Nothing brightens up a room quite like a fresh coat of paint — and while neutral colors are tried and true, you may occasionally feel a little adventurous and wish to try something different. If you’re looking to add a little more flair to your home, there are countless alternatives for plain, solid-painted walls. At Today’s Homeowner, we have years of experience helping readers with all their home project needs, so we’ve put together a list of the best surfaces and finishes you can add to the walls of your home.

If you’re new to the world of DIY home repairs and remodeling, we recommend doing your fair share of research before taking the plunge. When starting new painting projects, be sure to read up on the latest interior paint color trends and misleading painting myths before you pick up a brush.

Below are some of our suggestions on how you can breathe new life into your home, make a statement, or add elegance to a room with just a few simple techniques. 


Faux Finishing

Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, decorative painting (also called faux finishing) gives you the freedom to express your style and create a room that reflects your personality. While the results may look impressive, faux finishes don’t have to be complicated to create.

Start with properly prepared walls by priming them and applying two coats of eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss base paint. When painting inside, be sure to tape off baseboards, edges, trim, windows, and doors. Use drop cloths to protect your furniture and floors. Then, check home centers for faux finishing supplies to achieve your desired look.

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You can achieve a faux finish look by simply buying several different colors of paint and using a sponge to apply the colors to the wall. This may require an artistic eye, but if you have a bit of creativity in you, you can give your walls a unique look that’s suited to your style.


Alternative Surfaces

If you’re looking to add something other than painted walls for a new look, you may want to consider alternative wall surface materials and treatments. From corkboards to chalkboard paint, there are plenty of decor choices that can add function and visual interest to any room.

Cork

Cork is a bit unorthodox for most designs, but it can be decorative, practical, and even reduce noise. It gives you the customization to hang photos, notes, and art on your walls — all while giving you an interesting aesthetic. Cork works best on inside walls without sun exposure due to insulation. When installing cork in bathrooms, properly seal it to prevent moisture damage.

Cork comes in various sizes and shapes, so be sure to measure your wall before cutting cork to size. For installation, simply apply adhesive, then press the cork onto the wall. Use a roller for an even surface.

Magnetic Paint

Magnetic paint can help keep you organized and occupy your kids by giving you plenty of space to stick notes and pictures to the wall. If you’re not sure where to start, Magic Wall Magnetic Paint is a lead-free, water-based primer that provides a magnetic surface. To apply, use two coats of magnetic paint, wait 24 hours, then apply any topcoat.

Chalkboard Finish

If you’re feeling creative, using chalkboard paint from brands like Krylon and other top sellers can help turn any flat surface into a fully functional chalkboard that doubles as a wall. Kids can express creativity without the mess by scribbling their works of art all over the home.

To apply, use two coats of chalkboard paint, allow drying time, and then lightly sand for an even writing surface. 


Adding Texture & Depth

Plain walls often lack visual impact, and if you need something beyond simple color to breathe new life into your home, you may want to consider adding texture and depth to your wall surfaces. Techniques like combing, troweled plaster, and textured paint can create intricacy in your home, all with just a little bit of elbow grease.

Combing

For striping, apply joint compound or wet latex paint. Then, create a combing effect using a notched trowel, hair pick, or squeegee. Drag the tool through in one clean line, waving or fanning as you go for a unique look.

Troweled Plaster

For troweled plaster, apply a plaster base coat followed by a finish coat when wet, using circular trowel motions for both coats. From there, walls can either be painted or left natural. Walls require an even substrate to start, so they may need skim coating first.

Plastering requires skill, so consider hiring a professional if you don’t have any prior experience. DIYers can buy premixed plaster at most hardware stores, but they should practice first before attempting any major remodeling.

Textured Paint

Specialty textured paints can add an affordable dimension to your walls with minimal effort. However, these paints can sometimes be more difficult to apply than standard paints. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. 

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Generally, you should use two coats and spread them on walls using a textured paint roller. Not all regular paints adhere to textured surfaces, so be sure to check before buying.


Signage and Murals

If paints and textures are too subtle for your taste, you may want to try decorating your home with signs and murals. Hand-painted murals can add a unique artistic element to your home, and they can range from large and elaborate to small and simple. However, they require a fair bit of skill to create. Vinyl wall words, on the other hand, are mass-produced. “Live, laugh, love” signs are a common choice, but the sky’s the limit. Feel free to choose the phrases that fit your home best.

Options Recap:

Painted murals: local artist hand-paints designs to your specifications

Removable wallpaper murals: wallpaper printed with a mural

Vinyl decals and stickers: many fonts, colors, and designs or customize


So, Is Decorating Your Walls Worth It?

It’s easy to overlook your walls for decorating, but simple changes can dramatically impact a room’s look. A fresh coat of paint alone makes a bold change, while more intricate options like textured paint or murals add heaps of personality to your home.

With endless decor choices, you can decorate on any budget. Small tweaks with wallpaper or stripes are inexpensive but powerful, making them great for first-time homeowners. Elaborate designs like Venetian plaster may be an investment, but they have a striking impact and can give your home an upgrade for years to come.

Don’t be afraid to have fun with your walls — your home should reflect your personality and style.

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FAQs About Wall Decor

What is the most cost-effective wall decor option?

Painting walls is typically the most budget-friendly option. A few gallons of paint and supplies can update a room for as low as $100. To save even more money, choose one accent wall with a bold color rather than repainting every wall. Painting is simple and affordable to do yourself, but before you pick up the brush, be sure to read our tips to eliminate paint drip.


How long do wall redos take?

Simple repainting can be done in as little as one day. However, more complex treatments like murals may take substantially longer. Wallpaper or wallcovering installations also require more time, so be sure to plan accordingly during your remodel.


Should I hire a professional?

Basic paint projects are easy for DIYers, but you may want to hire professional painters for specialty finishes like faux painting in order to get the best results. You may also want to hire experts for any murals or elaborate wallcoverings you have planned. For simple paint jobs and most peel-and-stick wallpaper applications, you can do it yourself with minimal hassle


What are eco-friendly options?

Low and no VOC paints are gentler on the environment, as are natural clay plasters. Be sure to choose non-toxic finishes and adhesives for more environmentally-conscious remodeling.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Mitchell Layton

Mitchell Layton

Mitchell Layton is a former professional mover who currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell spent years packing and moving for REAL Rock N Roll Movers, a commercial and residential moving company based in Los Angeles that’s primarily staffed with up-and-coming musicians. That gave him plenty of experience navigating box trucks up and down the winding streets of LA. In addition to moving hundreds of happy customers into new homes and apartments all across Southern California, Mitchell has also performed corporate moves on company lots for Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount, and more. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into his profession, Mitchell has all the helpful tips you need for your next move.

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photo of Jeff Zoldy

Jeff Zoldy

Jeff is a writer, editor, and marketer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been editing on the Home Solutions team for over a year and is passionate about getting homeowners the information they need when they need it most. When he’s not working, Jeff can be found at baseball games, golfing, going to the gym, reading, watching movies, and playing video games.

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