Decorating an interior space is about more than just the color of the paint or wall coverings. The underlying material of the walls themselves will have a dramatic effect on not only how a room looks but also on what types of décor are possible.
Drywall finishing can be used to add visual interest and texture to a space, or it can serve as a reliable bedrock for custom wall coverings that perfectly match your sense of style.
Residential homeowners and business owners who are interested in drywall finishes for their houses or commercial spaces should explore the many types of drywall finishing available so they can make an informed decision — not only about the aesthetic of their interior but also about the potential future decorative options granted by that type of finishing.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Drywall Finishing?
Drywall is the paneling that makes up the surface of interior walls. It typically has to be coated and taped to be assembled into sheets the size of a room, after which it is mudded to prepare for its final decoration (such as paint).
However, mudding offers a variety of potential finishes for drywall. The standard drywall finishing process muds the joints between drywall panels after taping, producing a seamless transition.
However, this is not the only drywall finish option, and those looking to upgrade their interior can consider visually striking alternatives as well.
Drywall Finish Options
Finishing drywall does not have to mean preparing it for wall coverings, though that is an option. Other types of drywall finish include:
- Smooth – The most classic drywall choice, a smooth mudding will produce a seamless wall that is a suitable canvas for paint, wall coverings, and more.
- Lace – A specialized brush packed with drywall compound produces this circular pattern that looks similar to symmetrical webbing. Due to the visual depth of this type of finish, lace drywall is good at hiding surface imperfections such as dents.
- Knockdown – Those looking for something more varied may enjoy knockdown texture, which resembles an orange peel in consistency. This can create a rustic or even rocky look on a wall.
- Swirl – Professionals skilled with a trowel can apply swirling patterns while they finish the drywall. Swirl patterning can occur in a nearly random arrangement, or it can be measured evenly to produce a series of semicircular designs that resemble scales.
- Popcorn – One of the classic drywall finish options, popcorn drywall contains small raised bumps in irregular patterns. This is one of the best types of drywall decoration for hiding imperfections, but because of its extensive use in the mid to late ‘90s, it may lend an older aesthetic to a space.
These are just a few of the many potential drywall finish options for your next renovation project.
How Drywall Finish Impacts Renovation Projects
As you consider how you would like to upgrade your interior design, be sure to factor in how the drywall finish you choose impacts the space — both now and in the future.
If you select a highly textured drywall finish, you may open the space up to visual depth by creating unique patterns of shadows and light on the wall.
This texture can make your space feel lived in rather than sterile. Textured drywall also absorbs sound better than smooth surfaces, creating a more comfortable environment free of echoes and noise pollution.
However, wall coverings cannot typically be installed over highly textured drywall or drywall that is too thin. A smooth drywall finish is highly versatile and allows your space to change its décor as often as you like.
Level 4 and up is the ideal range for wall coverings, describing the smoothness of the texture that will prevent unsightly divots and blemishes from being visible through the covering.
Wall coverings are even more versatile than drywall projects because they can be custom-created in patterns, colors, and prints that suit your specific space.
Professionals can even produce wall coverings with designs or images that you provide, which offers a personalization that is not possible with basic drywall finishing designs.
Therefore, it is essential to consider how the drywall finish you choose will impact your decorative choices later.
Explore Custom Decorative Wall Coverings for Your Home or Business
Drywall finishing can finish your basic renovations in a space, but it can also level up the aesthetic when used strategically.
The type of finish you select will determine what kinds of decoration you can use later, and a smooth drywall finish is ideal for wall coverings and other high-quality displays.
The professionals at Tree Towns can help you understand how your drywall will impact your interior space, both now and in the future.
Contact Tree Towns to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn how wall coverings and other décor options can create a custom vision in your space.