Have you ever wished you could add a touch of elegance to your textured walls? The good news is yes, you can put wallpaper on textured walls—it just depends on the type of texture and the preparation you’re willing to do.
Wallpaper has the power to transform a room, even if your walls aren’t perfectly smooth. In this guide, we’ll cover which wall textures work best for wallpaper, what papers to choose, and how to prep your walls for a long-lasting finish.
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Can You Wallpaper Over Textured Walls?
The short answer: yes. But the success of your project depends on the level of wall texture.
- Light textures (like knockdown or light orange peel) can usually be wallpapered with proper adhesive.
- Medium textures may require stronger glue and thicker wallpaper.
- Heavy textures (like popcorn or lace) are not recommended for wallpaper.
Common Wall Textures and How They Work With Wallpaper
1. Heavily Textured Walls: Popcorn and Lace
These have sharp peaks and very little flat surface for wallpaper to adhere to. The texture will show through, and wallpaper won’t last long.
👉 Best option: avoid wallpapering these walls. Instead, use wallpaper in creative places like bookcase backs, drawers, or furniture accents. I also like to frame a fun pattern of wallpaper or use it as backing inside a frame. Just a small peak of pattern!
2. Medium Textured Walls: Orange Peel
Orange peel texture can range from light to heavy. For medium-to-heavy, removable wallpaper (like peel-and-stick or water-activated) won’t work well. Instead, use:
- A strong wallpaper paste
- Thicker wallpaper to prevent texture bleed-through
- Darker or patterned designs instead of white/light backgrounds
3. Light Textured Walls: Knockdown
Knockdown walls are ideal for wallpapering. While peel-and-stick might not last forever, applying your own paste ensures a strong hold. Like with orange peel, choose thick wallpaper and avoid solid light backgrounds that may reveal texture.
Choosing the Best Wallpaper for Textured Walls
When picking wallpaper for textured walls, keep these tips in mind:
- Pattern matters: Large-scale, busy, or organic designs hide imperfections better than minimal or plain designs.
- Material choice: Vinyl or fabric-backed wallpapers are more forgiving and durable.
- Thickness counts: Thicker wallpapers are better at concealing uneven surfaces.
- Color palette: Light backgrounds show texture more, while darker or more complex designs disguise it.
✨ All Modern Magic wallpapers are printed on thick paper designed to cover texture beautifully, with patterns that bring warmth and personality to your home.
Preparing Textured Walls for Wallpaper
Wall prep makes all the difference. Follow these steps before installation:
- Clean the walls – remove dust, dirt, and debris.
- Repair imperfections – patch cracks and smooth rough areas.
- Lightly sand – to reduce sharp peaks on textured walls.
- Prime the walls – this helps adhesive stick and makes removal easier later.
Skipping primer can make wallpaper removal much harder in the future.
Should You Hire a Wallpaper Installer?
DIY wallpapering on textured walls is possible with patience and prep. But for heavily textured walls or delicate wallpaper patterns, a professional installer will save you time and frustration. They’ll have the tools and techniques to achieve a smooth finish and make sure your walls last a lifetime!
Creative Ways to Use Wallpaper (Even on Textured Walls)
If your walls are too textured for wallpaper, don’t give up! Wallpaper can still bring magic to your home in creative ways:
- Line the back of bookshelves or cabinets
- Add pattern to drawer fronts or furniture sides
- Frame wallpaper as artwork
- Use wallpaper inside trays or as shelf liners
These small touches can bring character and charm to your space without tackling textured walls directly.
Add Wallpaper to Your Space
Don’t let textured walls limit your creativity. With the right prep, materials, and design, wallpaper can transform your space into something both elegant and personal.
🌙 Explore Modern Magic’s wallpaper collection to find designs that inspire rest, creativity, and beauty for your home.
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