Whenever I look at my room walls, I feel they’re a little too plain and lack much character, which makes me think about drywall texture.

What started as a small fix for hiding tiny dents now feels like a design choice that changes how a room looks and feels.

I will tell you about various drywall texture styles so you can see which finish fits your home.

You will also learn how each texture is applied, which helps you understand what feels simple and what needs more care before planning your project.

Plus, knowing how other people applied these textures in their homes will help you understand which are best for yours.

Understanding Drywall Texture & Its Importance

Drywall texture gives walls more depth and personality because smooth walls can feel slightly empty when a room needs character.

Many people use texture to hide tiny dents and marks, as it makes the wall look more finished while keeping things simple in everyday homes.

Here is what drywall texture usually helps with:

• It hides wall flaws that sometimes appear after painting, keeping the wall cleaner without extra work.
• It adds a soft shadow effect when light hits the wall, making rooms feel warmer and more comfortable.
• It supports different interior styles, so you can match your walls to modern, rustic, or simple designs.

These textures also help with sound because rougher surfaces soften echoes, which keeps rooms quieter. This makes textured walls a helpful and stylish choice for many homes.

Modern Drywall Texture Types

Modern textures focus on clean lines and soft details that work well in homes seeking calm walls with a simple style.

1. Smooth (Level 5)

Smooth Level 5 makes the wall appear perfectly flat, giving rooms a clean, peaceful feel.

Light spreads evenly across the surface, helping the paint look richer and sharper, without any bumps or shadows.

It fits best in living rooms and bedrooms that get warm, south or west-facing sunlight, since that glow makes the smooth surface stand out nicely.

How to Apply:

• Add several thin coats of joint compound and sand between layers
• Keep the area clean so dust does not settle on fresh coats
• Prime and paint after the surface feels fully dry
• Work slowly to avoid marks or uneven spots

This finish is expert-level because achieving a flawless, flat wall requires careful sanding and steady technique.

2. Orange Peel

Orange Peel has tiny, rounded bumps that resemble orange skin, giving the walls a soft, gentle feel.

It adds depth without making the wall look busy, which helps it blend well with modern or casual home styles.

It fits well in hallways, living rooms, and bedrooms that get soft north or east-facing light, as that gentle light makes the texture feel calm and smooth.

How to Apply:

• Thin drywall mud until it sprays smoothly
• Use a hopper gun to mist the wall in light, even bursts
• Let the surface dry before priming and painting
• Clean the sprayer well once finished

Most people find it manageable since the spray pattern becomes easier with a little practice.

3. Spray Sand

Spray Sand creates a light, gritty surface with tiny speckles that give the wall a natural, softly textured feel. It adds gentle movement without standing out too much, which keeps the room looking simple and warm.

It fits nicely in kitchens, bathrooms, and other busy rooms because the surface remains strong and withstands everyday use.

How to Apply:

• Mix fine sand into drywall compound
• Spray the mixture evenly across the wall
• Let the surface dry fully before painting
• Test spray on scrap to understand the flow

This texture feels moderate because keeping the speckles even takes some practice.

4. Fine Texture

Fine Texture has tiny, soft bumps that barely show, giving walls a clean, simple look. It adds a little character without drawing attention, making it perfect for calm, quiet spaces.

It fits well in small bedrooms or home offices with steady north light because that light keeps the texture soft and even.

How to Apply:

• Use a light spray or roller with thinned compound
• Keep the coat thin to avoid heavy buildup
• Let the wall dry before priming and painting
• Watch for uneven spots during application

Most people find this easy to moderate since it only needs light control for a smooth look.

5. Venetian

Venetian texture creates a soft, polished look with a gentle shine, making rooms feel rich and stylish. It looks smooth like marble and works well in homes that want a classic and refined style without strong patterns.

It fits best in formal living rooms or dining rooms with controlled lighting because soft light helps the sheen look even and clean.

