Level Up Basic Drywall with Fun, Modern Textures

Drywall can seem boring when left as a blank canvas with only a fresh coat of paint. However, texture can transform lackluster walls from basic to beautiful. The right textures lend dimension, character, and aesthetic appeal to any space while serving practical purposes too.

Beyond just hiding flaws, modern textures influence the look, feel, and functionality of a room. From combing parallel lines to venetian plaster elegance, textures range from subtle to lavish. The variety means there's an ideal texture to align with your personal style and meet your spatial needs.

Explore Popular Modern Drywall Texture Types

Many classic texture types have been modernized with updated techniques and fresh applications. Understanding the most common options helps narrow your selection.

Cottage Cheese Chic - Popcorn Ceiling Texture

Traditional cottage cheese or popcorn ceilings get a bad rap for looking outdated. But with the right approach, this heavy spray-on texture can feel fun and modern. Using a finer popcorn aggregate and bold, modern color creates visual appeal.

Popcorn texture excels at hiding drywall flaws under its bumpy facade. The thick application also dampens sound. On the downside, removing heavy popcorn texture takes effort if you later want a smooth look.

Subtle Sophistication - Orange Peel Texture

Unlike its name implies, subtle orange peel texture resembles the inside of citrus rind more than the outside peel. Its mottled look provides moderate texture and depth without overwhelming a space. Painters often stipple walls with orange peel texture.

Orange peel texture works well on walls and ceilings in living spaces, dining rooms, and hallways. It hides some wall imperfections while allowing paint color and light to shine. The textureeffortlessly suits modern and transitional aesthetics.

Mesmerizing Swirls - Troweled Sand Texture

For dimensional texture with visual drama, sand swirl finish brings hand-applied plaster texture to walls with artisan elegance. Using a trowel, applicators create an undulating, swooping texture that resembles sanded grout.

Labor-intensive sand swirl commands attention, especially when illuminated with natural light. Keep the rich texture as an accent wall focal point against more subtle drywall in heavy traffic zones. Its dimensional style beautifully balances modern and traditional spaces.

Crisp and Uniform - Painted Comb Texture

Understated comb texture generates uniform linear texture by combing walls vertically or diagonally with a texturing tool. The striated look resembles the pages of an open book, providing subtle alternating ridges and grooves.

Painters often apply two coats of paint over combed walls--the first coating fills in grooves slightly before final color application. Crisp comb textures complement modern aesthetics in studios, hallways, kitchens and more while effortlessly hiding minor drywall flaws.

Smooth Sophistication - Venetian Plaster

Unlike other spray or trowel textures, venetian plaster leaves walls nearly smooth with a polished plaster finish. Master artisans apply specially formulated plasters in thin layers then burnish it carefully by hand. The resulting texture looks like smooth marble with subtle undulations, depth, and lustrous dimensionality.

Elegant venetian plaster makes an unforgettable first impression and brings ornamental refinement to modern spaces. Its thin application provides little sound absorption compared to thicker spray textures. Labor and material costs also run higher for this bespoke finish.

Choosing Texture Type by Spatial Needs and Style

With endless texture possibilities out there, narrowing options can seem overwhelming initially. But thinking through a few key considerations simplifies texture selection.

Factor 1: Desired Look and Feel

Identifying your target aesthetic helps guide texture decisions. For ornate, old-world elegance, venetian plaster or heavy sand swirl textures shine. Crisp comb textures and mottled orange peel offer understated modernity. Heavier popcorn suits traditional farmhouse or cottage aesthetics.

Factor 2: Application Method

Spray textures like popcorn and orange peel demand less skill to apply than troweled finishes like sand swirl and venetian plaster. DIYers can tackle basic spray textures successfully with some practice. But specialized hand-applied finishes may require hiring professional plaster artisans to ensure quality results.

Factor 3: Noise and Flaw Hiding Abilities

Thicker and heavier spray-on textures like cottage cheese popcorn do the best job absorbing sound and hiding imperfections like drywall seams or cracks under layers of texture. Smoother finishes like venetian plaster or light comb texturing provide very little sound insulation or flaw disguise by comparison.

Factor 4: Cost Considerations

Entry-level spray textures add the least cost per square foot. Hand-troweled finishes and venetian plaster offer unmatched artistry and visual intrigue but command higher pricing from specialized labor and materials. DIY texture applications provide the most budget-friendly option.

Preparing Walls for Texture

Proper drywall prep drastically improves texture outcomes. Weak adhesive, flimsy drywall, or a dirty surface sabotages texture success. Ensuring surfaces are sturdy, primed, and clean keeps projects on track.

