When decorating a home in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the most important decisions you'll make is how to finish your walls. Whether you own a luxury villa or live in a modern apartment, the walls set the tone of your interior. The big question is: Should you choose wallpaper or paint? This article compares both options to help you decide which is better for home wall decoration in UAE, based on local climate, design, cost, and maintenance. Wallpaper offers endless design possibilities. You can choose floral patterns, 3D textures, classic Arabic motifs, or even wallpapers that look like stone or wood. It's ideal for people who want their walls to stand out. Paint gives a clean, smooth, and fresh look. You can choose matte, glossy, or satin finishes in almost any color. It’s a great option for people who prefer simplicity or modern minimalism.
Performance in UAE’s Climate In well-insulated and air-conditioned homes, wallpapers perform well. Vinyl or non-woven wallpaper is best for resisting heat and humidity. However, poor wall quality or extreme dampness can cause peeling over time.
Paint is generally more resistant to UAE’s heat and dry air. High-quality, washable paints also perform well in humid areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
Winner: Paint is more climate-friendly overall, but wallpaper with proper installation is also a good choice indoors.
Maintenance and Cleaning Vinyl wallpaper is easy to wipe clean, making it a great choice for families with kids. However, if it gets damaged or stained, replacing it can be more difficult.
Painted walls can get scratched or dirty more easily, but small marks are simple to fix with a touch-up. Some paints are also washable, making them easier to maintain.
Winner: Wallpaper is low-maintenance if high-quality; paint is easier to repair.
Cost and Installation Wallpaper costs more upfront—both the material and installation. Custom wallpaper designs, especially textured or luxury types, increase the price. However, it usually lasts longer than paint.
Paint is more affordable and faster to apply. Even professional painting services cost less than wallpaper installation. You can also DIY easily.
Winner: Paint is better for smaller budgets or short-term homes.
Lifespan and Durability Wallpaper lasts around 5–10 years if properly installed. It doesn't crack or chip like paint. In high-traffic areas, wallpaper resists marks better than painted surfaces.
Paint may need touch-ups or a full recoat every 3–5 years depending on use and quality. However, it’s more flexible if you like changing colors often.
