If you’re looking to transform the look and feel of a room without a major overhaul, one simple and effective option is adding texture to the ceiling. The right ceiling texture can take your space from blah to spectacular.
From elegant and ornate styles to more subtle options, ceiling textures add visual interest and depth to any room. Beyond basic smooth ceilings, there is a wide range of exciting textures to consider.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular ceiling texture styles. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each, along with tips on choosing the ideal texture for your home decor. Read on to discover inspiration to give your ceiling a stylish facelift!
An Overview of Main Ceiling Texture Types
When considering a new ceiling texture, there are a few common options homeowners gravitate towards. Below is a brief overview of the most popular styles:
- Smooth ceiling texture: The most basic style, this features a thin layer of joint compound or plaster for a flat, seamless look.
- Skip trowel texture: Created using a trowel to make small ridges, valleys and dips for added dimension.
- Knockdown texture: A drywall knife or trowel is used to knock down a layer of mud for a subtly ornamental style.
- Orange peel texture: Provides the look of orange peel with its bumpy, rounded pattern.
- Popcorn ceiling texture: Features sprayed-on pieces that resemble popped corn for heavy texture.
Now let’s look at each of these popular ceiling texture styles in more detail.
Smooth Ceiling Texture
One of the most common and classic ceiling textures is a simple smooth finish. This is achieved by applying a thin layer of joint compound or plaster over the drywall to create a seamless, flat surface.
Benefits of Smooth Ceiling Texture
There are several benefits that make smooth ceiling texture a go-to choice for many homeowners:
- It offers a clean, modern look, especially in contemporary homes.
- The minimalist style helps rooms feel more open and expansive.
- The lack of texture makes decorating easier since it doesn’t compete visually.
- Smooth ceilings can make a space appear higher due to the unbroken expanse.
- Joint compound is an inexpensive material to work with.
Drawbacks of Smooth Ceiling Texture
For all its perks, smooth ceiling texture also comes with some downsides to consider:
- Any imperfections in the installation are easily noticeable.
- It requires proper technique to avoid lap marks and unevenness.
- The uniform look lacks character and dimension.
- Extra care must be taken painting since flaws are obvious.
Where to Use Smooth Ceiling Texture
Here are some of the best places to install smooth ceiling texture:
- Contemporary home styles where clean lines are key.
- Rooms with high or vaulted ceilings since texture would be hard to see.
- Commercial spaces like offices that require a polished look.
- Basements and bathrooms where moisture resistance is needed.
Overall, smooth ceiling texture is an easy, budget-friendly option that works well in modern homes where its clean appearance can shine.
Skip Trowel Ceiling Texture
For homeowners wanting to add more visual flair, skip trowel ceiling texture is an excellent option. With this technique, a professional applies joint compound to the ceiling via trowel strokes to create ridges, valleys and variably textured areas.
Benefits of Skip Trowel Ceiling Texture
There are many benefits that make skip trowel texture appealing:
- It adds dimension and makes an impactful design statement.
- The undulating texture catches and plays with the light beautifully.
- It works well with various design aesthetics like Tuscan, Spanish and Old World styles.
- The hand-applied process results in unique mottled patterns.
- The texture helps hide any minor ceiling imperfections.
Drawbacks of Skip Trowel Ceiling Texture
On the downside, skip trowel texture requires some extra consideration:
- It takes skill and practice to get the look right.
- The cost is higher due to the labor involved.
- The varied texture can compete with ornate decor.
- Touch-ups and repairs are challenging to blend in seamlessly.
Where to Use Skip Trowel Ceiling Texture
Here are some ideal places to install skip trowel texture:
- High-end homes that can pull off the dramatic look.
- Entryways, dining and living spaces, to make a statement.
- Rooms with natural lighting to show off the texture.
- Homes with Tuscan, Spanish, Southwest and Old World design styles.
Overall, skip trowel ceiling texture brings elegance and flair through its hand-crafted richness and depth.
Knockdown Ceiling Texture
Another way to add subtle interest to ceilings is with knockdown texture. Here, a layer of mud is applied then knocked down with tools like trowels, knockdown knives, or brooms to create slight indentations.
Benefits of Knockdown Ceiling Texture
Knockdown ceiling texture offers homeowners several advantages:
- It provides ornamental style without being over the top.
- The look complements Spanish, Mediterranean and Southwestern decor.
- It helps hide minor ceiling flaws and imperfections.
- The technique is easier to DIY than highly textured finishes.
Drawbacks of Knockdown Ceiling Texture
There are a few potential cons with knockdown texture:
- It still requires some skill to get perfectly uniform results.
- The texture can accumulate dust more readily.
- Harsh lighting can emphasize unevenness in the texture.
- Knockdown lacks the dramatic look of skip trowel finishes.
Where to Use Knockdown Ceiling Texture
Here are some spaces that work well with knockdown ceiling texture:
- Homes with Mediterranean, Tuscan, Spanish or Southwestern styles.
- Rooms with muted, neutral color schemes.
- Spaces where you want ornamental texture without going overboard.
- New construction projects where a textured look is desired.
Overall, knockdown offers subtle yet undeniable style to enhance room decor.
Orange Peel Ceiling Texture
As its name suggests, orange peel ceiling texture mimics the exterior texture and look of orange peel skin. To achieve this, a mix of water, paint primer and joint compound is sprayed onto the ceiling in circular motions with a pressurized tank.
