Interior trends are always changing, but one thing that has remained constant is the preference for custom wall coverings. Businesses and homes everywhere are recognizing, now more than ever, why this option is superior to paint. In 2026, custom wall coverings are expected to continue to replace paint and other alternatives for interior decoration.
The reasons are multifaceted: durability, aesthetics, function, and more. If you are considering whether wall coverings are the better fit for your next design project, here are some of the many reasons people prefer them over paint.
Key Takeaways
- Custom wall coverings are often preferred over paint because they can last a lot longer due to their durable vinyl composition.
- Wall coverings do not emit the same dense VOCs as paints, keeping the air fresher and safer.
- When it comes to customization, wall coverings will hold color quality and detail better than custom paintings.
- Walls are susceptible to damage, and custom wall coverings are more effective at protecting them from harm than paint.
- If you want to switch your aesthetic, repainting takes significantly more time and effort than removing and installing a new wall covering.
Why Custom Wall Coverings Are Leading Over Paint
Custom wall coverings are digitally printed for your specific wall according to your goals and needs. Many people prefer this approach to painting for the following reasons:
They last longer
Walls are consistently exposed to wear and tear, including bangs, dents, scratches, stains, and moisture exposure. In these circumstances, paint can chip, scratch, fade, or discolor. However, wall coverings are much more likely to withstand this type of treatment, especially if selecting thicker vinyl variants. As a result, you should not need to replace your wall coverings as often as you need to touch up your paint.
They are less hazardous
Paints can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute the air inside a room after it has been painted. While these pollutants gradually disperse over time, the abrasive smell and chemical exposure can render the room unusable for some time, inconveniencing guests, disrupting staff, or cutting into revenue.
Conversely, custom wall coverings do not off-gas such high levels of VOCs and are safe to use in rooms where traffic is expected shortly after installation. This feature helps maintain higher air quality and protect your health.
They offer more customization
Paint may come in a range of colors, but you may struggle to accurately represent your vision on the wall using paint. Whether you can’t find the exact color you want or you envision a complex design that isn’t feasible with paint, you may encounter numerous hurdles when decorating your space.
Custom wall coverings, by contrast, can accommodate colors, patterns, textures, and designs at nearly any level of detail imaginable. As a result, you can focus more on curating the exact aesthetic of your space than on whether your idea is actually achievable.
They provide greater visual fidelity
Even if you find someone to paint a beautiful mural on your wall, you still need to consider the image’s fidelity. Wayward, uneven brushstrokes or inconsistent patterning can turn your eye-catching design into a distraction.
When a custom wall covering is printed, it uses advanced digital technology to represent your image accurately. This technology enables precise, color-matched coverings that handle even complex designs with fine detail.
They protect walls
Paint offers minimal protection for your walls; it simply sits on top in a thin layer, and if the wall is hit or scratched, the paint and the wall behind it are likely to suffer the same damage. Even thick, eggshell paints offer only a fine layer of protection.
Custom wall coverings are much thicker than paint, and for spaces that see excessive wear (such as hospitals), extra-thick vinyl is available. This can protect your wall from the everyday hazards that can gradually damage it.
They are easy to replace
Repainting a wall can be arduous, from laying drop cloths to taping off every edge you do not want to paint. Coupled with the waiting period while VOCs disperse, a paint project is far from easy.
Conversely, wall coverings can be installed in a single day and require very little setup. They are also easy to remove, so when you want a change, taking them down and adding the new ones remains a simple process.
Try Custom Wall Coverings Instead of Repainting Your Interior
Are you trying to decide whether to paint your room or use custom wall coverings? Rest assured that wall coverings are increasingly popular for a reason! Contact Tree Towns to start your personalized order and have your space look exactly as you envision.