Has there ever been a craze much more universally loathed than the popcorn ceiling? They are, immediately after all, undesired eyesores.
Starting off sometime in the mid-to-late 20th century, and blooming in reputation in the Seventies, popcorn ceilings (also termed acoustic or stucco ceilings) are a type of textured ceiling style that resemble kernels of popcorn. However, like lots of household decorating developments from this period of time in time, the humble popcorn ceiling has fallen deeply out of favor, and several house owners now want to get rid of a popcorn ceiling for good.
But ahead of we delve deep into why popcorn ceilings are no lengthier common, we ought to fully grasp why they have been ever well known in the to start with put…
When did popcorn ceilings go out of fashion?
If you’re renovating an more mature residence there is a great probability that some of the ceilings will have textured finishes. Popcorn ceilings were a well-liked decorative element in the mid-20th century. The charm was both of those aesthetic and practical – being a versatile complete intended it could accommodate a particular sum of movement with out cracks showing at plasterboard joints. Even so, the main charm was money: developers could get ceilings concluded without the need of the have to have to employ highly-priced plasterers.
Nevertheless, it is only some a long time later that it was found that popcorn ceilings containing ACMs (asbestos-made up of materials) could be damaging to human well being. This the natural way happening silicate mineral was utilized in early formulations of the ceiling treatment method right up until it was banned by the Clean up Air Act in 1978.
Not all textured ceilings incorporate asbestos but until finally established usually it’s most secure to address all these types of coatings with caution.
(Picture credit rating: Getty Illustrations or photos / pharut)
What is the point of a popcorn ceiling?
The phrase ‘popcorn’ ceiling is truly a generic term but has grow to be widely made use of for all kinds of textured coatings. So a ‘popcorn ceiling’ simply implies just one with a extremely-textured finish. This ceiling form ranges from neatly combed swirl patterns, or discreet ‘bubble wrap’ ceilings comprising hundreds of small blobs, to comprehensive-on prong-like shards.
Throughout the period when textured ceilings had been well-liked, several builders applied them in properties mainly because they were being economical and could conceal imperfections with relative relieve. Popcorn ceilings were being manufactured to bolster the room’s acoustics by way of the reduction of ambient appears and echoes.
Do folks nonetheless use popcorn ceilings?
Popcorn ceilings are never used in modern or new-construct residences, and inside designers, decorators, and builders really don’t pick out this design and style until requested. Regardless of what its unique charm, popcorn ceiling these days merely isn’t a fantastic search.
In some homes, periodic publicity to clouds of cigarette smoke or burning toast will have bestowed a nicotine-colored patina, even further emphasizing the material’s deeply unappealing quirkiness.
Nonetheless, even though popcorn ceilings are considered an unfashionable pattern now, there has been an maximize in ornamental ceiling tips that make the most of this ‘fifth wall’.
What can I use in its place of a popcorn ceiling?
Ceilings present scope to extend your creative imagination outside of your 4 walls. There is a multitude of strategies to elevate your ceiling with materials, color, texture, and even wallpaper, and none of them have to have to contain an outdated popcorn ceiling.
‘Ceilings have been missed in modern instances,’ suggests inside designer Rachel Chudley (opens in new tab), ‘but when you stop by historic houses, the ceiling is generally handled as a masterpiece.’
1. Introduce curiosity higher than with a coffered ceiling
(Picture credit history: Upcoming)
Inside designers and architects use intelligent ceiling methods to include the illusion of top to a home. ‘Coffered ceilings make a area sense so substantially even bigger. Architectural aspects can increase actual drama to a room,’ states Jane Landino of style and design follow Taylor Howes (opens in new tab).
‘Anything that attracts your eye upwards offers the illusion of greater ceilings and grandeur. These not only increase curiosity but also “cheat” the top of the home and make it appear taller. With a coffered ceiling, we also like to use particulars these as concealed lights.’
2. Draw the eye upwards with innovative colour decisions
(Impression credit history: James Mcdonald)
‘The ceiling in a property office is a terrific way to incorporate layering and a a few-dimensional factor to the design of a room, suggests Elnaz Namaki, imaginative director, Elnaz Namaki Studio (opens in new tab).
For this examine and occasional bed room, inside designer Elnaz Namaki selected a fully bespoke plastered paint colour remedy, functioning with a plaster complete artisan. This was overlaid in the corners with bespoke paisley stencils close to the spotlights.
3. Shell out homage to architectural capabilities
(Impression credit score: Francois Halard)
Ceilings are an chance to get a daring wallpaper thought and supersize it. In this situation, that suggests straight up the wall and correct across the ceiling with contrasting striped paper. To attain this result, it’s really worth employing an expert decorator to produce the greatest final result.
An tasteful appear for ceiling wallpaper suggestions, wallpapering the fifth wall will generate a structured, timeless result for your ceiling.