Secure Surfaces Before Texturing

Pre-texturing checks prevent problems down the road. Confirm drywall sheets tightly fasten to studs with long screws at regular intervals. Address cracks or seams by re-securing boards or applying mesh tape and joint compound to fortify.

Prime Surfaces

Quality drywall primer creates an ideal base layer for textures to adhere properly. Primer also regulates absorbency differences across drywall once texturing material is applied. This prevents uneven drying and splotchy spots.

Clean Surfaces

Dust, dirt, oil, and grease hamper texture adhesion and clog spray hoppers. Tackle grime using trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner before texturing. Carey a damp microfiber cloth to remove residual dust right before beginning work.

Applying Textures

Technique Basics by Texture Type

While prep works establishes an ideal foundation across all textures, application techniques vary.

Popcorn Ceiling Texture: Adjust spray nozzle to desired texture density. Test product viscosity and coverage on cardboard before walls. Apply sweeping S-pattern coats, allowing enough time between layers. Let it fully cure before touching up.

Orange Peel: Alternate hands when stippling walls in X pattern motions with brush-on texture. Apply paint in thin, consistent layers working top to bottom to prevent dripping.

Sand Swirl: Pull trowel at 45 degree angles applying pressure to create ridges. Smooth with sweeping circular motions. Work in small sections; texture may dry quickly.

Comb: Load brush or comber tool with paint or texture product. Hold vertically and pull down wall lightly and evenly in parallel lines, wiping tool often.

Venetian Plaster: Apply thin, even coats with a steel trowel. Allow proper drying time between layers. Burnish by hand in circular motions once partially dry. May require specialty finishing product.

Common Errors and Fix Techniques

Knowing the most prevalent mistakes helps avoid learn-as-you go frustration with textures.

Drips: Wipe gently with damp microfiber cloth. Allow to fully cure before sanding smooth.

Uneven Texture: Reapply product if possible or skim coat problem areas.

Flaking Texture: Secure edges with joint compound before applying new texture.

Overspray: Carefully scrape excess once fully cured. Drywall mud and touch up paint hides fixes.

Blotchy Areas: Prime surface again focusing on bare spots. Reapply texture.

Caring for Textured Walls

Textures deserve proper ongoing care to prevent damage and maintain their beauty. Follow a few fundamental guidelines to keep walls looking their best.

Tailored Cleaning Methods

Gentler is better when cleaning textured walls. Avoid abrasive tools and harsh chemicals that degrade delicate texture finishes. Instead, use soft microfiber cloths and mild cleanser like dish soap and water.

Knowing When It's Time to Refresh

Subtle cracking, flaking or warping signals textures need attention. Popcorn ceilings may require respraying every 8-10 years. Troweled finishes last longer but require professionals for touchups. Comb and orange peel finishes often endure 15-20 years before requiring updates.

Texture Redo Techniques

Heavily damaged texture may need complete removal and reapplication. For minor fixes, skim coat compromised areas before respraying or retroweling textures. With intricate finishes like Venetian plaster, professionals recreate details by hand.

Inspiring Texture Style Ideas

Beyond covering up boring drywall, clever texture techniques create eye-catching style. Use textures to influence the entire feel of a space or as captivating accent features.

Full Wall Statement

Take textural drama to the max with showstopping treatment from floor to ceiling. Contrast a rich venetian plaster dining room with modern furnishings and pendant lighting. Or envelope a bedroom in mod white shaggy wallpaper for cozy appeal.

Beautiful Backdrops

Textured walls compose alluring backdrops for displaying treasured artworks or anchoring furniture arrangements. A comb textured charcoal feature wall intensifies the drama behind a vivid still-life painting. Sunset-hued orange peel walls amplify the impact of a black lacquer console table.

Custom Accents

Strategically placed textural moments draw the eye. Use circular sand swirl texture inside the recesses of a floating shelf for artistic allure. Crisscross overlapping bands of exotic cork wall tiles behind a bed as a dynamic headboard.

Creative texture techniques unlock new dimensions for otherwise flat drywall. Visually intriguing textures may first grab attention, but functional perks follow. Flaw-hiding abilities, sound dampening, and added character please homeowners long-term.

From subtle orange peel to regal venetian plaster, texture types suit any aesthetic. Combining artistry, skill, and the right finishes unlocks next-level drywall possibilities. So why settle for boring blanks when textures easily level up basic walls?