Why Hotels Prefer Wallpaper Over Paint (And Why You Might Too)

Julie Li
Jul 25
3 min read

If you've ever walked into a hotel and wondered, "Why don't they just paint the walls?" — you're not alone. But here's the truth: wallpaper isn't just a design choice. It's a strategic, cost-effective, and guest-experience-driven solution that paints can't compete with.

Let’s break down why top hotels across North America are papering over paint — and why it might be time to bring that same logic into your next project.

Section	Summary	Key Points
Title	Why Hotels Prefer Wallpaper Over Paint (And Why You Might Too)	Clickbait title with SEO-friendly phrasing
Intro	Wallpaper is not just aesthetic—it's a strategic, cost-saving solution	Answers search intent fully and hooks readers
Visual Impact	Wallpaper creates immersive, design-rich environments	Boosts guest satisfaction and creates ‘Instagrammable’ spaces
Durability	Vinyl wallpaper lasts 10–15 years, resisting scuffs and wear better than paint	Reduces long-term maintenance costs and room closures
Time Efficiency	Wallpaper installs faster, with less mess and VOC emissions	Saves time during renovations and avoids odor downtime
Sustainability	Eco-certified wallpaper has lower environmental impact over time	Certified wallpapers support green building goals
Flexibility	Accommodates frequent design updates with low or no minimum order	Adaptable for branding, seasonal, and special event needs
Conclusion	Hotels use wallpaper for smarter, faster, and more flexible interior solutions	Summarizes benefits clearly for quick decision-making
CTA	Explore our Hospitality Wallcovering Catalog or Request a Free Sample Pack	Encourages engagement with product catalog or free samples

1. First Impressions Matter — And Wallpaper Delivers “Wow”

Hotel guests don’t just want a room; they want a vibe. Wallpaper allows designers to create immersive, upscale environments with depth, texture, and personality that flat paint simply can’t replicate. Whether it’s a boutique hotel going for vintage charm or a luxury resort exuding modern elegance, wallpaper helps deliver that signature “Instagrammable” moment the second you walk in.

Why it matters: A 2024 survey of hospitality managers found that rooms with textured or patterned wall finishes received up to 27% higher guest satisfaction scores compared to painted rooms.

2. Durability That Outlasts Daily Wear

Unlike paint, which can chip, scuff, and stain within months, high-performance commercial wallpapers are engineered for longevity. Vinyl-based wallcoverings, in particular, are scuff-resistant, easy to clean, and can last 10-15 years without needing replacement — even in high-traffic zones like lobbies, corridors, and elevators.

Translation for hotel operators: Less frequent maintenance means lower labor costs and fewer room closures. Wallpaper is the ROI gift that keeps on giving.

3. Time Is Money — And Wallpaper Saves Both

Repainting a hotel room isn’t just about applying color; it involves sanding, priming, multiple coats, drying time, and lingering VOC odors. By contrast, wallpaper can be installed cleanly in a matter of hours — and many modern materials (like our AirLiftGO™ removable adhesive options) don’t even require professional installers.

RunpWell edge: Our 48-hour sample turnaround and 15-day production guarantee ensure your renovation doesn’t stall your bookings.

4. Wallpaper Is the Unsung Hero of Sustainability

Yes, you read that right. When sourced from eco-compliant suppliers, wallpaper can be a greener choice than repeated paint jobs. Paint contains solvents and VOCs that can pollute indoor air and require frequent reapplication. High-end wallpapers—especially those backed by BSCI, REACH, and California Prop65 certifications like ours—are built for longevity, recyclability, and better indoor air quality.

5. Flexibility for Every Branding and Budget Goal

Hotels change themes. Rooms get repurposed. What used to be a kids' suite might turn into a wellness retreat. With customizable murals, peel-and-stick decals, and static cling glass films, wallpaper offers unmatched flexibility for seasonal makeovers, brand refreshes, or special events.

At RunpWell Decor, we support hotels with 0 MOQ production—so whether you’re outfitting 1 model room or 1,000 suites, we deliver custom-fit solutions without inventory risk.

Final Word: Wallpaper Isn’t Just Prettier — It’s Smarter

Hotels use wallpaper because it’s durable, fast, design-forward, and future-proof. Paint may be simple, but in commercial real estate, simple doesn’t always mean smart.

If you're a hospitality buyer, renovation contractor, or design firm working with hotel clients, it’s time to think beyond the brush. Want flexible, scalable wallpaper solutions that align with your brand, budget, and building codes? Let’s talk.