Top Tips to Choose the Wall Texture Types for Your Home

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A Comprehensive Guide for Bergen County Homeowners

Selecting the right wall texture can totally change your space, taking it from a blank slate to a cozy and beautifully finished room bursting with character. But with so many choices to choose from, you may start to feel confused.

For a Ridgewood ranch refresh, a sleek Fort Lee condo redesign or something in between, this guide will take you through what works, why and how to make the right texture choices for your walls.

Why Wall Texture Isn't Just About Looks

Sure, texture adds style—but it's also practical. In homes across Bergen County, wall texture can help:

• Hide drywall imperfections
• Add acoustic softness (great for echo-prone spaces)
• Create visual depth
• Help paint reflect light more evenly.
• Boost resale value with a high-end finish.

Some textures can even extend the life of your paint job by masking minor surface flaws that appear over time. 

How to Select the Right Wall Texture: Key Factors to Consider

1. Room Function Matters

• Bathrooms & basements: Use moisture-resistant or mildew-friendly textures
• Living spaces: Explore bold or elegant finishes
• Bedrooms: Subtle, calming textures work best

2. Lighting & Room Size

• Smaller rooms do better with lighter, low-profile textures
• Large or open spaces can handle bolder textures like knockdown or slap brush.

3. Ease of Cleaning

• Smooth, orange peel, or knockdown = easier to wipe down.
• Dust-trapping: Slap brush and sand swirl require more upkeep.

Tip: Before you texture or paint, make sure you know the best way to clean your walls before painting.

4. Your Home's Style

• Farmhouse? Try sand swirl or slap brush
• Modern minimalist? Go with orange peel or smooth
• Classic/traditional? Knockdown or comb texture feels timeless.

5. Budget & Labor

• Spray-on textures are quicker and often cheaper
• Hand-applied techniques cost more but add custom charm. If you're unsure what fits your budget or timeline, request an estimate from our team.

Popular Wall Texture Types (With Descriptions)

Looking for ideas? Here’s a quick breakdown of Bergen County's favorite wall textures:

1. Orange Peel

Slightly bumpy and clean-looking—like the skin of an orange. Great for hiding minor flaws while keeping things modern.

2. Knockdown

A more rustic, stucco-style texture. It adds depth and softens the echo in open-plan rooms.

3. Sand Swirl

Swirling brush strokes that bring a decorative, hand-finished feel—ideal for ceilings or accent walls.

4. Comb Texture

Creates waves or rainbow-like lines. Perfect for those who want a standout wall without needing wallpaper.

5. Slap Brush

Bold, dramatic, and packed with character. Each stroke adds dimension—perfect for creative interiors.

6. Popcorn (Retro)

Still used in basements and ceilings for soundproofing. It’s a classic that’s making a quiet comeback.

Need help deciding? Check out our full breakdown of different types of wall textures to get inspired.

Smooth vs Textured Walls: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Smooth Wall	Textured Wall
Hides Flaws	No	Yes
Easy to Repaint	Yes	No
Adds Visual Depth	No	Yes
Low Maintenance	Yes	No

What Paint Finish Works Best with Wall Texture?

• Flat or matte: Only for super smooth and perfect surfaces 
• Eggshell/Satin: perfect all-around finish for textured walls 
• Semi-gloss: Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens—easy to clean 
• High-gloss: Usually not suggested for textured surfaces (too reflective)

For detailed local recommendations, our Bergen County painting team can guide you through the best finishes for your space and lighting.

Prep Like a Pro: Wall Cleaning Tips Before Texturing

You want your texture (and paint!) to last. Before applying anything:

• Wash walls with mild soap and water
• Sand any significant flaws or bumps
• Prime for smooth adhesion 

Want the best outcome? Let our team of professional painters at MGP Painting handle the prep so the texture lasts—and looks amazing.

Serving Bergen County? We’re Just a Call Away

If you’re considering textured wall finishes in Tenafly, Hackensack, Ridgewood, or Mahwah, our MGP Painting team is aware of what changes make a real difference with any kind of home. 

We will guide you on selecting the appropriate material, applying it beautifully, and even suggest the most suitable paint finish to complete the look.

Call 845.290.5284 or Request a Free Quote, and we'll bring samples straight to your doorstep.

FAQs – Your Texture Questions Answered

Q: Can you add texture to already painted walls? 

Absolutely. Just make sure the walls are cleaned and primed.

Q: What’s the easiest DIY wall texture? 

Orange peel. It can be applied with a spray gun and looks professional with minimal effort.

Q: Does texture increase home value? 

Yes—especially when it’s well done and befits the home's style.

Q: How long will the texture last? 

With proper prep and paint, most textures last 10+ years.

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Schedule a FREE estimate today! Call. 845.290.5284 or

Request Estimate

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