Discover 42 Wall Finishes Ideas: An Interior Design Guide

Are you seeking inspiration and ideas to enhance your interior space? If so, I’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore various types of wall finishes designed to elevate your space and cater to every imaginable taste.

As a professional finisher, I truly understand the importance of the “finishing touch.” It’s that final detail that brings everything together, creating that satisfying “ahhhh” moment. As Nate Berkus once said, “Design, to me, is part psychology, part sociology, and part magic,” and we couldn’t agree more.

Whether you’re in search of unconventional paint finishes, luxurious options, or new concepts, or if you’re on a tight budget seeking the best value, there’s something here for everyone to explore

Key Takeaways:

Explore 42 diverse options for wall finishes.

From classic to contemporary, there’s a style for every taste.

Considerations in selecting the best finish for your space

Why Is The Selection of Wall Finishes Important?

The walls of a space serve as a canvas, offering boundless opportunities for creativity and expression.

Choosing the right type of finish can significantly impact the overall aesthetics of your interior design. From subtle textures to vibrant colors, each finish possesses the power to transform a room, filling it with personality and charm.

But, while it possesses the power to enhance a room’s ambiance, it also holds the potential to disrupt it, altering perceptions of size and proportion and ultimately determining the success or failure of a space.

As an experienced finisher, I’ve encountered many outcomes—from the excellent to the less favorable, the unattractive to the stunning.

With this article, I aim to broaden your horizons by showcasing the options available and guiding you toward a journey of exploration and inspiration.

Venetian Plaster Finish

We had to start with one of our favorites, Venetian Plaster. It’s more than just a wall covering—it’s a transformative medium that allows you to create a unique aesthetic in any space.

With its rich surface and luxurious finish, Venetian plaster has the power to uplift the aesthetics of your interior like nothing else. It’s versatile and timeless, offering a different style of customization.

Mirror Wall

A trendy one is the mirror wall finish. This material comes in either a natural mix or a synthetic form. While we favor the natural option, artificial materials can achieve the same look.

Metallic Paint Finish

We love metallic paints. With metallic finishes, a color or clearcoat is always infused with glitter.

Different companies use different thicknesses of glitter, and the possibilities are endless with the combination of clear coats, glitters, and colors that can be multi-layered.

Limewash Wall

Limewash was the first paint on earth, and we can see why it continues today. It delivers a timeless and elegant aesthetic dating back to the hieroglyphics.

With its ability to create a soft, weathered look that improves over time, this finish can last indefinitely as long as the surface is sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option.

Pro tip: Limewash should only be applied over cementitious surfaces or lime plaster.

Board and Batten

A popular choice is board-and-batten walls. These walls are characterized by alternating wide wooden panels (boards) and narrow strips (battens), offering a rustic yet refined charm to any interior space.

This classic form of wood paneling is a great way to add visual interest to walls and create a unique focal point in your home.

Decorative Concrete

Another one of our favorites. Decorative concrete has revolutionized both residential and commercial spaces.

This wall surface made from natural materials is achieved by mixing micro cement with water and/or polymer and then troweling onto the surface.

Many finishes, from consistency to polish, are possible. This is one of the most durable hand-applied wall coatings. It can be tinted white, black, or many colors in between. With sealers, it is perfect for wet areas.

Striped Wall

A striped wall can transform the look and feel of any space, adding depth and dimension to your interior design.

With a wide range of patterns and styles, striped walls offer endless possibilities for enhancing the visual appeal of your home.

This finish is achieved by applying a basecoat to the wall, using painter’s tape to create a striped wall pattern, and then applying the final wall coating before pulling the tape off the surface.

Gold Leaf

A gold leaf wall instantly adds elegance and character to any interior space, elevating the ambiance with its luxurious allure.

This finish is achieved by meticulously applying ultrathin sheets of gold to cover a surface. Its reflective surface adds depth and dimension, while the warm tones of gold create a rich and inviting atmosphere.

Pro tip: All metal surfaces must be sealed. Otherwise, they will oxidize(surface discoloration); the only leaf that doesn’t need sealer is the aluminum silver leaf.

Wallpaper

I do admire some wallpaper. It’s incredibly versatile and stylish and instantly adds character to any space.

With the vast number of options available, the possibilities are endless. But it’s essential to remember that not all wallpaper is created equal, and some may only be suitable for some spaces.

It’s often used in areas with minimal foot traffic. Many wallpapers are delicate, and the installer’s choice is crucial since the paper is glued directly to the wall, and the seams must align perfectly.

