Drywall damage looks worse than it is. With the right approach for the hole size, a patch disappears under paint. The trick is matching the method to the damage.
Small holes and dents
Nail holes and dents just need a dab of lightweight filler or spackle, smoothed flush with a putty knife. Let it dry, sand lightly, and it's ready to prime and paint.
Medium holes
For holes up to a few inches, a self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole, covered with two or three thin coats of joint compound feathered out at the edges, blends into the wall. Sand between coats.
Large holes
For fist-sized and larger holes, cut a clean square, back it with wood strips or use a drywall repair clip, screw in a new drywall piece, then tape and mud the seams. Feather the compound wide so the patch is invisible once painted.
Finish
Prime the patched area before painting so it doesn't flash (look duller) through the finish coat, then paint to match.