Herringbone accent walls can look stylish but not always in every space.
If you’ve ever thought:
👉 “This wall doesn’t match my style, but removing it is too much work…”
You’re not alone.
The good news is you don’t need to rip it out. There are several budget-friendly ways to hide or transform a textured accent wall including herringbone patterns.
Why Herringbone Walls Are Hard to “Fix”?
Herringbone walls create:
- Deep grooves and uneven surfaces
- Strong visual texture
- Light/shadow contrast
👉 This makes simple solutions like painting ineffective.
Even after painting, the pattern often still shows through.
Option 1: Skim Coating (Best for Smooth Finish)
What It Is:
Applying multiple layers of joint compound or plaster to smooth the surface.
Pros:
- Creates a clean, modern wall
- Works with faux plaster or limewash finishes
- Long-term solution
Cons:
- Labor-intensive
- Requires sanding and multiple coats
👉 Best if you want a high-end finish (like Venetian plaster).
Option 2: Install Thin Drywall Over It
What It Is:
Adding a thin drywall layer on top of the existing wall.
Pros:
- Completely hides the pattern
- Faster than full removal
- Clean and flat result
Cons:
- Adds wall thickness
- May require:
- Adjusting baseboards
- Trimming door/window frames
👉 This is often the most practical professional solution.
Option 3: Use Paintable Wallpaper or Wall Liner
What It Is:
Thick wallpaper designed to cover imperfections.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Easier than plastering
- DIY-friendly
Cons:
- May not fully hide deep grooves
- Needs proper prep
👉 Good for light-to-medium texture, not deep patterns.
Option 4: Decorative Cover-Up (Easiest Option)
If you don’t want construction work:
Try:
- Large artwork
- Fabric panels or tapestries
- Wall-mounted headboards
- Shelving systems
👉 This doesn’t remove the wall but redirects attention away from it.
Why Filling the Grooves Usually Doesn’t Work
Many people ask:
👉 “Can I just fill the gaps?”
Reality:
- Requires multiple layers
- Wood/composite expands and contracts
- Time-consuming with inconsistent results
👉 Often more work than it’s worth.
Best Approach (Based on Budget)
Low Budget:
- Decorative cover-ups
- Paintable wallpaper
Mid Budget:
- Wall liner + paint
- Partial skim coating
Higher Budget (Best Result):
- Thin drywall overlay
- Full skim coat
Pro Tip: If You Want a “Plaster Look”
Instead of removing the wall:
👉 Use:
- Skim coat base
- Then apply:
- Limewash
- Venetian plaster effect
This gives you:
- Soft texture
- Modern aesthetic
- Designer-level finish
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Painting directly over texture and expecting it to disappear
- ❌ Filling grooves without proper layering
- ❌ Ignoring wall thickness when adding drywall
- ❌ Skipping surface prep
You don’t need to rip out your herringbone wall to fix it.
The best solution depends on:
- Your budget
- Your desired finish
- How permanent you want the change
👉 In most cases, covering—not removing—is the smarter move.
If you're upgrading your space, focus on practical design solutions and layered styling elements that transform your home without requiring full renovations.