Why are walls textured?

It’s easier than making them completely flat. Since drywall is hung in sheets the seams need to be covered, and to get that perfectly right is a pain in the butt.

Some of it has to do with trends. In FL you see knockdown finish quite often, even in expensive homes. But, @JeanPaulSartre is correct that getting a flat finish takes more work, more perfection. Texture on top hides flaws and sloppy work. Although, spraying on texture evenly takes some skill also.

To cover defect and/or to give a unique look.

I imagine part of it has to do with the material itself. When it comes to wallpapers and such, more textured surfaces are easier to work with because they have a larger surface area for adhesive, and wallpaper is something you want staying stuck to your walls for some time! I think the same goes for paints, to some extent.

Aesthetically, textured surfaces are more interesting than flat, completely smooth surfaces. All materials in this world are textured to some degree, and it’s only man-made materials like metal and glass that appear completely non-textured. Being in an environment with completely smooth walls would seem sterile and artificial, generally not the kind of environment one would want to spend a lot of time in, IMHO.

Thank you for making my pet my wall.

@rangerr They probably appreciated the attention. Walls need love too.

It’s groovy.

I believe it also cuts down on the noise factor.