Many homes feature wall textures like orange peel, knockdown, or even the notorious popcorn ceiling. While intended to hide imperfections, these finishes often look dated and can limit your interior design choices. If you dislike your wall texture, you might think your only option is a messy, labor-intensive process of sanding and skimming. However, there is a much cleaner and more stylish alternative: using wallpaper for textured walls.
A Practical Alternative to Resurfacing
Instead of committing to the dusty process of sanding down your walls, you can use wallpaper to cover the existing surface. This method avoids significant mess and can be completed in a fraction of the time. The key is to select the right kind of wallpaper that is thick enough to mask the bumps and grooves beneath, creating a visually smooth and appealing surface.
Choosing Materials That Conceal
The success of your project depends heavily on the wallpaper material. Thin, flat papers will settle into the wall's indentations, highlighting the very texture you want to hide. Instead, opt for heavier materials like solid vinyl, non-woven, or embossed wallpapers. These products have more body and are better at bridging the gaps and bumps. For a comprehensive overview, consult Your Ultimate Guide to Wallpaper for Textured Walls: 2025 Trends & Tips.
Using Pattern and Finish to Your Advantage
Beyond the material, the wallpaper’s pattern and finish play a crucial role. Busy patterns—such as dense florals, intricate geometrics, or abstract designs—are excellent at distracting the eye from any minor imperfections that might still show. The trending wallpaper in 2025 leans into bold, maximalist prints that work perfectly for this purpose. A matte or textured finish will also absorb light and help conceal bumps, whereas a glossy or metallic finish will reflect light and make them more obvious.
Removable Options for Renters and Style Changers
If you are renting or enjoy changing your decor frequently, a permanent solution is not ideal. This is where stick-and-peel wallpaper becomes a fantastic option. Many modern removable wallpapers are made from durable vinyl, making them suitable for application over light to moderate textures. This allows you to introduce the latest style wallpaper or a large mural as wallpaper for temporary decor without a long-term commitment. When selecting a large-scale design, refer to the Top Design Tips for Choosing the Right Peel and Stick Wall Mural to ensure the final look is cohesive.
Balancing Cost and Quality
Covering a textured wall does not require an extravagant budget. You can find many cost-effective options that are both durable and stylish. A detailed breakdown in this Affordable Wallpaper for Walls: Your 2025 Buyer's Guide to Style on a Budget can help guide your purchasing decisions. Alternatively, if your budget allows, you can opt for a more substantial investment in premium wallpaper from designers, which often features superior materials and unique patterns for a truly custom result.
Preparing Your Textured Wall for Application
Proper preparation is critical for a smooth result, especially when applying wallpaper for textured walls. First, clean the walls thoroughly to remove any dust or grime. For moderately heavy textures, a light sanding can help knock down the highest points. Most importantly, apply a high-quality wallpaper liner or a thick primer. A liner acts as a bridge over the texture, providing a smooth base for your wallpaper to adhere to correctly.
A New Look Without the Mess
Covering an unwanted wall texture is an attainable project that bypasses the disruption of a full resurfacing job. With the right material, a suitable pattern, and proper wall preparation, you can effectively hide that dated texture. This approach allows you to introduce new color and style to your space, creating a surface you enjoy looking at.
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