Paint vs Wallpaper: What Most Interior Designers Won’t Tell You

When it comes to giving your walls a fresh new look, most interior designers will quickly recommend either paint or wallpaper. But here’s the secret: what they don’t always tell you could save you money, stress, and disappointment.

At Rangi Paint Store — the best paint store in Kenya — we’ve seen clients face this dilemma countless times. So, let’s dive into the truth behind paint vs wallpaper, and why one option often comes out on top.

🎨 The Case for Paint

✅ Advantages of Paint

• Cost-effective: Paint is generally cheaper upfront and in the long run.
• Easier to change: Want a new vibe? Repainting is faster and less costly than re-wallpapering.
• Durability in Kenyan climate: With high humidity in some regions, quality paint resists peeling better than wallpaper.
• Customization: From matte to gloss, textured finishes to accent walls, paint offers limitless design flexibility.

⚠️ Disadvantages of Paint

• Requires repainting every few years (usually 3–5 years).
• Can chip or crack if the surface isn’t prepared properly.
• Professional finish may require skilled painters.

👉 Pro Tip: Using eco-friendly, low-VOC paint from Rangi Paint Store ensures healthier indoor air and long-lasting results.

🖼️ The Case for Wallpaper

✅ Advantages of Wallpaper

• Instant design impact: Patterns, textures, and murals can create dramatic looks.
• Long-lasting: Good quality wallpaper can last up to 10–15 years.
• Variety: Huge range of prints, from subtle patterns to bold artistic statements.

⚠️ Disadvantages of Wallpaper (What Designers Won’t Tell You)

• Kenyan humidity is the enemy: In areas like Mombasa or Kisumu, wallpaper can peel and bubble.
• Cost of installation: Skilled installers are few and charge more. Mistakes are expensive.
• Difficult to remove: Once glued, taking wallpaper down can damage walls.
• Not pet/kid friendly: Children, pets, and even water spills can easily ruin wallpaper.

💡 Paint vs Wallpaper: Which One Wins in Kenya?

While wallpaper is trendy and stylish, paint is more practical, affordable, and climate-friendly in most Kenyan homes. Unless you’re investing in very high-end, imported wallpaper with professional installation, paint remains the smarter choice.

And here’s the catch designers won’t say outright: most wallpaper is imported, making repairs or replacements a nightmare. Paint, on the other hand, is always available — and in Kenya, Rangi Paint Store provides eco-friendly, durable options that are perfect for our climate.

🛒 Where to Buy the Best Paint in Kenya

If you’re ready to refresh your walls, skip the uncertainty. At Rangi Paint Store, you’ll find:

• Premium eco-friendly paints suited for Kenyan weather.
• A wide variety of finishes and shades for every style.
• Affordable prices with delivery options across Kenya.

👉 Visit rangi.co.ke today to explore our full range and make the smarter choice for your home or office.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which lasts longer, paint or wallpaper?
Wallpaper may last longer (10–15 years), but paint is easier and cheaper to maintain in Kenyan conditions.

Q2: Is wallpaper good for humid areas like Mombasa?
Not really. Humidity causes peeling and bubbling, making paint a better option.

Q3: Can I mix paint and wallpaper in one room?
Yes! Many designers use wallpaper on a feature wall and paint on the other walls.

Q4: What’s the most cost-effective option in Kenya?
Paint is more budget-friendly in both installation and maintenance.

✅ Final Word

When comparing paint vs wallpaper, the choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and climate. But if you want durability, flexibility, and value for money in Kenya — paint is the smarter long-term solution.

💡 And with Rangi Paint Store — the best paint store in Kenya — you can rest assured you’re investing in premium, eco-friendly paints that keep your walls beautiful for years.