How To Choose The Right Drywall Texture For Your Home or Business

When it comes to drywall installation, the texture you choose for your walls and ceilings can make a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your space. Whether you’re renovating a room in your home or outfitting a new commercial property, selecting the right drywall texture is an important decision that can influence the ambiance, style, and even the perceived size of a room. At Celtic Drywall Systems LLC, our dedicated drywall company pros have helped countless homeowners and business owners in Boston make informed choices about drywall textures. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right texture for your space.

1. Consider the Style and Atmosphere

Your space’s overall design style is a key factor in choosing the right drywall texture. If you're aiming for a modern or contemporary look, smooth walls with no texture are often preferred. This clean and sleek finish is easy to maintain and works well with minimalist designs.

For a more traditional or rustic look, textured walls can add depth and character. Classic textures like knockdown or orange peel create a subtle, yet inviting atmosphere. If you’re aiming for a vintage feel, consider a hand-troweled texture, which gives a unique, handcrafted look that works well in older homes or businesses that want to evoke charm.

2. Understand the Different Types of Textures

There are various types of drywall textures, each offering a distinct look and feel. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Smooth Finish: This is the most versatile finish, offering a sleek, sophisticated look. It’s ideal for contemporary homes and commercial spaces. Smooth finishes are great for those who prefer a clean, uniform look with no texture.
• Popcorn Texture: Once a staple of ceiling designs, popcorn textures can add an element of visual interest to your space. However, they can be harder to clean and are typically less popular in modern settings. If you're remodeling an older building, this texture might be suitable for your needs.
• Orange Peel: This subtle texture resembles the surface of an orange peel. It’s perfect for spaces that need a bit of texture without overwhelming the space. It’s a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties and is relatively easy to maintain.
• Knockdown: This texture has a more pronounced, yet smooth finish, where the texture is flattened after it’s applied. Knockdown works well in both traditional and contemporary spaces, adding a slightly rustic feel that can hide imperfections.
• Slap Brush: For a more distinct and bold texture, slap brush texture gives a pronounced pattern that’s perfect for a more rustic or southwestern-style aesthetic. It’s often used in large, open spaces where you want to create a focal point or unique feature on the wall.
• Skip Trowel: This texture is applied with a trowel and offers a slightly rougher, uneven finish. Skip trowel textures can work well in rustic or Mediterranean-style homes and businesses, adding dimension and visual interest.

3. Consider Functionality

When choosing a drywall texture, it’s important to think about functionality as well as aesthetics. Textured walls are excellent at hiding imperfections in drywall, such as seams or nail holes. If you have an older building or walls that aren’t perfectly smooth, a textured finish can be a great way to disguise flaws.

Additionally, some textures may help with sound insulation. If you’re looking for noise reduction in a home theater or office space, choosing a textured finish like knockdown or slap brush can help with acoustics.

4. Maintenance and Durability

Different textures require different levels of maintenance. Smooth finishes are relatively easy to clean, as they don’t trap dust or dirt. On the other hand, more textured finishes, such as popcorn or slap brush, may be harder to clean and maintain, especially in high-traffic areas.

Consider the long-term upkeep of the texture, especially if your business is a high-traffic area or your home has children and pets. Choosing a texture that’s durable and easy to maintain will save you time and money in the long run.

5. Consult with a Professional

Choosing the right drywall texture can be overwhelming, but the professionals at Celtic Drywall Systems LLC are here to help. We offer expert advice and high-quality drywall installation services for both homes and businesses in Boston. Our team will work with you to select the ideal texture that fits your aesthetic preferences, functionality needs, and maintenance requirements.