Assessing the Use of Interior Finishing Materials in Residential Architecture and Their Effect on User Comfort in Urban Nigeria

Interior finishing materials play an important role in shaping the comfort, environmental quality, and user experience of residential buildings. This study assesses the use of interior finishing materials in residential architecture and their effects on user comfort in urban Nigeria. A systematic literature review and thematic synthesis were employed to examine evidence on commonly used finishing materials, factors influencing their selection, their effects on thermal, visual, acoustic, indoor air quality, and psychological comfort, and the sustainability challenges associated with their use. The review indicates a strong preference for conventional materials, particularly ceramic tiles, painted and cement-plastered walls, and plaster-of-Paris ceilings. Material selection is influenced mainly by cost, availability, durability, aesthetics, and socio-cultural preferences. The findings further indicate that finishing materials can influence thermal conditions, visual perception, acoustic performance, and indoor air quality, while their aesthetic and social meanings also shape user satisfaction. Locally sourced and sustainable alternatives show potential but remain constrained by cost, availability, technical limitations, market acceptance, and regulatory challenges. The study recommends performance-based material selection that integrates comfort, sustainability, lifecycle considerations, and user preferences in urban Nigerian residential design.