Textured walls provide visual interest and depth beyond what can be achieved with paint and wallpaper alone. From subtle patterns to dramatic 3D effects, textured wall finishes open up exciting new possibilities for interior design. This comprehensive guide explores the many creative options for adding texture to walls, with tips, trends, and inspirational examples.
The Benefits of Textured Walls
Textured walls offer numerous advantages over smooth painted drywall:
Visual Interest and Dimension
Adding texture creates appealing visual effects that make walls come alive with dimension and tactile interest. Textures add depth, character, and variation to engage the eye.
Hide Imperfections
Many texturing techniques help hide minor wall flaws and imperfections in drywall. The textures camouflage uneven areas for a more uniform appearance.
Unique Accents
Textured walls provide unique accents as interesting focal points or to delineate different zones within a room. You can create one-of-a-kind displays unlike mass produced wallpaper.
Durability
Some textured wall coatings provide extra durability and scrubbability, especially in high-traffic areas. Textured walls tend to hide scuffs better.
Cost Effective
Depending on the technique, texturing walls can be an affordable way to refresh walls. Texturing may cost less than wallpaper or extensive drywall work.
Popular Types of Textured Wall Finishes
There are countless ways to add texture to walls. Here are some of the most popular:
Stucco
Stucco creates a classic coarse, stone-like finish. Applicators trowel multiple coats of stucco plaster onto walls for sandy undulating texture. Venetian stucco finishes mimic ornate plasterwork with deep ridges.
Skip Trowel
The skip trowel technique applies joint compound with irregular strokes that leave behind grooves of varied width and depth once dry. This imparts a highly textural look, like the lunate texture of hand-plastered walls.
Knockdown
Knockdown texture is a simple plaster effect created by literally knocking down high points. A textured layer gets flattened with a trowel or brush, leaving a profile with subtle relief.
Orange Peel
This technique uses a spray-on process to produce a finish that resembles the surface of an orange peel. The stipple effect comes from variations in the paint thickness across the surface.
Sand Finish
Sand finishes entail mixing sand or silica into wall plaster, then troweling to expose the sandy grit. The coarse texture has lots of drag and visual pop.
Metallic
Metallic finishes contain flecks of metal blended with plaster or paint. Troweled applications create shimmering variegated texture, or a subtle glinting effect when painted over smooth walls.
Modern Texturing Materials and Techniques
Today’s texturing possibilities go far beyond basic plaster. New materials and creative techniques include:
Faux Finishes
Faux finishing mimics textures found in nature or on other materials. Specialty plasters create convincing faux wood, stone, brick, leather, linen, and more. Glazing adds further realism with translucent layers.
Decorative Paint
Modern paints offer endless ways to add texture. Special rollers, brushes, rags, and other tools imprint patterns as paint is applied. Textural additives like sand or plaster create drag for extra depth.
3D Wall Panels
Lightweight 3D wall panels made from materials like foam, MDF, or polyurethane attach to walls for dramatic focal points. Choices range from abstract geometric shapes to nature-inspired textures.
Fabric Wallcoverings
Fabric-wrapped wall panels provide soft, tactile texture. Natural fibers like linen, cotton, and grasscloth offer appealing surface variation. Tufted fabric panels create cushy, quilted texture.
Decor Plaster
Decorative plaster products like Venetian plaster, marmorino, and lime plaster provide Old World artisan allure. These plasters mix with tint to create mesmerizing depth, pearlescence, and marbling when applied by hand.
Concrete
Poured, stained, or polished concrete offers rugged industrial texture. Pre-cast concrete panels achieve similar distressed patina factory-finished for quick installation.
Wallpapers
In addition to traditional papers, new vinyls, foils, cork, woods, metallics, and other materials provide infinite textural options. Modern digital printing creates faux textures, bricks, stones, and 3D effects.
Tile
Tile isn’t just for floors and baths. Mosaics, 3D tiles, handmade tile, and slimmer profiles work beautifully on walls. Unglazed tile provides natural texture and patina.
DIY Tips for Adding Texture
Want to tackle textured walls yourself? Here are some key tips for success:
Prep Properly
Texturing materials accentuate underlying flaws, so take time to repair imperfections and create an ultra-smooth surface. Prime walls before texturing for proper adhesion.
