It is one of the most common questions we get at Everything Wallpaper Interior. You are renovating your home or moving into a new apartment and you need to decide: wallpaper or paint?
Both have their place. But the answer depends on what you actually want from your walls. This guide breaks it down honestly.
Is Wallpaper More Expensive Than Paint?
Upfront, yes. Quality wallpaper plus professional installation will cost more than a standard paint job. But this comparison is misleading when you factor in how long each one lasts.
A quality paint job in a Lagos home typically needs repainting every 3 to 5 years due to humidity, dust, and general wear. Quality wallpaper, properly installed, lasts 10 to 15 years with minimal maintenance.
When you calculate cost per year, wallpaper often wins.
Which Type of Wallpaper Lasts the Longest?
For Nigerian homes, vinyl wallpaper and non-woven wallpaper are the most durable options. They handle humidity well, are easy to clean, and do not peel easily when properly installed.
The key word is properly installed. This is why we always recommend professional installation. Wallpaper that is badly hung will fail early regardless of quality.
Does Wallpaper Damage the Paint Underneath?
This is a genuine concern and the honest answer is: it depends on how it is removed.
Wallpaper that is removed correctly, by a professional using the right technique and tools, leaves the wall underneath intact. Wallpaper that is ripped off without preparation can damage the surface beneath.
This is one more reason professional installation and removal matters. At Everything Wallpaper Interior, our installation team handles this correctly every time.
What Are the Disadvantages of Wallpaper?
We will be honest about this because you deserve a straight answer:
- Higher upfront cost compared to paint
- Requires professional installation for best results
- Moisture can be an issue if walls are not properly prepped before installation
- Harder to change quickly if you want a new look in a year
Most of these disadvantages disappear with proper preparation and professional installation. The moisture issue in particular is something our team addresses during every job before a single roll goes up.
Does Wallpaper Come Off Walls Easily?
Modern non-woven wallpaper is designed to come off in full strips without soaking or steaming. This makes it significantly easier to remove than older paper-backed wallpaper.
If you are worried about being stuck with a design forever, non-woven is the answer. Ask us about it when you visit our Lagos or Abuja showroom.
Can You Wallpaper a Room in One Day?
A single room, yes. A bedroom or living room with standard ceiling height can typically be completed in one day by a professional team.
A full apartment or multiple rooms will take longer depending on the complexity of the design and the number of walls involved. We give accurate timelines during our consultation before any work begins.
Which Is Better: Wall Paint or Wallpaper?
Here is our honest verdict:
- Choose paint if you are on a tight budget, want to change your look frequently, or need a quick refresh
- Choose wallpaper if you want a premium finish, something that lasts, and a result that actually looks different from every other apartment on the street
For Nigerian homes in 2025, wallpaper is the better long-term investment. Paint is the easier short-term solution.
Talk to Us Before You Decide
We offer free consultations at both our Lagos and Abuja stores. Come in, tell us your budget and what you want to achieve, and we will give you an honest recommendation, even if that recommendation is paint.
Lagos Store: 22 Dupe Oguntade Street, Off New Road, Ilasan (before Jakande), Lekki.
Calls: +234 907 775 7147 | WhatsApp: +234 805 823 3394
Abuja Store: EFAB Mall, Garki Area 11, Shop D34.
Calls: +234 703 302 7566 | WhatsApp: +234 805 823 3394
Walk in, WhatsApp us, or browse online at everythingwallpaperinterior.com.