Stylish alternatives to traditional popcorn ceilings

Popcorn ceilings became popular in the 1950s and continued their reign as the ceiling finish of choice until the 1990s. As an inexpensive way to conceal imperfections, dampen noise and offer some fire resistance, they quickly popped up in all kinds of homes.

Unfortunately, the bumpy texture of popcorn ceilings can collect dust, and their aesthetic appeal has waned over time. In fact, one of the first things that new home owners tackle when they move in with a popcorn ceiling is to remove it in favor of a smooth finish.

Removing and refinishing a popcorn ceiling can be a tricky process, one made trickier because of the possibility of asbestos in homes built prior to 1977 when asbestos was banned. Fortunately, ceiling design has come a long way since then, and today’s ceiling materials offer stylish and functional ceiling alternatives.

Instead of taking on an extensive ceiling remodel that involves lots of mess, installing a drop ceiling below the existing ceiling or using some of our surface mount alternatives as ceiling alternatives gives you the benefits of acoustic comfort and fire resistance without the outdated aesthetics of a popcorn ceiling.

Top stylish alternatives to popcorn ceilings

These stylish alternatives to popcorn ceilings will give you the inspiration to get started!

1. Wood planks create a natural look

WOODHAVEN Planks provide incredible installation flexibility with three easy ways to install them on a ceiling. They can be screwed directly to joists, plaster or drywall, or they can be clipped onto an existing drop ceiling grid. You can also install them on their own track system to cover old popcorn ceilings without scraping or sanding.

2. Old world charm without the weight

Popcorn ceilings emerged as an alternative to traditional hand-troweled plaster ceilings, and as a result, some old-world hand-crafted charm was lost. TINCRAFT ceiling tiles can recreate that old-world charm without the weight and labor-intensive installation of plaster ceilings. Available in two patterns and four colors, you’ll find the perfect fit for your space.

3. Noise reduction in an open space

The noise level in a large, open space can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why INVISACOUSTICS ceiling panels are a great popcorn ceiling alternative. They are the easiest way to reduce noise in an open area as they work well for exposed structures. They even have an unfinished option that you can paint to match the surroundings.

4. A simple room refresh

For a simple room refresh, LYRA Vector tiles give the look of a fully concealed suspension system that creates a monolithic look with accessibility. These tiles are our smoothest visual ceiling and have excellent sound absorption and blocking needed for any space.

Find stylish alternatives to popcorn ceilings

It’s easy to find a stylish alternative to popcorn ceilings with Kanopi by Armstrong. We have a wide selection of ceiling styles, so you’re sure to find the perfect combination of acoustic performance, sustainability, durability and fire resistance.

Contact an expert at Kanopi today to design a beautiful and functional popcorn ceiling alternative.

FAQ's

What is the cheapest way to cover popcorn ceilings?

The process of smoothing out the popcorn ceiling using more plaster/drywall is the cheapest option when it comes to covering your popcorn ceiling since all you need is joint compound and application products.

How can I cover my popcorn ceiling without removing it?

Cover any popcorn ceiling with surface mount ceiling tiles and planks. Choose from a variety of options to suit your style and budget. We have you (and your ceiling) covered.

Does removing the popcorn ceiling add value?

Yes. Removing popcorn ceilings will always increase a home's value. This type of ceiling is out of style and considered less desirable.

How do you install ceiling tiles ?

For most DIY-ers installing a drop ceiling is something that can be done quickly. Some of our products require better technical skills, more time planning and measuring, and more tools, like metal shears. Be sure to read our how-to install drop ceiling guide.