How to Apply:

• Apply thin plaster layers using a trowel
• Burnish the final coat to add shine
• Seal the surface with wax or a finishing product
• Smooth out edges carefully while working

This finish is expert-level because plasterwork requires skill and close attention for a polished result.

6. Textured Lime

Textured Lime creates gentle waves and natural movement, which makes walls look warm and earthy. It has an organic feel that blends well with modern natural designs and brings a calm style to the room.

It fits nicely in sunrooms, bright kitchens, or spaces with strong south light, as that light brings out the subtle shifts in the texture.

How to Apply:

• Brush or trowel lime wash onto a prepared wall
• Build light layers to create subtle texture
• Seal with natural products for protection
• Let each coat dry before adding the next

This texture feels moderate because the result depends on steady strokes and careful layering.

Traditional Drywall Texture Types

Traditional textures add character and depth to older styles that many people still enjoy, bringing warmth and charm to a room.

7. Popcorn (Acoustic)

Popcorn texture creates thick, raised clusters that help reduce noise, which makes rooms feel quieter and more relaxed.

It hides ceiling flaws well and adds a soft, uneven look that many older homes still use for simple sound control.

It fits best on ceilings in family rooms or basements because these spaces benefit from noise reduction and do not depend much on light direction.

How to Apply:

• Spray a thick mixture of the compound in heavy passes
• Let it dry without touching or disturbing the surface
• Paint after fully set
• Keep the area protected from falling debris

This texture feels moderate because spraying thick material needs good control and proper safety gear.

8. Knockdown

Knockdown texture features raised areas that are sprayed and then flattened, creating a rustic, soft pattern that feels warm and inviting.

It gives walls gentle movement without looking messy, which makes it popular in many older and newer homes.

It fits well in living rooms or bedrooms with east- or south-facing windows because the light highlights the soft peaks and valleys.

How to Apply:

• Spray compound across the wall
• Wait a short moment for peaks to rise
• Drag a trowel lightly to flatten the bumps
• Let the surface dry before painting

Most people find this moderate since timing matters for the right knockdown effect.

9. Skip Trowel

Skip Trowel creates uneven patches with raised edges that feel handmade, giving rooms a rustic, artistic look.

It adds depth and charm without feeling heavy, making it a nice choice for cozy or themed spaces.

It works best in accent walls or dens with soft, indirect light, as the raised edges show well without creating sharp shadows.

How to Apply:

• Spread thick compound with a trowel in skipping strokes
• Add layers for deeper ridges
• Let the surface dry fully
• Seal or paint once set

This technique feels moderate to difficult because hand movement controls the final look.

10. Lace (Spanish Lace)

Lace texture forms thin web-like patterns that add classic charm and a more decorative feel. It has a soft, detailed look that works well in homes wanting a bit of old-style.

It fits well in dining rooms or foyers with indirect natural lighting because gentle light helps show the lace pattern clearly.

How to Apply:

• Spray compound in a loose lace pattern
• Lightly scrape to open the web shapes
• Let the texture dry before finishing
• Paint with matte or satin to show detail

Many consider it difficult because the lace pattern needs a practiced hand and steady scraping.

11. Sand Swirl

Sand Swirl creates soft circular strokes with sand mixed in, giving the wall a flowing, artistic feel. It adds gentle movement that works well in homes wanting a natural or coastal look.

It fits nicely in coastal or nature-inspired rooms with balanced lighting, as the light highlights the swirl without creating strong shadows.

How to Apply:

• Mix fine sand into the compound
• Use a brush or roller to create swirl patterns
• Keep strokes smooth and consistent
• Let it dry before painting

Most people find it moderate since keeping a steady pattern takes attention.

12. Tree Bark

Tree Bark texture forms long vertical ridges that copy the look of natural bark, which gives rooms a bold rustic feel. It is strong and dramatic, making it great for cozy-themed spaces.

It fits best near fireplaces and dens, where warm, angled light is most effective, because the ridges naturally catch the light.

How to Apply:

• Apply thick compound with a trowel or slap brush
• Drag vertically to form bark-like lines
• Adjust pressure for deeper grooves
• Let dry and then paint or seal

This finish feels difficult because it needs heavy material and steady vertical strokes.

