What is the best wallpaper for bad walls?

Author: Chyna Hansen  |  Last update: Friday, February 20, 2026

When it comes to covering bad walls, paintable textured wallpaper is a great solution. This wallpaper features a textured (raised) design, which makes it highly effective at covering uneven surfaces and imperfections in your walls.

What wallpaper will cover bad walls?

Additionally, textured wallpaper is the best wallpaper for uneven walls as it helps to disguise bumps and cracks, however if the imperfections are considerable, try lining paper.

How do you cover badly damaged walls?

Comments Section Depends on what you want to do. You can use drywall mud to help cover up and smooth out the damage. Then paint it so it's just a regular painted wall. Or you can go the accent wall route (eg, wall paper, fake stone/brick, wood planking, shiplap). There's also decorative moulding.

Can you wallpaper over a damaged wall?

Wallpaper cannot be hung over large holes or significantly damaged areas of drywall... Significantly damaged drywall, or drywall that has been water damaged, will need to be replaced prior to hanging wallpaper.

How do you hide wall imperfections with wallpaper?

Thicker wallpaper will conceal imperfections much better than thinner paper. Pattern and color matter. It's better to choose a dark color or a busier print. Textured wallpaper will work best for bumpy or rough surfaces.

AFTER Wallpaper Removal What Primer Is Best On the Wall? - Spencer Colgan

What type of wallpaper is best for uneven walls?

Textured wallpaper adds an extra dimension to your room beyond the flatness of paint or standard wallpaper. Textured wallpaper can also remedy uneven walls and disguise cracks, bumps and minor imperfections.

What is the best wallpaper to cover wall imperfections?

When it comes to covering bad walls, paintable textured wallpaper is a great solution. This wallpaper features a textured (raised) design, which makes it highly effective at covering uneven surfaces and imperfections in your walls.

How do you prepare a bad wall for wallpaper?

  1. Smooth the wall: Fill any holes, level out textures, and sand down raised areas.
  2. Clean the wall: Use sugar soap or a mixture of water and vinegar to get rid of dirt, dust, and grime.
  3. Apply primer: Ensure the wall is sealed to help the paste adhere and prevent moisture build-up.

How to hide bad walls without paint?

Various objects, such as wall art, frames, and vases can be used to hide the damages in the wall. Another great way would be to add an organic and natural touch to not only your wall but your house through plants. Plants can not only add a touch of greenery to your house but can also clean the air, making it fresh.

Does wallpaper devalue a home?

Here are some common home improvement projects that could decrease the value of your home: Too much wallpaper. Built-in electronics. Wall-to-wall carpeting.

What paint hides wall imperfections?

Using Dark Color Paint:

Just like the same way, flat finishes reduce dent visibility; darker paints also reflect less light than lighter paints. This makes them a better choice for hiding drywall imperfections.

Is there a cheaper alternative to drywall?

But when it comes to inexpensive materials, plywood is a great choice. Installation is super easy, especially if you have a licensed contractor by your side to help you with all the nuances of the process. Because it is a lighter material than others, Plywood requires fewer screws which means less work.

Is there a thick paint to cover bad walls?

Paint designed for uneven surfaces may be sold under a range of names including elastomeric paint, high-build paint, crack-free paint or renovation paint (which is basically a filler and undercoat in one). These paints are much thicker than ordinary paints which gives them much better coverage.

What is the best way to cover bad walls?

Indoor wall covering ideas
  1. Shiplap. Add character to your walls with shiplap. ...
  2. Brick slips. If you love the look of an exposed brick wall but your property doesn't offer this to you then consider installing brick slips. ...
  3. 3D wall tiles. ...
  4. Fabric wall covering. ...
  5. Wall panelling.

Is Peel and stick wallpaper bad for walls?

If you pull too hard, you could damage the paint or drywall beneath, or tear the paper which makes removal harder. Pull gently and slowly and your wallpaper will come off in one piece leaving no residue. Peel and stick wallpaper is a great way to update the look of your home without damaging your walls.

How do you stick wallpaper to a damaged wall?

Just cut out the damaged part, remove it and replace it with an equivalent piece of leftover wallpaper that you have in storage. You can use glue or joint glue to make that piece of wallpaper preferable. You will find it especially useful to mark the line where you are going to make the cut with paper and a ruler.

What is the best way to hide wall imperfections?

Wall paints are the best solution if there are any little flaws over the surface of the wall. If there are flaws like spill marks or dust marks which are tough to remove, then painting can be the best way to cover them up.

How to stick wallpaper on a damp wall?

Use a strong adhesive: In damp areas, it's important to use a strong adhesive to ensure that the wallpaper stays in place. A heavy-duty wallpaper paste or a premixed adhesive specifically designed for use in damp areas can provide the extra holding power you need.

How to fix damaged walls?

To repair drywall cracks:
  1. Widen the crack with a utility knife and brush away dust.
  2. Fill the widened crack with lightweight spackle using a putty knife.
  3. Apply a thin coat of spackle over the entire area. ...
  4. Allow the spackle to dry for 15 to 30 minutes. ...
  5. Once dry, sand the area smooth.

Can you wallpaper over bad walls?

Repair Any Cracks and Holes

If the wall surfaces are really poor, consider getting them skimmed with a layer of plaster, or use a thick grade of lining paper to provide a smooth surface for the wallpaper.

Which wallpaper is best for a wall?

Solid Vinyl: The Most Durable wallpaper design for your home. This highly washable, scrubbable, and scratch resistant type of wallpaper is inexpensive and is a great choice for the kitchen interiors and bathroom. They come in intricate textures and patterns that can transform the look of a room.

Does wallpaper attract mold?

Leaks, water damage, and thermal bridges can permeate your outer and inner walls, and without a way to drain or dry, mold under wallpaper is highly probable. Mold loves dark, moist environments, and the space behind your wallpaper just might be perfect, especially during the summer months when humidity is high.

Is there wallpaper that doesn't ruin paint?

Removable wallpaper allows renters to infuse their homes with a touch of individuality. It also offers a transformative solution without the fear of ruining walls or incurring fines.

What color hides wall imperfections?

Several paint colors and finishes excel at concealing minor wall imperfections, drywall seams, and surface irregularities. Darker shades like deep greens, rich blues, and warm browns naturally absorb light rather than reflect it, making bumps and uneven textures less visible.

Is wallpaper coming back in 2024?

It appears that wallpaper will spend some time in the limelight this coming year, according to the pros. "Wallpaper is a bigger trend for 2024 than we have seen in a while," says Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper. "Consumers are craving rooms with personality, and wallpaper gives that to them."

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