Benefits of Orange Peel Ceiling Texture
Some benefits of the popular orange peel ceiling texture include:
- It adds perceived depth, character and visual interest.
- The technique is quick and relatively easy to have spray-applied.
- It can help hide minor flaws and defects in the ceiling surface.
- The bubbly look pairs well with cottage, craftsman and farmhouse decor.
Drawbacks of Orange Peel Ceiling Texture
Some potential downsides to consider with orange peel texture are:
- The rounded pattern attracts dust and can be hard to clean thoroughly.
- In rooms with harsh lighting, imperfections in the texture are noticeable.
- It can sometimes look dated depending on the color scheme and decor.
- Touching up any damage can be tricky with the distinct pattern.
Where to Use Orange Peel Ceiling Texture
Here are some ideal spaces for installing orange peel texture:
- Living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.
- Homes with farmhouse, cottage, craftsman or Mediterranean style.
- Rooms with low ceilings to create the illusion of added height.
- New construction projects wanting quick yet stylish texture.
With its warm, dimensional look, orange peel ceiling texture can give rooms an instant style upgrade.
Popcorn Ceiling Texture
Popcorn ceiling texture is a heavy, spattered style created by spraying on small pieces of joint compound that resemble popped corn kernels after drying. This technique gained major popularity in the 1950s-1980s.
Benefits of Popcorn Ceiling Texture
Some benefits of popcorn ceiling texture include:
- It excels at hiding ceiling imperfections due to its thick, opaque texture.
- The popcorn look adds fun retro flair in mid-century homes.
- It helps muffle echoes and absorbs sound in a room.
- The textured finish doesn’t show flaws as easily as smooth ceilings.
Drawbacks of Popcorn Ceiling Texture
Some key drawbacks to consider with popcorn ceilings:
- Pre-1980s versions may contain asbestos.
- The heavy texture is notoriously hard to clean and attracts dust easily.
- Popcorn texture has fallen out of favor and can look dated now.
- Applying new layers over existing popcorn is very challenging.
Where to Use Popcorn Ceiling Texture
Here are a few places popcorn ceiling texture can work well:
- Budget-friendly new construction projects.
- Rented apartments where durability and cost are factors.
- Basements and garages just needing basic ceiling coverage.
- Mid-century modern homes wanting to be true to their era.
Overall, popcorn ceiling texture provides heavy coverage but requires careful maintenance to keep dust-free. It works best played up in retro-themed spaces.
How to Choose the Right Ceiling Texture for Your Home
With this overview of popular ceiling texture styles fresh in mind, let’s look at key factors to help you choose the best option for your particular space and decor.
Consider Your Decor Style
Your home and room’s decor style should play a pivotal role in texture selection. Generally:
- Smooth ceilings suit modern, contemporary spaces best.
- Skip trowel and knockdown textures complement Spanish, Tuscan and Mediterranean styles.
- Cottages, craftsman and farmhouse spaces pair well with orange peel.
- Heavily textured popcorn ceilings work in retro, mid-century interiors.
Choose a ceiling texture that enhances your existing furniture and fixings for a cohesive look.
Factor in Ease of Installation
Some ceiling textures like smooth and orange peel are easier for DIYers to tackle. More complex techniques like skip trowel require professional experience to perfect.
Evaluate your skill level and whether you want to take on a ceiling texture project solo or hire a contractor to ensure it’s done right.
Consider Cleanability and Maintenance
How readily a ceiling texture shows dirt and how easily it can be cleaned are practical considerations. Heavily textured options like popcorn collect dust easily and are hard to keep clean. Skip trowel and knockdown styles also require more maintenance to keep looking sharp.
Factor in Your Ceiling Height
The height of your ceiling is another variable. Low ceilings can be made to feel more expansive with smooth, flat textures. High ceilings provide more canvas to work with heavy texture for design impact.
Get Input From Your Contractor
Chat with any professionals you plan to have install the texture. They can point out considerations unique to your project and provide recommendations on which ceiling texture will work best for your goals, ceiling specs, and budget.
Preparing Your Ceiling for Texture
Proper prep work is vital to achieve quality ceiling texture results. Here are some key steps:
Ensure Your Ceiling Surface is Clean
Eliminate any dust, dirt, grease or peeling paint so the texture compound can adhere well. Tack cloth does a great job grabbing dust.
Repair Any Cracks, Holes and Imperfections
Fix flaws using joint compound and sand smooth. This prevents them from telegraphing through the new texture.
Use Painter’s Tape and Drop Cloths
Mask off walls, trim, lights and vents to keep splatter controlled. Drop cloths protect floors and furnishings.
Prime Before Texturing for Best Results
Priming seals the surface so the texture bonds tightly. It also allows colors to look truer when painting.
DIY or Hire a Contractor?
Depending on the complexity of your desired look, you may choose to DIY or hire a professional. Get references and estimates before deciding.
The ceiling texture you choose can take your room from basic to beautiful. From elegant skip trowel to budget-friendly popcorn and everything between, there is a textural style to suit your decor needs and goals.
Focus on your room’s current design and color scheme and factor in important considerations like cleanability. Whichever texture you choose, proper prep work is key so it looks and performs flawlessly.