Guest post by Lauren White

Realtors across the nation agree: popcorn ceilings repulse buyers. They see it as a significantly outdated style that also gives them asbestos suspicions. Removal has the potential to raise your home value and keep buyers interested.

You’re probably ready to take a stab at it with your putty knife, but it’s a good idea to have a next step in mind. Simple updates, like replacing popcorn with a different texture, can as cheap as $1 to $3 per square foot according to HomeAdvisor. These easy-fixes might do the trick but can underwhelm new buyers.

While the tarps are down, you have an opportunity to make room-changing, home-value-increasing updates. Here are some fantastic options to bring your ceiling into the 21st century:

Coffered

To make the coffered style, beams are installed in a grid pattern with panels in between. The result is dynamic while the beams make each panel look recessed. Thicker beams will create more depth, while thin ones will be subtle. You can use one uniform color for the beams and panels, or you can make dramatic color choices to further accent your ceiling.

Beamed

This design will take your ceiling miles away from the manufactured look of popcorn texture. Beautiful wood or faux-wood beams can be installed across your ceiling in a variety of ways to accomplish your desired look. Select a natural wood stain for a cozy cabin feel, or paint the beams and the ceiling one color. You can also create the illusion of fully exposed floor beams, to turn any room into a rustic escape.

Painted

Paint is a great way to incorporate your ceiling into a design scheme, rather than leaving it out entirely. Match the ceiling to the walls or paint it a strong accent color. Build dimension with flourishes like faux medallions, ceiling rings and moldings, and paint them in either the same color or one that contrasts. Interior designers suggest bold finishes, like metallic or lacquer.

Tiled

Ceiling tiles come in a variety of materials, including Styrofoam, wood and tin, and can completely change the atmosphere of a room. Styrofoam and faux-tin tiles are light and easily installed, and they can add instant beauty and structure. These tiles can be as ornate or simple as you prefer.

One of the purposes of popcorn ceilings was to dull sound. If you’re concerned that the acoustics of your room will go haywire after you remove this texture, acoustical tiles are a great replacement. They are specifically designed to mute or muffle sound and can be applied directly to your ceiling. If noise is a major concern for you, check out this soundproofing guide.

Paneled

Beadboard and wooden planks are perfect materials for a paneled ceiling. You can maintain the raw wood stain of the planks or paint them to fit your color scheme. Panels have a streamlined and organized appearance, which is in strong contrast to the splotchy look of popcorn ceilings. They can make a room seem more put-together and calming.

Mix and Match

Having a hard time deciding which design you want more? You can mix some of these styles together for an even stronger impression. Wood-paneled ceilings look excellent with thick beams hung across them. Coffered ceilings pair well with faux-tin tiles in place of panels. It might be best to consult an interior designer, so that you get choose the materials and colors that work best.

If you don’t want buyers running for the hills, get rid of that old-fashioned texture and trade up for something breathtaking.

REFERENCES

• http://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/30-tips-for-increasing-your-homes-value
• https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/walls-and-ceilings/remove-popcorn-ceiling/
• https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/walls-and-ceilings/install-a-ceiling/
• https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/c/walls-and-ceilings/
• https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/ceiling-finishes/
• https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/walls-and-ceilings/soundproof-a-room/
• https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/coffered-ceilings/
• http://www.hgtv.com/design-blog/design/ceiling-design-ideas-to-inspire-you0
• https://www.zillow.com/digs/exposed-beam-ceiling/
• https://laurelberninteriors.com/2016/02/21/georgeous-ceiling-paint-colors-and-one-thats-often-not/
• https://www.architecturaldepot.com/ceilings.html
• http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/flooring/types/flooring-ceiling-product-trends/?slideId=efe5f844-36a3-4c48-a932-0e711eaf1d0c
• https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/ceiling-tiles/
• https://www.kompareit.com/homeandgarden/painting-compare-pros-cons-popcorn-ceiling-removal.html
• https://www.today.com/home/looking-sell-7-diys-will-increase-value-your-home-t74296
• https://www.houzz.com/paneled-ceiling