Making the right decorating decisions for your home should be fun and intentional. After all, your design choices transform a blank palette into a functional, personal, and self-expressive space. Thoughtful details make all the difference in the world when kicking back and enjoying the end result.
Although furniture is an important component, many other elements create a cohesive design, including flooring, lighting, artwork, and textiles. One essential element that’s usually overlooked? Walls. The choices can be overwhelming, considering paint color, wallpaper, or woodwork such as shiplap, molding, or wainscoting. Budget typically plays a major role in the decision-making process as well.
If you’ve fallen in love with a specific wall design and are currently experiencing sticker shock, consider this: You may be able to achieve the look you want for much less. In fact, there are certain tricks interior designers use to create textured walls without remodeling.
Ahead, design experts share their insight on how to achieve the look of textured walls.
What Are Textured Walls?
From an interior design standpoint, texture adds an intriguing type of dimension and depth to an otherwise drab, flat surface. Erin Greene, Interior Designer and Founder at Erin Greene Designs, a residential design-build firm based in San Francisco, California, favors earth tones, and within these grounded palettes, texture can totally bring a space to life.
“[Earth tones] are so popular right now because people are craving homes that feel like a cozy, lived-in sanctuary rather than a stark, sterile showroom. Adding physical depth to your walls creates warmth and movement that flat paint just can’t achieve,” says Greene.
Lauren Vallario, CEO and Principal Designer at Lauren Vallario Designs, Inc., agrees that textured walls are having a major moment. She notes that this look can be achieved with soft, tonal finishes like plaster and limewash, as well as applications such as shiplap, paneling, beadboard and V-groove.
“Right now, homeowners are gravitating toward finishes that feel organic and imperfect—limewash in particular has surged in popularity because it offers a beautifully layered look that mimics plaster, but at a more approachable price point,” Vallario says. “The ability to control the intensity of the application makes it versatile, whether you want a barely-there wash or a more dramatic, high-contrast effect.”
Why Can Textured Walls Get Expensive?
Although textured walls are surging in popularity, this design trend can become quite expensive quickly—especially when dealing with elements like plaster. According to Vallario, this is mainly due to the time, skill, and craftsmanship required to get the job done well.
“True plaster finishes are applied in multiple layers, often by hand, and require a high degree of expertise to achieve the right balance and consistency. Even detailed panel molding can become labor-intensive depending on the level of customization,” she explains.
What to Know Before Getting Textured Walls
One major advantage of opting for texture? It instantly upgrades a space. According to Vallario, texture can make any home feel more layered, more personalized, and overall, more “designed.” That said, there are some things to consider before taking the leap.
“Certain finishes, like limewash or other decorative paints, can be difficult to touch up,” Vallario says. “In high-traffic areas or homes with young children, damage may require repainting an entire wall rather than spot repairs.”
Another drawback is cost. While textured walls can look amazing, opting for this design trend is an easy way to blow your budget. You can easily gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and paint a wall for a fun DIY project—but adding texture isn’t as straightforward. Evelina Juzėnaitė, Principal Interior Designer at Planner 5D, says a professional is usually necessary to achieve the look. In addition, Juzėnaitė notes that if the texture is ribbed, it can end up becoming a dust collector.
How to Achieve Textured Walls Without Remodeling
1. Consider Textured Wallpaper
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It’s always wise to consult an interior designer to learn the best tips and tricks that help you stay within budget and avoid taking on more work than planned. When it comes to achieving textured walls without remodeling, experts agree that removable textured wallpaper is a stellar decor hack. Two of my favorite brands for all things home decor—especially stunning wallpaper prints and textures—are Cailini Coastal and Serena & Lily, and Greene agrees.
“Serena & Lily is my go-to place for sourcing gorgeous grasscloth wallpapers that add incredible depth but can easily peel off later,” she says.
The best part about peel-and-stick wallpaper? It’s renter and budget-friendly, and not permanent.
“Peel-and-stick wallpaper has improved significantly and can add both pattern and texture without long-term commitment,” Vallario says. “While it may not fully replicate the depth of true plaster or wood paneling, it can still create meaningful visual impact when installed carefully.”
If you decide to go this route, it’s essential that your wall is level and that you apply the wallpaper so the seams are consistent.
2. Use Standard Picture Frames To Create Panel Molding
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Using standard picture frames to mimic panel molding is a fun, budget-conscious DIY project anyone can try.
“By removing the glass and backing and mounting the frames directly to the wall in a uniform layout, you can achieve the look of custom millwork in just a few hours,” Vallario tells us.
There are so many tutorials on Instagram and YouTube to help get you started.
3. Add Dimension to Your Wall Art
It’s amazing what a little creativity can do. Sure, you could hang a few classic picture frames on a wall, but Greene encourages homeowners and renters to think outside the box. Consider mounting physical objects as wall art—maybe seashells from a special beach vacation, wine corks, or dried flowers.
“Textured wood art like this can instantly transform a flat wall into a textural experience without the cost of a full remodel,” she says.
4. Incorporate Applied Paneling or Molding
Many retailers, including Home Depot, Etsy and Walmart, now offer prefabricated or easy-to-install paneling systems. Wayfair carries a Pre-Cut Molding Kit that comes with a six-frame PS wainscoting panel set for accent walls—for the steal price of $60—and a Primed Board And Batten Wainscoting Kit for $105.
With just the right finishing touches—i.e., filling seams and sanding—you can achieve that high-end textured look for less.
“These surfaces are also durable and easy to maintain, especially when finished in a higher-sheen paint,” Vallario points out.
5. Choose a Texture That’s Minimal
When selecting the right texture for your space, the best choice is typically harmonious and minimal rather than vibrant and noticeably artificial.
“Budget options can be concealed with good lighting and decor, so the focus of the room shifts to other areas, not the walls,” says Juzėnaitė. “However, the more natural and calm the effect, the more sophisticated it will be perceived.”
About the Experts
- Erin Greene is an Interior Designer and the Founder at Erin Greene Designs, a residential design-build firm based in San Francisco, California offers architectural planning and bringing designs to life. Greene has been guiding clients through the remodeling process for nearly 10 years.
- Lauren Vallario is the CEO and Principal Designer at Lauren Vallario Designs, Inc., based in Westchester County, New York. She earned a degree in Kitchen and Bathroom Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and has more than a decade of experience helping clients design spaces they use often and genuinely love.
- Evelina Juzėnaitė is a Principal Interior Designer at Planner 5D who leads the Interior Design team and spearheads the Design School and weekly Design Battles.
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