Textured walls add depth and character to a space, but they can also present decorating challenges.
Their uneven surfaces may make it challenging to apply wallpaper, decals, or paint evenly. However, with the proper techniques, textured surfaces can become a design highlight rather than an obstacle.
This guide provides practical and creative solutions for enhancing textured walls. Whether you install peel and stick wallpaper, use vinyl wall decals, or experiment with paint, you will learn how to make the most of your walls.
With the right approach, you can transform your space into a visually appealing and unique environment.
Understanding Your Textured Walls
Understanding the type of texture on your walls is essential to choosing a decorating method and ensuring a smooth finish as well as long-lasting decorative results.
The most common are knockdown, popcorn, and orange peel texture walls. Each has unique characteristics that affect how materials adhere and how patterns appear.
However, certain textured surfaces may require extra preparation before applying wallpaper panels, paint, or wall decals. This is why you should first assess your walls by running your hand across the surface.
Preparation Steps Before Decorating
Proper preparation ensures that textured walls can support wallpaper panels, wall decals, or paint. Follow these steps to clean, repair, and prime your walls for the best results:
Cleaning and Prepping the Wall Surface
A clean wall provides a smooth finish and ensures better durability for your decor.
Textured surfaces tend to collect dust and debris more easily than smooth walls. Dirt buildup can prevent adhesive materials from sticking properly, leading to peeling or uneven coverage.
So, it is best to start by removing dust using a microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap solution with a damp sponge, ensuring that the entire wall is wiped down.
However, avoid excessive moisture, as too much water can damage drywall or weaken existing paint.
Allow the surface to dry completely before moving on. This prevents adhesion issues when applying wallpaper, decals, or paint.
Repairing Cracks and Imperfections
Before decorating, inspect the walls for cracks, dents, or peeling paint. These imperfections can interfere with wallpaper application and create an uneven surface for paint or wall decals.
Use joint compound or spackle to fill in small cracks or holes. Apply a thin layer, smoothing it with a putty knife. For larger imperfections, apply multiple thin coats, allowing each layer to dry completely.
Once repairs are dry, lightly sand the patched areas to ensure a smooth finish. Removing rough patches prevents bubbles and gaps when installing wallpaper panels or painting the entire wall.
Choosing the Right Primer for Textured Walls
When learning how to hang wallpaper on textured walls, proper priming is an essential step.
A high-quality primer helps paint and wallpaper panels adhere evenly to textured walls. It also prevents excessive paint absorption, ensuring a smooth finish.
Choose a high-build primer for highly porous surfaces like orange peel walls or knockdown textures. A tinted primer can enhance the final shade of paint for better color vibrancy.
Apply primer with a roller for even coverage, or use a sprayer for detailed textured surfaces. To achieve the best adhesion, make sure to allow the primer to dry thoroughly before adding wallpaper, wall decals, or paint.
Smoothing the Surface if Necessary
Some homeowners appreciate textured walls, while others prefer a smooth finish for easier decorating. If you want a flatter surface, skim coating is an effective solution.
To reduce texture, apply a thin layer of joint compound over the entire wall. Afterwards, use a drywall knife to spread it evenly. Once dry, sand the surface lightly for uniformity.
For a less intensive option, lightly sand high points of the texture to create a more level base. These steps will make it easier to install wallpaper, apply wall decals, or achieve a cleaner paint application.
Testing Decoration Adhesion Before Full Application
Test a small area before fully committing to wallpaper, wall decals, or paint. Different textured surfaces may react differently to adhesives and finishes.
Apply a small section of wallpaper panel, a decal, or paint to an inconspicuous area. Carefully align the edges to ensure a seamless look. Wait for it to dry or set, then check for air bubbles, peeling, or uneven absorption.
If adhesion issues occur, adjust by using a stronger adhesive, applying multiple paint coats, or selecting an alternative decor method. Testing first helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures a professional-looking result.
Selecting the Right Wallpaper for Textured Walls
Not all wallpaper adheres well to textured walls.
Traditional wallpaper panels require paste and may struggle to bond with uneven surfaces. On the other hand, stick-on vinyl wall decals are designed for easier application but may not fully hide deep textures.
For the best results, choose peel-and-stick panels with strong adhesive or thicker wallpaper panels that minimize texture visibility. Heavier materials, such as fabric-backed or embossed wallpaper, also help smooth out irregularities.
