Wall Paint vs Wallpaper – Cost, Trends, and Best Choices for Lahore Homes (2025 Edition)

When it comes to adding character to your interiors, the big debate often comes down to: Wall Paint or Wallpaper? While both options have their place in modern home design, choosing the right finish for your Lahore home depends on your budget, climate, aesthetics, and long-term plans.

In this guide, we’ll break down the costs, pros and cons, design trends, and practical recommendations for wall paint vs wallpaper in Lahore for 2025.

🧾 Cost Comparison – Wall Paint vs Wallpaper (2025 Lahore Rates)

Finish Type Cost per Sq. Ft. (PKR) Durability Reapplication Time
Emulsion Paint 35 – 60 3–5 years Repaint every 4–5 years
Distemper Paint 25 – 35 1–2 years Needs frequent refresh
Wall Putty + Paint 50 – 80 5+ years Long-lasting finish
Wallpaper (PVC) 90 – 150 4–6 years Reapply if torn/stained
Wallpaper (Vinyl/Textured) 150 – 350 6–8 years Durable but repair-specific

🎨 Pros & Cons of Wall Paint

✅ Advantages:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Easy to clean and touch up
  • Wide range of shades and finishes (matte, satin, gloss)
  • Readily available in Lahore (Brighto, Master, Nippon, Dulux) 

❌ Disadvantages:

  • Needs repainting after 4–5 years
  • Cracks can show with time
  • Not ideal for bold texture or patterns 

🖼️ Pros & Cons of Wallpaper

✅ Advantages:

  • Offers depth, texture, and luxury appearance
  • Covers minor wall imperfections
  • Ideal for accent walls and drawing rooms 

❌ Disadvantages:

  • Higher initial cost
  • Can peel in humid weather if poorly installed
  • Less kid-friendly in high-traffic areas 

🏡 Where to Use Paint vs Wallpaper – Room-by-Room Guide

Room Recommended Finish
Living Room Wallpaper accent + Emulsion background
Drawing Room Full textured wallpaper or wall paneling
Bedrooms Emulsion paint + vinyl wallpaper headwall
Kitchen Semi-gloss paint (moisture-resistant)
Washrooms (outside walls) Emulsion paint only
Hallway/Staircase Light shade emulsion (easy to clean)

🌟 Interior Design Trends in Lahore for 2025

  • Two-tone walls with contrast shades
  • Textured wallpapers (linen, wood, floral) for feature walls
  • Minimalist greys and off-whites dominate paint choices
  • PVC washable wallpapers trending in children’s bedrooms
  • Vertical stripe wallpapers in narrow staircases for depth 

💸 Budgeting Tips

  1. Use wallpaper only on 1 or 2 accent walls in a room to cut cost
  2. Choose light-colored emulsion for small rooms to feel open
  3. For rental properties, go for durable emulsion or washable paint
  4. Confirm wall plaster quality before applying wallpaper (no dampness!)
  5. Buy wallpaper rolls from verified vendors—many low-cost versions fade quickly 

📍 Lahore-Specific Considerations

Society Interior Trend
DHA Lahore Designer wallpaper in living & drawing rooms
Bahria Town Matte paint with wallpaper headwalls
Lake City Neutral paint + floral wallpapers in bedrooms
Park View / LDA City Paint-dominant due to affordability

🔗 Related Finishing Cost Blogs

  • House Finishing Cost in Lahore – Full Breakdown
  • False Ceiling Designs & Cost in Lahore – POP vs Gypsum
  • Kitchen and Wardrobe Design Costs for Lahore Homes 

📢 Final Thoughts: Create a Lasting Impression

Choosing between paint and wallpaper doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Many modern homes in Lahore use a blend of both—wallpaper for impact, and paint for ease and practicality. If you plan wisely, you can create visually stunning, cost-effective interiors without compromising durability.