Practice First
Trying an unfamiliar technique straight on the wall can be disastrous. Experiment with materials and tools on boards first to perfect your method.
Use Proper Tools
Invest in quality trowels, sprayers, rollers and brushes suited for the texture material. Don’t skimp on required protective gear either.
Work Methodically
Plan the job in sections to keep edges straight and the thickness uniform. Maintain wet edges and work to natural breaks to prevent lap marks.
Follow Cure Times
Rushing the curing process can ruin the look and durability of the finish. Honor all recommended dry and cure times before sealing or painting.
Seal and Protect
Sealing minimizes absorption and fills the texture to prevent catching dirt. Use appropriate sealers and topcoats to protect the finish.
Professional vs. DIY Texturing
While many textures can be DIY-friendly, some factors to weigh when deciding between pro or DIY include:
Consider Hiring a Pro for:
- Large jobs with high visibility
- Multi-step Venetian plaster and other specialty finishes
- Faux finishes that mimic complex natural materials
- Matching existing textures like popcorn ceilings
- Jobs requiring large equipment or scaffolding
DIY May Work Well for:
- Smaller accent walls or feature areas
- Simple knockdown, skip trowel, orange peel textures
- Pre-mixed, single-step products like skim coat plasters
- Pre-fabricated textured wall panels for easier installation
- Painted textural techniques like rag rolling or sponge painting
Regardless of whether you hire a pro or DIY, always closely follow manufacturer instructions to achieve proper results with any texturing product.
Design Inspiration
Ready to explore ways to incorporate texture into your home’s design? Here are some gorgeous examples to fuel your creative spirit:
Complement Architecture
This sensational foyer features a hand-troweled Skip Trowel finish in creamy hues that handsomely complement the home’s stately Traditional architecture. The textured plaster adds bespoke artisan appeal.
Photo by James Day on Unsplash
Define Zones
Here, a patchwork wall with varied textures in a soothing neutral palette helps define separate zones within this open living area. The tactile interest adds dimension without overwhelming the small space.
Photo by Andrew Ridley on Unsplash
Create Focal Points
The eye gravitates right to the stunning textural stone accent wall in this bedroom. Irregular natural stone tiles laid in an artistic arrangement make a bold, organic statement.
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
Provide Contrast
This contemporary kitchen gets a dose of natural texture from the gorgeous plank-style tile backsplash. The linear stone tiles contrast beautifully with the sleek cabinetry and stainless appliances.
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
Incorporate Artistry
This bedroom features a hand-painted floral motif with raised plaster texture. The reverse stenciling technique lends artful depth and dimension to the crafted accent wall.
Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular texturing techniques?
Some of the most popular today include knockdown, skip trowel, stucco, metallic finishes, Venetian plaster, concrete, 3D wall panels, and unique faux finishes.
How much does it cost to add texture to walls?
Costs vary widely based on the material and technique, starting at about $2 per square foot for DIY-friendly options up to $10 per square foot or more for hand-tooled Venetian plaster.
Should I texture walls before painting?
Yes, texturing is generally done prior to painting walls. The texture materials need to fully cure first. Paint is then applied over the texture to protect and seal the finish.
What kind of paint works best on textured walls?
Flat or matte paints help highlight texture best by eliminating sheen. Be sure to use paint specially formulated for use on the specific texture material to ensure proper adhesion.
Can you apply wallpaper over textured walls?
It is possible, but extra preparation is required to smooth the texture so seams don’t show. Many pros recommend skim coating textured walls first to achieve an even surface for wallpaper.
How do you patch damaged textured walls?
Repair localized damage using joint compound, matching the texture as closely as possible. For large areas, skim coat the entire wall with a smoothing product to eliminate the existing texture before respraying a new consistent texture.
Conclusion
Textured walls open up exciting possibilities to make every room more visually interesting. The creative options for adding dimension go far beyond basic painted drywall. Whether pursuing a subtle look or bold accent wall, textural treatments can transform the feel of a space. With some inspiration from the endless examples found in nature and manmade materials, you’re sure to find the perfect textural style to liven up your home’s decor.
