If you live in a villa in Dubai or an apartment in Abu Dhabi, you know the struggle. You stare at your walls, dreaming of a chic, modern look. But there is a problem. The walls are not smooth. They have that bumpy, orange-peel texture that is so common in UAE homes. It feels like a roadblock to your decorating dreams.

You might wonder if you are stuck with paint forever. I have good news. You are not. You can absolutely wallpaper over textured walls if you pick the right material. It just takes a little more know-how than sticking paper on a flat drywall.

In this guide, we are going to explore the top wallpaper choices for textured walls available in the UAE for 2025.

The Challenge with Texture in UAE Homes

Textured walls are standard here. Builders use them because they hide imperfections in the plaster work. While they do a great job of masking construction flaws, they make wallpapering tricky.

Imagine covering a rough wall with a thin and inexpensive paper. The paper will still show the texture of the wall underneath. It is similar to a person with bad skin showing through even after applying too much foundation. Besides, the bumps on the wall can prevent the glue from attaching properly. In the hot UAE weather, where the air conditioning is on 24/7 and there are changes in humidity, this situation can become even worse. A weak bond is equal to the edges that will start peeling within a month.

But don’t worry. We have solutions.

Why Material Matters More Than Pattern?

When you are shopping for the top wallpaper choices for textured walls, forget about the print for a second. Look at the back. Look at the thickness.

The golden rule is: 

The rougher your wall, the thicker your wallpaper needs to be.

Thin paper is definitely not your friend. What you really need are strong materials that go over the bumps instead of wrapping around them. Let’s get into those exact types that are the most suitable for our houses here.

1. Heavyweight Vinyl Wallpaper

This is often the number one recommendation from pros in Dubai. Vinyl is tough. It is thick. It is usually washable.
Why it works

Solid vinyl wallpaper has a PVC layer that makes it rigid. It does not flop over every tiny bump on your wall. It stands its ground. This rigidity allows it to "float" over light textures like orange peel.

Pros

• Excellent durability for high-traffic areas like hallways.
• Resistant to the humidity changes typical in UAE summers.
• Easy to clean with a damp cloth.
  

Cons

• It can be slightly more expensive than paper.
• Walls need to be clean and dry before application.
  

If you are looking for the top wallpaper choices for textured walls that will last for years, heavyweight vinyl is a safe bet.

2. Non-Woven Wallpaper

You will see "non-woven" on a lot of labels in 2025. This is a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. Think of it like a fabric-paper hybrid.

Why it works

Non-woven wallpapers are breathable. This is huge for the UAE climate. It prevents mold from growing behind the paper if there is any trapped moisture. They are also tear-resistant and fairly thick.

Best for

Living rooms and bedrooms where you want a soft, matte finish. It feels more luxurious than vinyl but is still strong enough to hide light-to-medium textures.

3. Embossed and Textured Wallpaper

Sometimes, the best way to hide texture is to add more texture. It sounds backward, but it works.
Textured wall coverings UAE are trending huge right now. Instead of trying to make the wall look like a flat sheet of glass, you embrace the 3D look.

Options include

• Grasscloth: This is made from woven grasses. It is naturally uneven. Your eye focuses on the beautiful weave, not the bumpy wall underneath.
• Faux Brick or Stone: These patterns are busy and chaotic. They trick the eye. You literally cannot see the wall bumps because the design is so complex.
• Embossed Damask: The raised velvet-like patterns distract from any wall imperfections.
  

Using 3D wall texture wallpaper UAE styles is a smart move. You are working with the wall, not fighting against it.

4. 3D Foam Wallpaper

This is a newer option gaining traction for budget friendly wallpaper UAE seekers. It is thick, soft, and spongy.

Why it works

It is literally a layer of foam. It absorbs the texture completely. You could practically stick this over popcorn walls and get a smooth surface. It often comes in peel-and-stick squares that look like brick or wood panels.

Warning

It can look a bit "cheap" if you are not careful. Use it for accent walls or kids' rooms rather than a formal majlis.

The Secret Step

You cannot just slap the top wallpaper choices for textured walls on a dusty wall and hope for the best.

