20 Types of Wall Texture: A Complete Guide

While often viewed as the absence of texture, a smooth finish is itself a distinct drywall surface, achieved by applying and meticulously sanding one or more layers of drywall compound. Different levels of smoothness exist, with most residential smooth finishes aiming for a Level 4 or Level 5 standard. This pristine surface is frequently the desired outcome when skim coating is performed in a home.

Orange peel remains one of the most prevalent drywall textures, its popularity stemming from a combination of cost-effectiveness and blemish-hiding capabilities. The texture presents a subtly dimpled surface, closely resembling the skin of an orange. Professionals typically apply it using a hopper gun and compressed air, though canned aerosol versions are available for DIY repairs. The intensity of orange peel can range from a very fine to a more pronounced, heavier spatter.

Knockdown is another widely adopted texture style, valued for its richer, more dimensional appearance compared to orange peel. Similar to orange peel application, drywall compound is first sprayed onto the wall using a hopper gun or from an aerosol can. Once the sprayed material partially sets, a knockdown knife or trowel is used to gently flatten the peaks, creating its characteristic mottled, somewhat stucco-like effect.

Slap brush, sometimes referred to as crow's foot or stomp brush, is a hand-applied texture known for its distinctive, often fan-like or sunburst patterns. The effect is achieved by dipping a stiff-bristled brush into thinned drywall compound and then "slapping" or pressing it onto the wall or ceiling. Given the manual application, the exact design can vary significantly based on the applicator's technique and tool.

Lace texture, also commonly called Spanish lace, presents an intricate, web-like pattern over a base coat, resembling delicate fabric. This decorative finish is typically hand-applied by splattering or spraying a thin layer of drywall mud onto a primed wall, then lightly troweling or knocking down portions of it to create the open, lace-like effect. It has remained a popular choice for adding an elegant touch.

Comb texture encompasses a variety of patterns created by dragging a toothed trowel or a specialized comb tool through wet drywall compound. This technique can produce straight lines, circles, arcs, or more complex repeating designs like chevrons or fan shapes. The depth and prominence of the combed pattern depend on the tool's teeth and the pressure applied.

Popcorn texture, also known as acoustic texture, was a ubiquitous ceiling finish for many decades, largely due to its ease of application and excellent ability to hide imperfections. This coarse, bumpy surface is created by spraying a thick mixture containing particles like polystyrene onto the ceiling. While effective for sound dampening, its popularity has declined significantly in modern design.

Sand swirl texture incorporates fine sand mixed into drywall compound or a specialized paint to create a subtle, gritty finish with arcing or swirling patterns. This effect is commonly achieved using a brush, sponge, or roller to manipulate the material on the wall in a circular or semi-circular motion. It offers a less pronounced texture compared to some other hand-applied finishes.

Skip trowel is a hand-applied drywall texture characterized by its rustic, slightly raised, and irregularly spaced "skips" or islands of mud across a smooth base. The technique involves applying drywall compound with a trowel, then lightly skipping the trowel across the surface, leaving behind these distinct raised areas. This creates a look often associated with Old World or Mediterranean aesthetics.

Rosebud texture is a delicate, decorative finish typically applied to ceilings, featuring a pattern resembling small, blooming roses or rosettes. It is created by dabbing or stamping a specialized brush, often a round or star-shaped one, into thinned drywall compound and then pressing it onto the surface. The resulting impressions are subtle and add a touch of traditional charm.

Stomp brush texture, also referred to as stipple or dab texture, creates a surface with numerous raised, pointed projections. This is achieved by "stomping" or dabbing a stiff, often round or oval, bristle brush into wet drywall compound and then onto the wall or ceiling. The density and height of the stipples can be varied depending on the consistency of the mud and the application pressure.

Spray sand texture delivers a fine, uniformly gritty surface, less pronounced than hand-applied sand swirl or heavy splatter textures. As the name suggests, it is applied using a hopper gun or specialized spray equipment to project a mixture of drywall compound and fine sand onto the wall. This method allows for consistent coverage over large areas.

Venetian plaster is a high-end wall and ceiling finish known for its remarkably smooth, polished surface that often mimics the look and feel of natural stone like marble or limestone. It involves applying multiple thin layers of a plaster made from slaked lime and marble dust, then burnishing the final coat to achieve a lustrous, subtly variegated sheen.

Swirl texture, distinct from sand swirl by often omitting the sand additive, features broad, sweeping, and continuous circular or semi-circular patterns. This dynamic finish is typically created by hand using a medium-nap roller, a brush, or even a trowel to manipulate the wet drywall compound in a free-flowing, arcing motion. The result is a bold visual statement.

Slap brush knockdown combines two distinct texturing techniques: first, the slap brush (or crow's foot) pattern is applied, and then, after a brief drying period, the raised portions are gently "knocked down" or flattened with a trowel. This results in a more subdued and less sharp version of the original slap brush, offering a unique, layered appearance with softened edges.

Bas-relief drywall texture involves creating raised, three-dimensional designs or images directly on the wall surface using drywall compound. Unlike simple repetitive patterns, bas-relief is often a unique, artistic feature, ranging from floral motifs to abstract shapes or even scenic elements. This technique demands considerable skill and artistic ability from the installer.

Tree bark texture aims to replicate the rugged, vertically grooved appearance of natural tree bark. This effect is typically achieved by applying a thick layer of drywall compound and then using a specialized roller, trowel, or other tools to create deep, irregular vertical lines and ridges. It imparts a strong rustic or naturalistic feel to a space.

Fish scale texture, also commonly known as fan or half-moon texture, features a repeating pattern of overlapping semi-circular shapes resembling fish scales or an open fan. This decorative effect is usually created by meticulously applying and shaping drywall compound with a comb tool or a notched trowel in an arcing motion, building up the pattern row by row.

Hawk and trowel refers to a traditional method of hand-applying plaster or drywall compound that results in a variety of rich, often organic-looking textures. Using a flat board (hawk) to hold the mud and a trowel to apply and manipulate it, skilled artisans can create effects ranging from smooth, undulating waves to more rustic, uneven surfaces. The final appearance is highly dependent on the applicator's specific technique.

While commonly associated with exteriors, stucco finishes can also be adapted for interior applications, offering a durable and distinctly robust textured surface. Interior stucco typically involves applying a cement-based or synthetic plaster mixture to create a coarse, sandy, or heavily textured look. It is favored for imparting a rustic, Mediterranean, or Southwestern feel to indoor spaces.