The Complete Guide to Drywall Texture Types and How to Choose the Right One

Drywall textures can bring depth, character, and style to any room in your home. Whether you’re seeking a smooth, classic look or a bold, eye-catching finish, choosing the right drywall texture is an essential step in achieving the interior aesthetic you desire. At Wendell Barco Plastering, based in Portsmouth, VA, we specialize in drywall installation, plastering services, and drywall repair to ensure your home’s walls look flawless and match your vision. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the various drywall texture types and help you make the best choice for your space.

Drywall texture is a finishing technique applied to walls and ceilings to create a distinct surface that adds personality to a room. Textures can be subtle or bold, smooth or raised, and can even hide minor wall imperfections. Here are some of the most popular drywall texture options:

Smooth Finish: Sleek and Versatile

A smooth finish is a classic option often preferred for modern and minimalist interiors. Smooth walls are versatile because they serve as a blank canvas, allowing other design elements, like paint colors or wall decor, to stand out. Interior painters can create a seamless, high-end look with a smooth finish.

While a smooth finish requires precision and skill, our house painters at Wendell Barco Plastering have the expertise to make sure every inch looks immaculate. However, keep in mind that smooth walls can be more challenging to maintain, as they may highlight small imperfections or dents over time.

Best for: Modern, minimalist, or traditional spaces where simplicity is key.

Orange Peel: Subtle Yet Stylish

The orange peel texture is named for its resemblance to the skin of an orange, featuring a slightly raised, bumpy texture that adds depth without overwhelming a room. This type of drywall texture is popular in residential spaces because of its subtle charm and ability to hide minor imperfections.

Orange peel works well for homeowners seeking a more interesting texture than smooth walls without the boldness of other styles. It’s an excellent choice for walls in high-traffic areas since the slight texture hides small scuffs and marks.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where a gentle texture is desired.

Knockdown Texture: Bold and Unique

Knockdown texture is a bit more pronounced, offering a heavier, dramatic look. The texture is created by applying drywall mud with a trowel or knife, which is then "knocked down" or flattened slightly to create an uneven, random pattern. This texture style is both eye-catching and practical, as it can conceal imperfections on walls effectively.

Knockdown texture is popular for ceilings and walls alike, especially in homes with a rustic or Mediterranean design aesthetic. Its unique look adds dimension and interest to any space. Our drywall repair team at Wendell Barco Plastering can also expertly match existing knockdown textures for seamless repairs.

Best for: Larger rooms and ceilings, or spaces with a rustic or bold design.

Popcorn Texture: Retro and Sound-Dampening

Popcorn texture is a raised, bumpy finish that was particularly popular in mid-century homes, especially on ceilings. It’s created by mixing a drywall compound with a binding agent and spraying it onto the surface. Popcorn is also beneficial for soundproofing, as its textured surface helps absorb sound, making it ideal for bedrooms or media rooms.

However, popcorn texture is more challenging to clean and can be difficult to repair if damaged. While it’s less common in modern design, some homeowners still choose it for its sound-dampening qualities and retro appeal.

Best for: Ceilings in bedrooms, basements, or media rooms where sound control is important.

Sand Swirl: Artistic and Playful

Sand swirl texture is an artistic, playful option that brings visual interest to walls and ceilings. Created by applying a mix of sand and paint in a swirling motion, it adds a unique, abstract look to any room. Sand swirl is perfect for those who want their walls to be a feature of the room, rather than just a background element.

This texture is more labor-intensive and may not be ideal for high-traffic areas, as repairs can be tricky. But with the right interior painters, a sand swirl texture can transform a space into a work of art.



Best for: Dining rooms, entryways, and feature walls where a touch of artistry is desired.

Skip Trowel: Rustic Charm

Skip trowel texture is a popular choice in Mediterranean-style homes and spaces with a rustic theme. It’s achieved by applying a thin layer of drywall mud with a trowel and “skipping” across the surface to create a rugged, inconsistent look. This gives the walls a natural, rough charm that pairs beautifully with other rustic design elements.

Our plastering services team at Wendell Barco Plastering can create a skip trowel texture that adds warmth and character to your space, making it feel both stylish and inviting.

Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms in homes with rustic or Mediterranean-inspired decor.

When choosing a drywall texture, consider the following factors:

1. Room Size: Smaller rooms benefit from subtler textures like orange peel or smooth finishes, while larger spaces can handle more dramatic options like knockdown or skip trowel.
2. Design Style: For modern aesthetics, a smooth or orange peel texture is ideal. For rustic or traditional homes, knockdown or skip trowel textures add authenticity.
3. Maintenance Needs: Textures like orange peel and knockdown can hide small imperfections and scuffs, while smooth and sand swirl finishes require more upkeep to maintain their pristine look.
4. Sound Control Needs: If noise is a concern, consider popcorn texture for ceilings, as it provides some sound-dampening benefits.
   

Selecting the right drywall texture can elevate your home’s interior and set the tone for your space. At Wendell Barco Plastering, we bring years of experience in drywall installation, plastering services, drywall repair, and interior painting. Serving Portsmouth, VA, and surrounding areas, our team of expert house painters and drywall specialists is dedicated to achieving the perfect look for your home. We provide drywall installation and repair, plastering, and interior painting.

Ready to enhance your space? Call us today at (757) 935-7297 to discuss your drywall and painting needs, or schedule an appointment. Let Wendell Barco Plastering bring your vision to life with professional drywall textures and painting expertise.