roll to $1,000+ for premium imported papers.

As for care? Wallpaper is generally very durable. A light wipe-down now and then is all it takes to keep it looking fresh. And when done properly, wallpaper can last for many years, much longer than a standard coat of paint.

Thinking of a Wallpaper Feature Wall?
Whether you're wanting to make a statement in your lounge, add a touch of luxury to a bedroom, or just something different from the usual paint job, our trusted home improvement experts are ready to help.

From Northland to Invercargill, Hire A Hubby’s network of qualified tradies has your wallpaper and home renovation needs sorted.

Inquire with your local Hire A Hubby