Lacquer Wall

Around here, we love anything with a high shine, and Lacquer Walls will give you that and so much more. It’s known for its glossy finish, adding a touch of elegance, luxury, and modernity.

And to make this option more enticing, it’s incredibly easy to clean and maintain, making it a good choice for busy households. The only finish shinier than polished lacquer is a mirror.

Pro tip: It is the most laborious task in interior finishing next to Europe’s Vero metal and fine paints. The process is very toxic, and the dust from spraying lacquer material is substantial. Prep for the surface, worksite, and personal workspace is paramount.

Wall Stenciling

Stenciling is another finish with limitless potential. Various types of stencils, from intricate patterns to bold designs, are available, so you can easily design your walls to reflect your unique style and touch.

This wall surface often mimics wallpaper; in many cases, it’s the most cost-efficient of the two.

Stucco Texture Finish

The Stucco Finish stands out as a long-lasting solution for enhancing the aesthetics of any space.

Stucco is known for its durability and resilience. This finish offers a timeless appeal and is a practical choice for homeowners seeking longevity in their wall treatments. Stucco comes in two varieties: natural and synthetic.

The natural variety is often custom-mixed for the application. The synthetic material, in most cases, comes with a purpose.

Natural Finishes tend to age a lot better than synthetic ones. In a nutshell, synthetic dries to plastic

Brick Accent Wall

The aesthetic of brick can warm up an interior. If you’re aiming for a rustic farmhouse vibe or a more industrial chic look, brick adds an instant character and warmth to any room.

When brick is in its natural form, it offers numerous benefits to the interior space. However, synthetic brick can be an excellent alternative for a less dusty and labor-intensive project. It achieves the same aesthetic without the mess and weight typically associated with a traditional brick wall.

Linear Plaster Application

In this application, plaster is applied in only two directions. The pattern can extend vertically, horizontally, or at any desired angle, offering versatility in design. This wall covering is fantastic as it can elongate or enhance the height of a space.

Vero Metal

The Vero Metal wall treatment adds depth and sophistication to any space. Its reflective surface and metallic hues create a stunning visual impact.

This finish is achieved by spraying liquid metal into the surface. It is often sanded and buffed to a polished finish.

Pro tip: The application process is highly toxic; if you’re an installer, please take the proper precautions.

Geometric Wall

This design choice adds visual interest and depth to your walls with bold shapes and intricate patterns.

With the option of sleek lines or abstract shapes, geometric patterns allow for endless creativity.

This finish is achieved by base coating a wall, using pinstriping tape to lay the desired pattern, applying the final finish to the wall, and pulling the pinstriping tape

Plywood Wall

Plywood walls offer a versatile and budget-friendly option to incorporate wood walls into your interior design.

Plywood is easy to install and can be painted, stained, or left unfinished to suit your preference. Options include various thicknesses or wood species. Multi-layer surfaces are possible, which work very well with LED light.

Sponge Burnished Plaster

We enjoy working with sponge-burnished plaster. This finish gives a beautiful, classic look reminiscent of Mediterranean walls.

This technique uses sponges to create a textured finish on the plaster, resulting in a beautiful, organic, mottled look.

Trompe-l Oeil Wall

A Trompe-l’œil wall is a masterpiece created by skilled artisans. They are known for their remarkable skills in creating the illusion of things with their 3D wall paintings on 2d surfaces.

A well-done Trompe-l Oeil finish can transform any space into a captivating work of art, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

Wall Mural

Murals do an excellent job of transforming walls and ceilings. With murals, the options are vast and can take you to places you didn’t know existed.

When you find a good artist, amazing things can happen.

Stone Accent Wall

A stone accent wall adds a touch of natural beauty to any space, making it a standout feature in interior wall design.

Natural stone creates a striking focal point that enhances the ambiance of any room.

Pro Tip: If natural material is chosen, ensure load-bearing areas can support the weight of the stone. Many faux stone options look realistic and don’t require a stonemason for installation.

Magnetic Wall Finish

Here’s a fun finish! A Magnetic Wall Finish has a special coating infused with iron particles, allowing you to turn your entire wall into a magnetic surface.

Hello, kids room! Or what about an office? This type of wall decor provides a convenient solution for hanging artwork, photos, and other decor items without needing nails or hooks.

Glow In The Dark Wall

A glow-in-the-dark wall is an exciting and unconventional option among different wall finishes, offering any space a whimsical and enchanting element.

This finish absorbs light during the day by incorporating phosphorescent materials into the paint or surface treatment. It emits a soft glow in the dark, creating a magical atmosphere.

