The Area Between your Wall Covering and the Wall Can Be a Haven for Mold and Mildew
One of the main differences between painting and choosing a wall covering is the area between the wall covering and the wall. This area can be a haven for mold and mildew because moisture can buildup in this area.
The best way to prevent this is to use a mold and mildew resistant wall sealant. If you cannot find a sealant with mold and mildew resistant qualities, you can add this with paint additives which you pour and mix into the sealant.
Another thing to keep in mind is the room you choose to put the wall covering in. If you choose and area such as the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, you may have problems from excess moisture building up behind the wall coverings.
For wall paper it is important to keep in mind the moisture production of the room you are putting wall paper in. The way to strip wall paper is with steam, so if you put wallpaper in a bathroom, your wallpaper may end up curling around the edges and create mold and mildew underneath the paper. There are wallpaper adhesives that are mold and mildew resistant and some adhesives that are for bathrooms.