Popcorn Anyone?

I love popcorn. (Extra butter, please). But when it comes to the ceiling, I do not love popcorn ceilings.

The frumpy, bumpy, cottage cheese looking ceiling has been the bane of many a homeowner.

​What do you do if you have a popcorn ceiling? Well, you can go with a pro, but just know that it’s rather pricey to have it scraped by a contractor. And, I know you love to take on DIY projects, but this is one project that you’d probably rather not do. It’s messy. The scraped bits go everywhere and it’s difficult to clean up.   (No wonder contractors charge so much to remove it!) Plus, popcorn finishes and paint applied before 1979 could have asbestos and lead. If that’s the case, there are safe alternatives to scraping the popcorn.

---

There are options.  Beautiful options, in fact.

METAL: Yes, metal.  Armstrong makes metal ceiling tiles that would look stunning. If you have a hard time envisioning this, remember the gorgeous tin ceilings of the Victorian era. It can be a stunning look, especially if your ceilings are taller.  At the time of this blog post, Armstrong metal panels run $4-6 sq'.   Sure beats scraping popcorn ceilings.  Love this look.

WOOD LOOK: If you’re home has more of a cottage feel, the neat pinstripe look of beadboard would look beautiful. When you’re covering up the old popcorn ceiling with beadboard, this is one of the few times I’d recommend a white ceiling. A white beadboard ceiling would create a clean, fresh look.  Armstrong panels run $3-4 sq’. Check with your local supplier.  Clean, fresh and delightful.

MDF: ​Another alternative to consider would be to have wood looking planks made out of MDF, medium density fiberboard. It look like engineered hardwood you’d see on the floor. On the ceiling in between beams, (or vigas as they're called in New Mexico), it’s a gorgeous look. These are about 5” wide and with their tongue in groove installation it can be done by the experienced DIY’er. This runs about 2.50 - $4 sq’. Makes you just want to sit and look up at that gorgeous ceiling instead of watching TV.

WOOD: If you prefer the real wood, our friend DIY Steve did a great job covering up his popcorn ceiling with wood fence material.  (Clever!)  This is a much more economical solution, and it looks great.  You did it, Steve!

So if you are tired of your popcorn ceilings, consider some of these exciting alternatives. That 'fifth wall' is awaiting your creativity.

Happy decorating,

​~Alana Light 

Give us a thumbs up & share with your friends.