It’s most commonly used in children’s rooms and entertainment spaces, and in many cases, you will only know it’s there once the lights are off. This option is undoubtedly good for someone looking to add a fun touch to their interior design.

3D Wall Panels

These wall panels transform feature walls. 3D wall panels offer a contemporary and visually striking alternative to traditional drywall, allowing you to enhance and dimension your walls quickly.

A great complement to this finish is feature lighting. Once the panels are installed, the wall can be painted in various colors and sheens to suit your preference.

Carrera Plaster Wall

The Carrera plaster wall coating offers both insulation benefits and a variety of finish options to enhance your interior design.

This large and thick material provides thermal insulation. It comes in various surface qualities and colors to suit any aesthetic.

This material is excellent for areas where you intend to increase wall thickness or provide insulation, such as wine rooms.

Mosaic Wall

This is a beautiful, versatile finish that could be used anywhere. The options are endless, from backsplashes to outdoor spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Mosaic designs are applied to surfaces, like floor tiles, infusing charm and personality with their intricate patterns and vibrant pieces. The design can be elaborate or as simple as you wish.

Planning is paramount for this design. An artisan can create it, or a factory can number and color-code it.

Textured Paint

Textured paint is a good option when customization is critical.

This finish can be manipulated to give you various finishes. Whether you prefer a smooth, sandy, or gritty tactile feel, this paint allows you to add dimension and depth to your walls, creating a visually stunning backdrop for any room.

Wainscoting Wall

Unlike a board-and-batten wall, a Wainscoting wall refers to decorative paneling that covers the lower portion of a wall, generally extending from the baseboard to a chair rail or mid-wall height.

Incorporating Wainscoting into your home decor instantly elevates the sophistication and character of your surroundings.

Fabric panel wall

Creating beautiful, stunning focal points with a Fabric Panel Wall is relatively easy. These panels can adorn a space with a straightforward fabric treatment or be used to showcase your artistic installation.

The wall is commonly divided into symmetrical sections, with panels crafted and wrapped in your chosen fabric.

Wall Relief Sculpture

This finish is achieved by applying excess plaster to the wall surface and then shaping and carving the material to create a pattern or image. It offers an opportunity to transform your space into a dynamic and visually captivating environment, acting as a blank canvas for artistic expression.

Pro tip: one key element of this wall covering is ensuring correct feature lighting.

Ombre Wall

An ombre wall is a stylish and trendy way to add color and dimension to your space.

With its gradient effect transitioning from light to dark tones, an ombre wall creates a striking visual impact, making it a perfect wall finish to instantly elevate any room’s ambiance.

Ivy Wall

An Ivy Wall could be the perfect fit if you want to add a beautiful touch of natural charm.

For this application, the two choices are natural and synthetic. Higher-cost synthetics can look exactly like natural ivy.

Natural ivy, on the other hand, has many benefits. It purifies the air, and an ivy wall can cool the surface by 15% in hot weather and keep spaces warm in cooler weather.

32 Chalkboard Paint

This paint is a creative way to personalize your space; its matte finish turns any surface into a writable chalkboard.

The cool thing about this chalkboard is that you’re not constrained to the classic black classroom style; you can choose from various colors that suit your aesthetic preference.

An excellent addition is to do a couple of coats of magnetic paint under chalkboard paint to have a dual-purpose surface.

Cork Wall Covering

Cork is a fantastic choice across various scenarios, with its natural and visually gentle design.

Beyond its warmth and visual appeal, cork is also environmentally friendly. It provides excellent acoustic insulation, making it a practical choice for any room in your home.

Large Format Porcelain Tile Wall

Some amazing interior wall finish designs with porcelain surfaces have emerged in recent years.

These tiles are usually larger than traditional tiles, often measuring 24 inches or more on at least one side. Large-format porcelain tiles offer a sleek and modern aesthetic, with fewer grout lines for a more seamless appearance. To make them even more appealing, they are known for being durable and easy to clean.

You can reinvent your space with the distinctive selection of large-format porcelain tiles.

Shiplap Wall

Shiplap, a timeless and versatile wall treatment, has surged in popularity recently for its rustic charm and modern appeal.

This classic style, characterized by overlapping wooden boards, enhances any space’s dimension and tactile appeal. One advantage of this finish is its versatility—you can use all types of wood, whether reclaimed barn wood, pine, or cedar.

Boards come in various thicknesses, heights, and widths. This application is ideal for covering uneven or less-than-perfect wall surfaces.

