Wall texture plays a big role in how a room feels, even if people don’t always notice it right away. From smooth, clean walls to bold and dramatic patterns, the right texture can change the entire look of a space. Homeowners today have more wall texture options than ever, thanks to modern tools, better materials, and creative techniques. Understanding wall texture types helps you choose finishes that add style, hide flaws, and match your home’s personality. Whether you prefer a simple look or something more detailed, knowing how textures work makes planning easier. This guide breaks down drywall texture types in a clear, simple way so you can decide what works best for your walls, your budget, and your long-term goals.
What Wall Texture Is and How It’s Applied
Wall texture is a finish added on top of drywall to create patterns, depth, and visual interest. Instead of leaving walls flat, texture adds character and can also help hide wall imperfections like small dents, uneven seams, or patched areas. Many interior wall textures use joint compound application as the base material. This compound is spread, sprayed, or shaped before it dries.
There are two main methods used for wall texture types. The first is spray-on texture, which uses tools like a hopper gun spray connected to an air compressor. This method is fast and works well for large areas. The second is hand-applied texture, where tools like trowels, brushes, or sponges are used to create texture patterns by hand. Hand methods often give a more custom look.
Choosing between rustic vs modern finishes depends on the texture style. Heavy textures add warmth and depth, while lighter textures feel clean and modern. Both methods are common in drywall finish textures and can be used in homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
15+ Different Types of Wall Texture
1. Smooth Drywall Texture
Smooth drywall texture is the cleanest and most modern option available. It creates flat walls with no visible texture patterns. This finish highlights paint color, trim work, and lighting, making it popular in contemporary homes. However, smooth walls require expert finishing because even small flaws are easy to see. This texture does not hide wall imperfections well, but it delivers a sharp, polished look when done right.
2. Popcorn Drywall Texture
Popcorn texture is one of the most recognizable drywall texture types, especially on ceilings. It is applied using spray-on texture and forms a raised, bumpy surface. Popcorn was popular because it was fast to apply and very forgiving. While it hides flaws well, it is harder to clean and repair. Many homeowners now choose to remove it, but it still exists in older homes.
3. Orange Peel Drywall Texture
Orange peel drywall texture has a light, dimpled surface that resembles the skin of an orange. It is applied with a hopper gun spray and is one of the most common wall texture options today. It adds subtle depth without overpowering the room. Orange peel works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways and is easy to touch up if damaged.
4. Knockdown Drywall Texture
Knockdown texture starts as a sprayed texture similar to orange peel. After spraying, the compound is lightly flattened with a wide knife once it partially dries. This creates a soft, flattened look with gentle variation. Knockdown texture adds visual interest design and does a good job of hiding wall imperfections. It fits well in both modern and traditional interiors.
5. Skip Trowel Drywall Texture
Skip trowel texture is a hand-applied texture created by dragging a curved knife across the surface. The knife skips slightly, leaving raised areas behind. This texture gives walls a rustic, handmade appearance. Skip trowel is often used in southwestern, Mediterranean, or Spanish-style homes and works well with warm paint colors.
6. Lace Drywall Texture
Lace texture combines spray-on texture with hand-applied smoothing. First, a texture is sprayed onto the wall. Then, it is partially flattened to create a layered, lace-like pattern. This texture looks detailed and elegant and is often found in custom homes. Lace texture adds depth and works well in formal spaces.
7. Sand Swirl Drywall Texture
Sand swirl texture is made by mixing sand into joint compound application. The compound is applied in swirling motions, usually on ceilings. This texture creates soft movement and adds subtle interest without heavy buildup. Sand swirl works well in dining rooms and bedrooms where a gentle pattern feels balanced.
8. Rosebud Ceiling Texture
Rosebud texture uses a brush or roller to stamp flower-like patterns into wet compound. It is mainly used on ceilings. This texture adds charm and detail, especially in smaller rooms. Rosebud texture is decorative and works best when paired with simple wall finishes.
9. Stomp Brush Drywall Texture
Stomp brush texture is created by pressing a stiff brush straight into wet compound and pulling it away. The result is a bold, dramatic pattern. It is commonly used on ceilings and does a great job of hiding flaws. This texture is durable and easy to maintain over time.
10. Fish Scale / Fan / Comb Drywall Texture
This texture is created by using a comb or notched trowel to form repeating curved lines. The pattern looks like fans or fish scales. It is decorative and eye-catching. This style is often used as an accent rather than across an entire room. It adds strong visual interest design.
11. Venetian Drywall Texture
Venetian drywall texture is smooth, polished, and layered. Thin coats of compound are applied by hand and burnished to create a stone-like finish. This texture reflects light beautifully and feels high-end. Venetian texture works well in modern homes and requires experience to apply correctly.
