The Different Types of Drywall Textures You Should Know

Drywall textures completely transform the look and feel of a home’s interior. Whether you’re renovating an existing space or building new, understanding different types of drywall textures helps you produce your desired design.

From smooth contemporary finishes to heavily textured traditional options, wall textures serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. They can hide imperfections, add visual interest, and complement your overall design scheme.

Smooth Finish

Smooth drywall is a minimalist approach. The finish requires skilled application and multiple coats of joint compound, followed by careful sanding. The result creates clean, modern walls that work well with contemporary design styles.

Smooth finishes highlight architectural details and allow paint colors to appear true to their intended shade. However, this texture shows every imperfection, making installation labor-intensive.

Orange Peel Texture

Orange peel texture gets its name from its resemblance to citrus fruit skin. Contractors create this popular finish by spraying diluted joint compound or texture paint onto the wall surface. The technique produces small, rounded bumps that add subtle dimension without overwhelming a room’s design.

This texture hides minor wall imperfections while remaining easy to paint and maintain. Orange peel works complements both traditional and contemporary decor.

Knockdown Texture

Knockdown texture begins similar to orange peel but includes an additional flattening step. After spraying the initial texture, workers use a trowel or knife to lightly flatten the peaks, creating an irregular, mottled appearance.

This finish offers more visual interest than orange peel while maintaining relatively easy maintenance. The varied pattern conceals wall flaws and creates an attractive backdrop for artwork and furniture.

Popcorn Texture

Popcorn texture was extremely popular between the 1950s and 1980s. The heavily textured finish involves spraying a mixture that creates bumpy formations on the ceiling or walls.

While popcorn texture effectively hides imperfections and reduces noise, it collects dust easily and is tough to clean. Many homeowners now remove this texture during renovations, though removal requires professional help if asbestos is present.

Sand Swirl Texture

Sand swirl texture combines joint compound with fine sand to create circular, flowing patterns across wall surfaces. Contractors apply the mixture with brushes or rollers, then create swirl patterns while the material remains wet.

The organic, flowing appearance adds warmth and visual movement to rooms. That’s why homeowners prefer this texture in family rooms and bedrooms.

How To Make a Choice

Smooth finishes suit modern aesthetics but require skilled installation. Subtle textures like orange peel offer versatility and practicality. Heavier textures provide maximum coverage for imperfections but may limit future design flexibility.

Additionally, understanding how to care for drywall and prevent damage is a key component to think about before choosing the best type of drywall texture. Regular dusting with soft brushes or vacuum attachments keeps textures looking fresh. When painting textured walls, use high-quality rollers designed for textured surfaces to achieve even coverage.

Consider your long-term plans and lifestyle needs when choosing your wall texture finish. These factors will help you come to a decision that benefits every aspect of the space.