Get matched with top wallpaper pros in Duluth, MN

Wall panels offer functional and aesthetic benefits. From a practical standpoint, panels can improve your home's insulation and energy efficiency, especially if you opt for solid wood panels. They can also help protect your existing wall.

Aesthetically, wall panels have a knack for adding dynamic texture, warmth, and sophistication to a room. And thanks to their many different shapes, sizes, and styles, wall panels can elevate a wide variety of home designs.

Finally, it’s relatively easy to cover wall panels, so you have some flexibility if you end up not liking the look over time.

If you can already see the texture of the existing wallpaper through the layer of paint, then the texture could also come through the new layer of wallpaper. If that’s the aesthetic you want, then proceed. But if you want a smoother surface, you should either strip off the existing paint and wallpaper or hang a layer of liner paper before proceeding.

Painting over wallpaper is an efficient way to cover it if it’s in decent shape. Before painting over wallpaper, make sure the surface is clean and smooth. You may have to remove minor problem areas, such as lifted seams or small peels, with a sheetrock knife or putty knife. Add a latex- or oil-based primer to keep moisture at bay before painting. You’ll likely need two coats of paint to cover the area.

The pros of wallpaper include its durability and longer lifespan than paint, as well as its versatility. The durability can translate to lower long-term costs for upkeep and replacement, and the versatility means you have more options for customizing rooms in your home. Some downsides include that it’s difficult to remove, it’s not ideal for rooms or areas exposed to high moisture content or sun exposure, and it’s tricky to install. A professional wallpaper hanger can help mitigate these issues, though, by installing it properly and in areas suitable for wallpaper.