07 Dec 7 common home wall finishing mistakes (and how to avoid them like a pro)
Creating a stylish and comfortable home is easier than ever, yet thousands of homeowners still make the same mistakes when updating their walls. Whether you’re improving a new space, preparing a home for sale, or simply refreshing a single room, wall finishes play a huge role in how a home feels and functions.
From wallpapers to decorative plasters, modern materials offer endless options — but only if they’re chosen and installed correctly. Below are seven of the most common wall-finishing mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Material for the Room
Every room has its own “micro-climate.”
Bathrooms and kitchens experience humidity. Bedrooms and living rooms have different lighting and traffic levels.
Yet many homeowners choose wall materials purely by appearance.
Why it’s a problem:
Humidity can damage paper-based wallpapers. High-traffic areas can destroy delicate finishes. Plaster textures may crack when installed on unstable walls.
How to avoid it:
Match the material to the room:
- Vinyl wallpaper → best for bathrooms, kitchens, rentals
- Non-woven wallpaper → living spaces, bedrooms
- Grasscloth → low-traffic rooms
- Decorative plaster → accent walls
- Washable finishes → homes with kids or pets
2. Ignoring Wall Preparation
Even the most expensive materials look bad on an unprepared wall.
Common issues:
- visible seams
- bubbles
- poor adhesion
- uneven texture
- cracking plaster
Solution:
Smooth, clean, primed walls are the foundation.
Professionals often spend more time preparing the wall than installing the material — and that’s why their results look flawless.
3. Failing to Consider Lighting
Lighting dramatically changes how a texture or pattern looks.
Bright directional light can highlight every flaw.
Soft warm light can make bold colors feel overpowering.
Tip:
Check samples under real room lighting at different times of day.
4. Choosing Patterns Without Measuring the Space
Large patterns overwhelm small rooms.
Horizontal patterns distort tall spaces.
Misaligned motifs create visual chaos.
Better approach:
Consider:
- ceiling height
- window placement
- furniture layout
- room proportions
A well-chosen wallpaper can actually make a room look larger, taller, or more balanced.
5. DIYing Difficult Materials
Some materials are simply not DIY-friendly:
- grasscloth
- premium vinyl
- murals with image alignment
- metallic or foil wallpaper
- Venetian plaster
- microcement
Mistakes become visible instantly — and fixing them is expensive.
When to DIY:
Simple non-woven wallpapers or repainting a smooth wall.
When NOT to DIY:
Anything textured, expensive, or difficult to align.
6. Not Thinking About Long-Term Maintenance
Beautiful finishes should also be practical.
Ask yourself:
- Can this be cleaned?
- Will it fade in sunlight?
- Can it handle moisture or pets?
- Is repair possible without full replacement?
Durability matters just as much as style.
7. Not Consulting a Professional Before Purchasing Materials
Most people start by choosing materials first and then looking for an installer — but this often leads to costly surprises.
Professionals see the wall, lighting, layout, and room usage.
They recommend what works and what doesn’t, saving homeowners from wasted time and money.
If you want expert guidance or professional installation assistance, you can always Explore services on EnjoyTheWall — a team experienced with wallpapers, decorative plaster, and specialty wall finishes.
Final Thoughts
Updating your walls is one of the easiest ways to transform a room, but the success of the result depends on smart decisions at every step. Avoiding these seven common mistakes will help ensure your project not only looks beautiful but also lasts for years.
Whether you choose wallpaper, decorative plaster, or a modern accent wall, taking the time to prepare properly — or consulting someone who does this every day — makes all the difference.
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