13. Bas-Relief

Bas-relief creates sculpted raised shapes, like flowers or patterns, making walls look artistic and custom. It adds a decorative look that feels unique and stands out in special rooms.

It fits best on feature walls or formal living areas with spotlighting, so the raised shapes show clearly.

How to Apply:

• Shape plaster using sculpting tools
• Build layers to create depth
• Let each layer dry
• Finish with paint or patina

This technique is expert-level because it needs artistic skill and detailed shaping.

14. Santa Fe

Santa Fe texture features uneven trowel marks that give rooms a warm, adobe-inspired feel. It works well for homes that want natural charm without heavy patterns.

It fits nicely in earthy kitchens or desert-themed rooms with warm light because the light brings out the soft, uneven strokes.

How to Apply:

• Spread tinted compound in uneven strokes.
• Add layers for deeper texture.
• Let it dry completely before progressing.
• Paint or seal when set.

Most people find it moderate since the rustic style is forgiving of small imperfections.

Hybrid/Variations Drywall Texture Types

These hybrid textures blend older and modern techniques, helping people achieve creative looks that suit many home styles.

15. Stomp Brush (Stipple / Slap Brush)

Stomp Brush creates rough patterns by pressing a special brush into wet compound, giving the wall a lively, textured look.

It works well in relaxed spaces because the patterns feel playful rather than too formal.

It fits nicely in basements, garages, or casual rooms where light direction is not very important, as the rough texture easily hides small flaws.

How to Apply:

• Spread the compound evenly over the wall
• Press the brush to stamp patterns across the surface
• Adjust pressure for stronger or lighter marks
• Let dry before priming and painting

Most people find it easy to moderate since the stamping method is simple and forgiving.

16. Comb (Fish Scale, Fan)

Comb texture forms smooth, repeating lines with a notched tool, giving walls a patterned, stylish look.

It adds gentle movement and works well in homes wanting a hint of geometric design without strong texture.

It fits well in accent walls or foyers with directional lighting because the lines are clearly visible when light hits from one side.

How to Apply:

• Spread the compound in a thin, even layer
• Drag a notched comb tool to form wave or fan shapes
• Keep strokes steady to maintain the pattern
• Let it dry, and then paint

Most people find it moderate since steady hands are needed for clean lines.

17. Swirl

Swirl texture uses loose circular motions to create soft curves and waves, giving rooms a relaxed, artistic feel.

It works nicely for spaces where people want something unique but not too strong.

It works best in art studios or bedrooms with indirect lighting, as soft light smooths out the curves and gives a gentle finish.

How to Apply:

• Apply the compound with a brush or trowel
• Create freehand circular or wavy shapes
• Keep motions steady for a balanced pattern
• Let dry before sealing or painting

Most people find it moderate since it depends on creative movement.

18. Knockdown Swirl

Knockdown Swirl blends the swirl pattern with a light knockdown, which gives the wall softened waves that look smooth and modern.

It hides flaws well and has a clean, curved look that fits many home styles.

It fits well in living rooms or hallways, regardless of light direction, because the soft waves show well without strong shadows.

How to Apply:

• Spray or spread the compound in swirl shapes
• Lightly flatten raised areas before they dry
• Smooth the edges evenly
• Allow drying before painting

Most people find it moderate because timing matters for flattening the texture correctly.

19. Medium Texture

Medium Texture has a balanced feel that is neither too heavy nor too light, giving walls simple depth without strong patterns.

It works well in everyday homes because it hides flaws and is easy to repaint later.

It works best in rentals or general living areas, since light direction does not affect it much, and the surface remains easy to maintain.

How to Apply:

• Spray the compound evenly over the wall
• Leave it as is or lightly knock it down
• Let dry completely
• Prime and paint after setting

Most people find it moderate because the spraying is simple, but it needs steady movement.

20. Heavy Texture

Heavy Texture uses coarse materials to create deep patterns that stand out strongly, giving walls a bold, dramatic look.

