Paint vs wallpaper: What works best for Bangladeshi homes

When it comes to decorating your walls, the age-old 'paint vs wallpaper' debate never really gets old. Both have come a long way in terms of variety, quality, and ease of application.

However, in a climate like Bangladesh's, where humidity, dust, and budget constraints play a huge role, the decision goes beyond just personal preference. It's about practicality, durability, and what truly suits your home in the long run. 

Paint remains the more popular choice in many Bangladeshi households for one simple reason: it's cost-effective and widely available. Local brand paints typically range from Tk150 to Tk400 per litre, while high-end or imported premium paints — such as luxury emulsions, eco-friendly formulas, or specialty finishes — can cost Tk900 or up to Tk1,200 per litre.

"When selecting paint, we prioritise low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) options, especially in spaces with children and pets," said Md Asif Rahman, lead architect at Ghasforing.

"While wallpaper can look beautiful, the country's humid weather and damp walls create challenges. With air conditioning on and temperature changes throughout the day, the adhesive often weakens and loses its grip, causing the wallpaper to peel over time."

Rehnuma Tasnim Sheefa, principal architect, Parti.studio

He explained that these paints release less odor and are more environmentally friendly than many conventional paints. Moreover, paint is easy to use and DIY-friendly, giving homeowners the freedom to refresh their walls anytime without additional cost and hassle.

Rahman Ali, a representative of Colours and Colours in Banasree, said that trusted names like Berger, Asian Paints, and Nippon Paints offer a wide range of options to suit different needs and budgets for paints.

"From washable emulsions and weather-resistant exterior paints to eco-friendly formulations, these brands have made it easier for homeowners to find the right finish," he said. "Many of these companies also offer professional services, such as colour consultancy, making the entire process more convenient." 

In Bangladesh, wallpaper prices typically range from around Tk1,300 to Tk2,500 per roll, depending on the design, quality, and whether the product is imported. A standard roll usually covers about 5.3 square metres, though higher-end or specialty wallpapers — such as embossed, textured, or 3D designs — can cost more.

Professional installation generally costs an additional Tk20 to Tk50 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the pattern and the installer's experience.

Kids love to scribble on walls, and some parents are turning that into a creative feature. Maliha Nawar from Dhanmondi used peel-and-stick chalkboard wallpaper in her son's room, letting him draw freely without damaging the walls. "It's his favourite corner now, and it wipes clean easily," she said. This playful yet practical option adds character while protecting walls.

According to Rahman, glossy or semi-gloss paint finishes are easier to clean but can highlight imperfections, while matte paints offer a smoother look but stain more easily. Though retouching paint is affordable and straightforward, regular maintenance can be tiresome, especially with exposure to sunlight, kitchen smoke, or moisture.

Wallpaper, requires careful installation as poor alignment, air bubbles, or tearing during application can ruin an entire roll, which is why most people opt for professional help.

In terms of aesthetics, paint offers simplicity. It's perfect for minimal interiors or for people who prefer a calm, uninterrupted flow between rooms. But if you want to create a statement or add texture to a space, wallpaper is hard to beat. 

With endless design choices — from florals and geometrics to metallics and 3D textures, wallpaper instantly adds depth and drama. Many homeowners now use wallpaper on just one accent wall, balancing the boldness of design with the practicality of painted surfaces in the rest of the room.

Rehnuma Tasneem Sheefa, principal architect at Parti.studio, says that there are some downsides of using wallpaper. She explains, "While wallpaper can look beautiful, the country's humid weather and damp walls create challenges. With air conditioning on and temperature changes throughout the day, the adhesive often weakens and loses its grip, causing the wallpaper to peel over time."

However, it may be used on interior partition walls where moisture is less of an issue, though even there, the adhesive can still come loose.

Besides durability concerns, wallpaper tends to be more expensive. Meanwhile, many paint brands now offer a wide range of finishes and textures that make it easier to achieve appealing, stylish walls without the risks that wallpaper brings in this climate.

Nadia Rahman, a new homeowner in Mirpur, said that she chose Berger Silk Luxury Emulsion for all her rooms because of its soft finish and easy-to-clean quality. Being minimalist by nature, she appreciates how the uniform look creates a calm and fresh atmosphere throughout her house.

Samiul Hasan, who recently renovated his family flat in Uttara, took a mixed approach. He said they chose matte Asian Paints for most rooms to keep things simple and modern. 

However, for his daughter's room, they used a pastel floral wallpaper to add personality and warmth. Regarding the guest room, Samiul explained, "We went with a dark, textured wallpaper to create a cosy, stylish vibe. It was a bit more costly, but it really transformed the space and made it feel more inviting."

Ultimately, your choice should depend on how you live, not just how you want your home to look.

Zahed Alam, a representative of Khan's Interior and Wallpaper, concluded saying there's no one-size-fits-all option when choosing between paint and wallpaper. "It depends on how long you plan to stay, your daily habits, and the atmosphere you want to create. Both paint and wallpaper bring something unique to the table. Whatever you choose, make sure your walls reflect your story."