12. Stipple Drywall Texture
Stipple texture is similar to orange peel but usually heavier. It can be applied with spray-on texture or rollers. This texture hides wall imperfections very well and is commonly used in rental properties or busy areas. It is durable and easy to repaint.
13. Spray Sand Drywall Texture
Spray sand texture mixes sand into compound and is applied with a hopper gun spray. It creates a gritty finish that adds depth and strength. This texture is often used in garages, basements, and utility rooms where durability matters more than style.
14. Hawk and Trowel Drywall Texture
Hawk and trowel texture is a hand-applied finish using a hawk to hold compound and a trowel to spread it. The result is smooth with slight movement. This texture feels handcrafted and fits both rustic vs modern finishes depending on technique. Each wall has a unique look.
15. Tree Bark Drywall Texture
Tree bark texture is heavy and rough. It creates deep ridges that resemble tree bark. This texture hides wall imperfections extremely well and is often used in cabins or rustic homes. It adds strong character but may feel too bold for small rooms.
16. Bas-Relief Drywall Texture
This is more like art than just texture. It involves creating 3D shapes or pictures directly on the wall using very thick joint compound. You might see leaves, vines, geometric shapes, or even custom murals that stand out from the wall. It is truly a one-of-a-kind visual interest design that transforms a wall into a piece of sculpture. This is a highly specialized skill.
17. Santa Fe Drywall Texture
This is very popular in the Southwestern United States. It looks like a smooth wall that has been lightly sanded or worn away in spots, revealing the darker layer beneath or a slightly different texture. It is very low-profile and often described as having “skips” in the texture, where the original drywall shows through slightly. It works perfectly with a rustic vs modern finish, often having soft, rounded edges at corners. It feels warm and earthy and is often found in homes with a natural, minimalist desert vibe.
Tools and Materials You Need
Creating different types of wall texture requires the right tools and materials. Joint compound application is the base for most drywall finish textures. All-purpose compound is common, but some textures work better with lightweight or setting compounds.
A hopper gun spray is used for many spray-on texture styles like orange peel and popcorn. It allows even coverage and adjustable spray size. For hand-applied texture, tools include trowels, hawks, knives, brushes, combs, and rollers. Each tool creates unique texture patterns.
Other important materials include drop cloths, masks, sanding tools, and proper lighting. Good lighting helps spot uneven areas before the compound dries. For DIY wall texture projects, practice on scrap drywall first. This helps avoid mistakes and wasted material.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Wall Texture
Selecting from the many wall texture types available today is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your home’s interior design. As we have explored, textures do much more than just hide wall imperfections; they define the personality of a room. Whether you choose the sleek, gallery-like feel of a smooth drywall texture or the rugged, earthy charm of a Santa Fe drywall texture, your walls are the canvas for your life.
At Inter Color Painting LLC, we believe that every home deserves a finish that reflects the quality and care put into it. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the wall texture options or if you want to ensure your drywall finish textures are applied with professional precision, we are here to help. Our team specializes in everything from DIY wall texture consultations to full-scale Wall Texturing Services.
FAQs
What is the most popular wall texture?
The most popular wall texture today is orange peel texture. It is widely used because it looks clean, works in both modern and traditional homes, and helps hide small wall imperfections without feeling heavy. It is also easy to repair and repaint, which makes it a top choice for interior walls.
What is the current trend for wall texture?
The current wall texture trend favors light, subtle textures over heavy patterns. Homeowners are choosing finishes like knockdown, Santa Fe, and light orange peel because they add depth while keeping walls looking clean and modern. Smooth walls are also popular in high-end interiors where drywall finishing is done perfectly.
What is the trend in wall texture in 2026?
In 2026, wall texture trends are moving toward minimal texture with natural movement. Soft hand-applied textures, Venetian-style finishes, and refined knockdown textures are leading choices. These styles balance warmth and simplicity, work well with modern lighting.
Which texture is best for interior walls?
The best texture for interior walls is knockdown texture. It offers a balanced look, hides wall imperfections well, and fits almost any room style. Knockdown texture is durable, easy to maintain, and appeals to most buyers, making it a safe and practical choice.
Is texturing walls outdated?
No, texturing walls is not outdated. Heavy textures like popcorn are less popular, but modern wall textures are very much in style. Updated drywall texture types use lighter patterns and cleaner finishes that align with today’s interior design trends.
Do textured walls increase home value?
Yes, textured walls can increase home value when done correctly. Clean, modern textures like knockdown or orange peel improve visual appeal, hide flaws, and reduce maintenance concerns. Poorly applied or outdated textures can lower value, but professional-quality finishes often make homes more attractive to buyers.
