I’ve been there myself. You think to yourself, "What’s the worst that can happen?" I’ll use enough paste, and we’ll be good to go.
I’m going to be the first to burst your bubble. Please learn from my mistakes, but it’s going to be a hard, no. Textured walls and wallpaper are not a match made in heaven...In fact, they’re more like a toxic relationship you’ll regret the second you start. Let us break down why.
There was a time when textured walls were having a moment, and honestly, we’re all still recovering from it. Let’s all blame our mothers and grandmothers for their bad decorating moves...another topic for our therapists.
Let’s Take A Walk Down Memory Lane
Popcorn Walls & Ceilings (1950s–1980s)
Ah, popcorn texture, the staple of mid-century homes. It’s rough, bumpy, and was mostly used for soundproofing and hiding imperfections (or bad drywall jobs). It’s got that retro feel, but not in the cool, retro-chic way. If you try to wallpaper over popcorn, you’ll end up with bubbles, uneven seams, and a whole lot of regret.
Orange Peel Walls (1960s–1990s)
Orange peel texture looks exactly how it sounds, like the surface of an orange. It was meant to give walls a little character without going full popcorn, but it’s still textured enough to make wallpapering a nightmare. The paper won’t lie flat, patterns won’t line up, and you’ll be left with bumps where there should be a smooth, sleek design.
Knockdown Walls (1990s–2000s)
Knockdown texture is a more subtle version of orange peel, as if someone had taken a trowel and “knocked down” the peaks of the texture. It has a more organic, natural look (which is why it was so popular in beach houses and coastal decor), but it’s still too textured for wallpaper. Your wallpaper will bubble, crease, and you’ll lose the crisp pattern detail that makes our high-end wallpaper designs so stunning.
Why Textured Walls and Wallpaper Don’t Mix
Wallpaper, especially luxury grasscloth and textured paperweave, is designed to lie flat. When you put it over textured walls, a few things will happen:
– The wallpaper adhesive won’t grip properly to the uneven surface, which means peeling and lifting over time.
– You’ll lose the clean, sharp look of your wallpaper design because the texture will show through.
– Pattern matching becomes impossible, and trust me, misaligned prints are the kind of chaos no one wants in their home.
Wallpaper is a big investment... We’re talking high-end, custom luxury wallpaper. Why risk it looking second-rate because of some outdated wall texture?
How to Prep Your Walls for Wallpaper
So, what’s the fix? Skim coating (here's another trust me), it’s worth it. Here’s how to get those walls perfectly smooth and ready for some stunning designer wallpaper:
Scrape it down. If you’ve got popcorn texture, you’ll need to scrape it off (a messy job, but totally worth it).
Skim coat: Apply a thin layer of joint compound over orange peel or knockdown walls to create a smooth surface.
Sand it smooth. After the skim coat dries, sand it down to achieve a buttery smooth finish.
Prime Apply a high-quality wallpaper primer to help the adhesive stick and prevent damage when you eventually decide to swap designs.
At this point, you have a flawless canvas, and now the real fun begins.
Let’s Make Your Walls the Star of the Show
So, here’s your game plan: smooth out those walls, pick your perfect wallpaper (hello, custom luxury), and let a pro handle the install (PLEASE trust us on this). You’ll end up with a space that looks straight out of a design magazine. You’ll never miss those textured walls for a second.
Ready to transform your space?
Shop our designer wallpaper, and don’t forget to send us a pic when it’s up. We live for the reveal!
Happy Wallpapering,
Alexis