Best Tips for Applying Wallpapers and Decals on Textured Walls
Enhancing textured walls requires thoughtful design choices. Whether you are updating a single room or redecorating your entire house, these methods will help you achieve a stylish, cohesive look:
Incorporating Wall Art and Accessories
Decorating textured walls with art and accessories adds personality and dimension to a space.
A wall mural can serve as a bold centerpiece, while large canvases, framed prints, and floating shelves help break up the texture while maintaining visual balance.
You can also consider a gallery wall with oversized pieces to create a focal point. Other options include macramé hangings and fabric tapestries, which introduce softness and complement the wall's character.
If you have handcrafted decor or vintage frames, try installing them on the wall to add a unique touch and further enhance the wall’s appeal.
Mirrors may also work in some rooms, as they help reflect light and make a small space appear larger.
The key is to balance the texture with elements that enhance depth without overwhelming the entire wall.
Utilizing Lighting to Highlight Textures
Lighting plays a crucial role in emphasizing the depth of textured walls. Directional lighting, such as track lighting or wall-mounted sconces, creates shadows that enhance the wall’s visual depth.
Placing up-lighting at the base of a textured surface can cast dramatic highlights. Natural light can also bring out the richness of the texture, so positioning furniture to maximize daylight exposure can enhance the effect.
This is why you should choose the correct lighting setup to transform your textured surfaces into an artistic design feature.
Considering Alternative Covering Options
If you prefer a unique look, consider alternative ways to modify or cover textured walls.
A skim coat can smooth out rough surfaces, creating a smooth finish for painting or installing wallpaper. This method works best for those who want a more polished aesthetic.
Wood panels add a rustic or modern appeal while covering texture. Decorating one wall with fabric wall coverings also creates a soft, textured focal point, keeping the rest of the room balanced and cohesive.
Each option offers a distinct style, allowing you to transform your walls to fit your design preferences.
How to Maintain Your Decorated Textured Walls
Proper maintenance keeps textured walls looking fresh and well-decorated. Routine cleaning helps prevent dust and dirt buildup, which can dull the surface.
Use a microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust without damaging wallpaper panels, paint, or wall decals.
For painted walls, touch up minor scuffs with a matching paint color. If your wall decals or wallpaper start peeling at the edges, apply a small amount of adhesive to secure them.
However, if adhesion issues persist, learning how to get wall decals to stick properly can help improve durability and prevent lifting over time.
Remember to address minor imperfections early to avoid extensive repairs and preserve the character and style of your decorated walls.
Key Takeaways on How to Decorate Textured Walls
With the correct techniques, textured walls can become a standout feature in any room. In this case, proper preparation, including removing dust, repairing imperfections, and choosing the right wallpaper panels, ensures a polished result.
Are you ready to decorate your textured walls? StickerBrand offers high-quality wall decals and wallpaper panels designed to enhance any textured surface.
Our products provide stylish and durable solutions for highlighting the character of your wall or creating a smooth finish.
Explore our collection today at StickerBrand and find the perfect decor to transform your space easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this section, we answer common questions about how to decorate textured walls.
Can You Put Wallpaper Over Textured Walls?
Yes, but proper preparation is required to achieve the best results. Textured walls can cause adhesion issues and allow texture to show through, affecting the final look.
Thick, high-quality stick-on vinyl wallpaper works best for uneven surfaces. To improve adhesion, apply a high-build primer or lightly sand raised areas before installing wallpaper.
Choosing a textured or patterned wallpaper panel can also help disguise imperfections, making wallpaper a stylish and practical option for enhancing textured surfaces.
What Type of Paint Is Best for Textured Walls?
Flat or matte paint is ideal for textured walls because it helps minimize visible imperfections. However, wallpaper panels provide a more dynamic look, adding depth and personality that paint alone cannot achieve.
If paint is preferred, a wallpaper-friendly primer is recommended as a base. This allows for easy application of peel-and-stick wallpaper later, giving the flexibility to refresh the space with new designs when desired.
How Can I Make My Textured Walls Look Modern?
Using wallpaper is an effective way to modernize textured walls without major renovations. A wall mural featuring abstract designs, tropical scenes, or 3D artistic patterns can create a dramatic focal point.
In contrast, contemporary wallpaper patterns, such as geometric designs, graffiti art, or boho illustrations, can instantly update a room's look.
High-quality peel-and-stick wallpaper offers an easy-to-install solution that enhances style while allowing for future updates. This flexible approach ensures that your decorated walls stay trendy and visually appealing.