Gone are the days of boring, bland walls. With so many fun and exciting wall texture types out there, you can give your home a signature touch. Apart from adding depth and dimension, wall textures are an excellent way to create a focal point for certain areas in your home. They are also easy to apply and maintain which makes them an ideal choice for home decorators or those on a budget.
Whether you’re a minimalist who prefers subtle effects or your style is more eclectic, we’ve rounded up 10 popular wall texture types that are sure to add some whimsy and personality to your home. We have also included some important factors to consider before deciding which texture is best suited for you.
Read on to turn your wall’s imperfections into art with these easy-to-do modern drywall textures now!
Wall Texture Types
These are the most popular drywall texture types used today.
Knockdown
A very popular wall texture design, knockdowns are easy to apply and look great in giving depth to any room. To apply, use a roller or a spray gun for your texture paint, and then make a pattern or texture using a trowel, a brush, or a sponge. Afterwards, using a thin blade, “knockdown” the texture you initially created by lightly gliding the blade across your design
Orange Peel
The patterns showcased by this wall texture are very close to its name, and it is one of the most common wall patterns made in homes. A good combination of smoothness and texture, orange peel patterns can be achieved by spraying texture paint on your wall and then running a roller over it before it dries.
Popcorn
If you like a gritty accent wall for your living room or just want to hide wall imperfections, a go-to design for you is the popcorn. It is fairly easy to do, just use premixed popcorn texture paint and a hopper gun, and once the texture paint dries, apply your preferred paint to match the other walls of the room. Popcorn is often used for ceilings, too!
Spray Sand
For a finer, sand-like gritty texture for your ceiling, use a premixed texture paint with sand additive and apply it to your ceiling with a hopper gun. Use the smallest nozzle of the hopper gun. Once dry, overlay with your preferred paint to match the room.
Sand Swirl
Take your spray sand pattern one step further and use a paintbrush to create swirling patterns on your wall, giving it an ocean effect. Take full advantage of this pattern by using a cool color tone for your bathroom or bedroom.
Skip Trowel
Want to achieve that stucco look for your wall? Apply smooth texture paint and try the skip trowel pattern: apply texture paint using the trowel and move it in short arches across your wall. Similar to a knockdown, this pattern is more spaced out. It does take a lot of practice, so it is recommended that you try it out in a smaller drywall or have a professional do it for you.
Slap Brush
The slap brush pattern comes in different varieties: stippled ceiling, crow’s foot and stomp brush, to name a few. The texture gives a sunburst pattern due to the bristles of the brush used over the texture. Depending on the color that will be painted, it goes well with receiving areas and living rooms. Apply texture paint to your wall and with a paintbrush (the bristle size is up to you), or a sponge, stamp on top of the texture paint to achieve the desired look. Leave it for 24 hours to dry then apply desired paint.
Comb
Accent walls will never go wrong with the stylish arches and lines of the combed texture. Applying it is very simple too: apply texture paint to the wall and with a notch trowel, “comb” your arches and lines away before it dries out.
Venetian
To give walls a modern marbled look, opt for the Venetian finish. It is a smooth look that gives depth and elegance to any wall. To create this texture, you would need venetian plaster and water. Mix these and then apply several layers to your wall to achieve the marbled look. Buff for a smooth finish.
Smooth
For a light texture and no fuzz application, go for the basic: smooth textures can be done by just applying the paint as it is on the wall with a taping knife. The thickness of the paint provides a plaster-like finish when dry.
Considerations
There are some considerations to take into account when choosing the right wall texture type for your home.
Purpose
- The primary use of texture paint is to conceal wall or ceiling imperfections that would otherwise take more time (and money) to fix.
- Others go for textured looks to give a room more visual interest, such as patterns to create movement or depth. The texture varies from smooth to rough, so carefully choose the texture especially when dealing with children’s rooms.
- Note: Some textures with rougher finishes can cause abrasions when a child bumps into them.
Durability
- For rooms with a lot of activity, such as kids’ or living rooms, go for a smoother knockdown textures.
- On the other hand, if you live in a humid area and need more water-resistant walls, then popcorn and spray sand textures are your best bet for long-lasting walls.
Paint properties
- Texture paint, as opposed to the usual paint, comes in thicker consistencies and can come premixed with different materials.
- Expert home design enthusiasts (aka Do-It-Yourself connoisseurs) like us can play around with the varying grittiness and textures depending on what we envision our rooms to look like.
- True to being environment-friendly and safe, most texture paints are water-based and can come in various finishes.
- Note any allergies you may have to certain materials or paints used in creating your desired texture.
Accessibility
- Can you do the texture yourself, or will you need a professional who is experienced in this job? If in doubt, always consult a professional if needed.
- The size of your project, the condition of your walls, and the application technique will impact the cost. The cost per square foot typically falls between $0.50 and $2.00.
- Apart from the time and cost to complete the job, the main factors to consider include the type of room in your home you are looking to texture, the durability and maintenance needs of the texture, moisture levels in your home and the paint color that will be applied on top.
Pro Tip: Whatever pattern you choose, just make sure that you prepare your chosen wall by sanding and priming it, and wait for at least 24 hours for the texture paint to dry before painting over it with the color of your choice.
Wrap Up
With the various types of wall textures out there, your home can look exactly how you envisioned it: elegant, inviting or fun. Weigh in on a favourable cost-benefit ratio, with the purpose, room environment, and your skill level in mind. The wall texture is the final detail that will add a personal touch and make your house feel like a home.
Enjoy texturing!