Cleaning is Key

Textured walls hold dust in all those little crevices. If you paste over dust, the paper will fall off. You need to wash the walls with sugar soap or a mild detergent and let them dry completely.

Lining Paper

This is a pro secret. If your walls are very rough, you can hang "lining paper" first. This is a plain, thick paper that acts as a smooth skin for your wall. You hang it horizontally, let it dry, and then hang your decorative wallpaper vertically over it. It creates a perfect surface.

Sanding

If you have the energy, sanding down the high spots of the texture helps a lot. You don't need to make it glass-smooth, just knock off the sharpest peaks.

For those looking for exclusive designs that match these trends, you can check the latest collections at KapsLiving for some inspiration.

Cost of Wallpapering in UAE

How much will this cost? Let's look at the numbers.
Wallpaper cost per sq ft UAE varies wildly.

• Budget Vinyl: 25 - 40 AED per roll (covers roughly 5 sqm).
• Mid-Range Non-Woven: 100 - 250 AED per roll.
• Luxury/Designer: 500+ AED per roll.
  

Installation

Do not try to install wallpaper on textured walls UAE yourself unless you are handy. It is harder than smooth walls.

• Professional installation usually costs between 15 to 30 AED per square meter.
• They might charge extra for prepping textured walls (sanding or sizing).
  

Alternatives to Wallpaper

If you decide wallpaper is too much hassle, what else can you do?
Alternatives to wallpaper textured walls UAE include:

• Skim Coating: Hiring a plasterer to apply a thin layer of joint compound over the whole wall to make it smooth. Then you can paint or wallpaper easily.
• Wall Paneling: Wood or PVC panels cover the texture instantly and look very regal.
• High-Build Paint: Special thick paints that fill in small cracks and textures.
  

How to Select the Right Pattern

If you are nervous about the texture showing through, pick a "busy" pattern.

• Good choices: darker colors, busy florals, faux finishes (concrete, wood), abstract scribbles.
• Bad choices: Solid light colors (white, pale grey), fine stripes, metallic foil (shows every bump).
  

Thick wallpaper hide texture UAE searches are common for a reason. Darkness absorbs light and shadows. Texture is just tiny shadows. So, a dark, thick wallpaper is the ultimate camouflage.

Where to Buy in UAE?

There are several choices in your hands. Budget friendly wallpaper UAE options can be found at Dragon Mart, but the quality fluctuates. If you want to have nice and durable paper, go to a local decor store either in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Also, people are doing a lot of shopping online these days. A sample should definitely be the first thing that you order. In no case, should you buy 10 rolls without checking if it is suitable for your particular wall texture.

Speaking of quality service, KapsLiving offers excellent support if you are unsure which material suits your specific wall type.

Final Words

Textured walls are common in the UAE and it is still possible to have a beautiful home. It only requires smart decision-making. Do not go for thin and shiny papers. Instead, use thick, matte, and busy designs.

With the correct wallpaper choices for textured walls, you can turn that rough orange-peel texture into an amazing piece of art. It doesn't matter if you choose a luxury wallpaper Dubai textured finish or a simple vinyl textured wallpaper UAE, your room will look completely different after the makeover.

Start by testing a sample. Feel the thickness. Check the grip. And soon, you will have the walls you always wanted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put wallpaper on textured walls?

Yes, you can. However, you must use a thick, high-quality wallpaper. Heavyweight vinyl or non-woven papers are the best choices. Avoid thin paper, as it will tear and show the bumps underneath.

What kind of wallpaper sticks to textured walls?

The best adhesive for textured walls is a heavy-duty clear paste. Paste-the-wall wallpapers usually bond better than peel-and-stick types on rough surfaces. The wet paste fills some of the gaps in the texture, creating a stronger hold.

Do I need to prep textured walls for wallpaper?

Yes. At a minimum, you must clean them thoroughly to remove dust. For the best results, applying a "sizing" liquid (diluted glue) helps. If the texture is very sharp, a quick sanding is highly recommended to knock down the high points.

Can I wallpaper over lightly textured walls?

Yes, light texture (often called eggshell or orange peel) is very easy to cover. You likely won't need to sand it. Just use a quality vinyl wallpaper, and the texture will virtually disappear.