Wallpaper was very popular up until a few decades ago, offering more complex patterns than the clean paint jobs that are the most popular interior wall finishing option today. But the question is: is wallpaper making a comeback? So far, the answer seems to be no. With more than 25 years of service in the Naples, Florida area, we’ve had many interior painting jobs that involve wallpaper surfaces, and the vast majority of them have centered around its removal. Though depending upon the wallpaper and its condition, we can either remove the old wallpaper or paint over it.

But don’t be so quick to dismiss wallpaper altogether! Even though Southwest Florida’s demand is low, a rise in popularity could be on the horizon. Numerous articles in national publications have recently proclaimed the comeback of wallpaper in interior design. And a recent study suggests that he global market for digitally printed wallpaper will more than double by 2025. The study estimates that this global market, which hit $2.9 billion in 2020, will reach $7.5 billion in 2025. The study’s projections seem to be supported by real-world sales, given that one of the largest American wallpaper supplier—York Wallcoverings—recently reported a year-over year 20 percent increase in sales.   

Wallpaper Through the Ages

From a historical standpoint, paint has the edge over wallpaper thanks to prehistoric painting on cave walls some 40,000 years ago or so. That said, wallpaper does have an ancient pedigree given that its first known use was by the Chinese in 200 B.C. The rise of Wallpaper’s modern popularity can be traced back to the 16^th century, when papering walls became fashionable by the aristocracy and gentry of England and France. Its popularity received a further boost in the 1800s when the Industrial Revolution brought about its mass production. This considerably lowered its cost, making it affordable for the working class.

By the early 20^th century, wallpaper was considered one of the most popular household items in Europe and North America. So popular in America that U.S. firm Sears, Roebuck and Co. began manufacturing it. In Europe wallpaper has continued to retain its popularity, but interior paints started overtaking wallpaper as the wall coating of choice in the U.S. starting in the 1970s. While paint has definitely enjoyed a significant edge over wallpaper since then, wallpaper has been gaining in popularity over the past decade. And, according to many interior designers, this trend will undoubtedly continue for the rest of this decade.        

Paint Versus Wallpaper

The choice of whether to coat your interior walls with paint or wallpaper ultimately comes down to one’s personal style and taste. However, some other considerations you should weigh include:

• Cost—painting is less expensive than hanging wallpaper.
• Prep Work—wallpaper requires more than painting.
• Application—painting is easier than wallpaper hanging.
• Versatility—with so many colors and varieties paint has the edge, though wallpaper offers a huge degree of artistic variation and selection of designs and patterns.
• Durability—wallpaper tends to be much more durable and longer-lasting than paint.

Consult with a Professional Naples, FL Painting Company

If you’re considering a refresh of your interior walls, or need to finish newly constructed interior walls, consult with FCI Painting to better assess your options. We have more than 25 years of professional experience in helping Naples, Florida area clients beautify their interior walls. To learn more, contact FCI Painting online, or by giving us a call at (239) 435-1001.