It works well for themed spaces or areas that need strong coverage to hide wall flaws.

It fits well on accent walls or rustic rooms with warm lighting because the deep ridges catch light in a rich way.

How to Apply:

• Spray thick compound with heavy aggregates
• Work quickly to keep the texture even
• Let dry fully
• Paint once hardened

This finish is difficult because the heavy material requires confident, even handling.

21. Sponge

Sponge texture uses a damp sponge to dab soft patterns, which makes walls look gentle and natural. It adds movement without harsh lines and blends modern and traditional styles in a simple way.

It works best in bathrooms or kitchens with variable lighting because the soft pattern adjusts well to different lighting conditions.

How to Apply:

• Apply a thin layer of wet compound
• Dab the surface repeatedly with a sponge
• Keep the pressure steady for an even pattern
• Let it dry, and then paint

Most people find it easy since the sponge technique is very forgiving.

DIY vs Professional: What’s Better?

Picking between DIY and professional drywall texture depends on how confident you feel working with messy wall materials, because this job can get tricky fast.

Here is a detailed comparison to help you choose what is better for you:

DIY can be fun if you like hands-on projects, but it does require patience and practice since textures look best when applied smoothly.

Professionals finish faster because they use strong tools and know how to keep the wall even, which helps the final result look neat and clean.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing One

Choosing the right drywall texture matters because every room has different needs, and you want a finish that fits your budget and your style without causing stress later.

These points help you figure out what works best for your home.

• Look at the purpose of the texture, since some people want style while others want to hide wall dents or control noise
• Think about the room type because bright rooms show texture more, while busy rooms need stronger surfaces
• Pick a style that matches your home because bold textures may feel heavy, while soft textures feel cleaner
• Check maintenance needs since deep textures can trap dust and need gentle cleaning
• Consider the cost because tools and labor can increase the total spending
• Choose textures that work well with your paint plans so colors sit evenly

Take a moment to compare these points because a thoughtful choice makes the walls feel perfect for your space.

Community Insights and Homeowner Discussions

People love talking about drywall textures on places like Reddit and Houzz because everyone has a different experience with them. 

Many conversations start with simple questions like “What texture looks good in new homes?” and people jump in fast. 

One person named Reese said she liked her light skip trowel because it looked smooth from far away but still had a little character up close. 

Someone asked, “Is smooth too hard to repair?” and a man named David answered that smooth repairs were actually easier for him because matching textures stressed him out more.

When someone asked which texture felt modern, most people leaned toward knockdown because it hides small flaws. A few people also joked that popcorn texture was the only thing they all agreed to avoid.

These chats show that homeowners choose textures based on real-life needs, not trends, which makes their advice feel simple and honest.

Maintenance Tips for Different Drywall Textures

Maintaining drywall texture keeps your walls looking fresh, as textured surfaces can collect dust or small stains if left unattended for too long.

• Dust the surface often with a gentle brush or vacuum to stop buildup.
• Clean stains with light soap and water so the texture stays soft and smooth.
• Check for cracks or chips and patch them quickly with the same joint compound.
• Keep humidity under control since moisture can damage the texture or cause mold.
• Touch up painted textures by sanding lightly and adding a fresh coat when needed.
• Use protective coatings if the wall sits in a busy or moist area.

These simple steps help you protect the look and strength of your textured walls without stressing over constant cleaning.

Conclusion

Choosing a drywall texture becomes clearer once you start imagining how these finishes change the mood in a room, as every style creates a different mood.

Light, room size, and the feel you want all play a strong role, making each option worth considering before making a final choice.

Understanding the look, room placement, and application steps helps you plan calmly and avoid surprises during your project. 

Real stories from homeowners also show how normal it is to explore a few textures before finding one that feels right for your own space. 

Rooms look more inviting when the walls support the style you enjoy, which makes the right texture feel like a simple but meaningful upgrade.

What texture are you thinking about trying first? Tell us and share with us in the comments below.