Faux Wood Wall

A faux wood wall offers a cost-effective way to achieve the look and feel of natural wood without breaking the bank.

Technological advancements have made faux wood finishes incredibly realistic, mimicking authentic wood’s natural grain and feel.

Flat Paint

Flat paint, characterized by its lack of reflection on most surfaces, offers a significant advantage for concealing imperfections. Its minimal light reflection helps to minimize the visibility of surface flaws, making it an ideal choice for less-than-perfect walls.

However, flat paint surfaces are generally not washable. This finish is perfect for situations where you want other elements to take center stage. Additionally, it pairs well with LED lighting in drywall applications, providing a sleek and cohesive look to your space.

Matte Paint

Matte paint exhibits minimal reflection on most surfaces. However, it tends to be approximately 10 to 15% more reflective than flat paint.

Its finish can be likened to fine sandpaper, typically around 800 to 1,000 grit. We appreciate matte paint’s ability to softly diffuse light, creating a subtle glow that adds warmth to the space.

When viewed from an angle, the light appears distorted, imparting a luminous effect that enhances the overall ambiance.

Satin Paint

Satin paint is highly non-reflective, though it is approximately 10 to 15% more reflective than matte finishes.

It is recommended to use a satin finish in areas requiring frequent cleaning. For instance, I’d choose satin as the lowest sheen when painting a kitchen.

When viewed from an angle, satin paint reveals some light play, potentially showcasing color, delineation, and silhouettes in reflections if the lighting is sufficiently bright.

Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss paint features a higher level of reflectivity compared to satin.

Positioned above the midpoint on the reflective scale, semi-gloss offers increased protection as its surface becomes tighter, rendering it more resistant to water damage and stains.

When viewed from an angle, the clarity resembles a slightly misted mirror, making reflections visible but with less precision. They strike the perfect balance between matte and high-gloss options.

Gloss Finish

A gloss finish provides a sleek and reflective sheen that adds a touch of elegance to any space.

This high-shine surface enhances the wall’s aesthetic appeal and offers exceptional durability. Its tightly sealed surface makes a gloss finish highly damage-resistant and easy to clean. It is ideal for areas prone to moisture and stains.

Polished Finish

A polished finish is typically achieved by a glossy surface on metal, stone, plastic, glass, and other materials.

Whether natural or artificially created, achieving a polished surface often involves sanding or buffing, sometimes both.

The key to achieving a professional polish finish is meticulous preparation, often done by hand. While the process can be laborious, the result is a stunningly smooth and reflective surface that adds sophistication to any space.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the options are as diverse as they are inspiring. The types of wall finishes available are just the beginning of an endless array of designs to suit every taste and style preference.

From the colors and textures to the range of sheens, customization is entirely possible, and the possibilities are endless.

With careful contemplation and creativity, you can select a finish that enhances your space and showcases your unique personality and style.

So, whether you’re embarking on a budget-friendly refresh or seeking to infuse luxury into your surroundings, rest assured that there’s a finish out there waiting to elevate your space to new heights of design excellence.

FAQ

What Are The Must Durable Wall Finishes?

Porcelain tile, decorative concrete, epoxy paint, and low-sheen lacquer are some of the durable ones. These materials can resist daily wear and tear while maintaining their aesthetic appeal.

 How Do You Maintain and Clean Different Wall Finishes??

This will depend on the finish. Generally, regular dusting and occasional spot cleaning with mild soap and water are suitable for most finishes. However, specific care instructions may apply, so referring to manufacturer guidelines is essential.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Wall Finish For My Space? 

Factors to consider include the desired aesthetic, the space’s function, durability requirements, maintenance preferences, and budget constraints. You are selecting a finish that aligns with your design vision and meets the practical needs of your environment.

Are There Wall Finishes That Can Help Improve Acoustics in A Room?

Yes, acoustic panels and fabric-covered wall systems effectively improve sound absorption and reduce echo in a room. These finishes are particularly beneficial for home theaters, recording studios, and noisy environments.

Can I Use Wall Finishes To Conceal Imperfections In My Walls? 

Yes, textured finishes like stucco, Venetian plaster, and wallpaper can help mask imperfections like cracks and uneven surfaces. These finishes add depth and visual interest while camouflaging flaws in the wall substrate.

 Can I Paint Over Existing Wall Finishes?

Yes, in many cases, you can paint over existing wall coatings. However, proper surface preparation ensures adhesion and a smooth finish. Consider consulting with a professional for guidance on the best approach.