This hack for getting rid of popcorn ceilings changes everything - fast, cheap and effective

When it comes to 1970s decor, there are a few remnants that have made their mark on our style today. Some of those - teak furniture, geometric patterns, rattan accents - have come full circle. Others have been harder to erase, despite the fact we'd probably rather never lay eyes on them again - we're talking avocado bathrooms, shag carpets, and of course, popcorn ceilings. 

Otherwise known as stipple ceilings, popcorn ceilings are distinguished by their bumpy textured surface which is created by tiny particles of vermiculite or polystyrene. They were a popular choice for decorating ceilings in the mid-century for their time-effective and cost-efficient application, plus their ability to mask any cosmetic flaws in ceiling foundations. Now, however, they've fallen well and truly out of fashion. 

If you want to get rid of your popcorn ceiling, I have both good and bad news. The bad news? Removing it is tricky, and it's highly recommended you hire a professional to do so, which can be costly. The more positive news is, you can easily disguise one with some simple DIY. We spoke with some decorators and designers to find out how.

Why are popcorn ceilings no longer popular? 

As far as living room ceiling ideas go, popcorn ceilings had a good run. Throughout most of the twentieth century, they were one of the most popular choices for decorating the fifth wall, but the sight of them now instantly dates a space. 

'Trends come and go, and popcorn ceilings have been decreasing in popularity ever since their peak in the 80s,' explains Mallory Micetich, a home decorating expert at Angi. 'Most people opt for smooth-textured ceilings now to give their homes a modern feel.' 

How do you remove popcorn ceilings?

Unless you're a trained decorator, removing popcorn ceilings won't be easy. Not only is the task a difficult one but it comes with some serious health risks. This is because popcorn ceilings in homes built before the 1970s will likely contain asbestos.

'Before you remove popcorn ceilings, you need to test your ceilings for asbestos,' says Mallory. 'I recommend bringing in a pro to test your ceilings, but you can also do it yourself with a DIY testing kit. If the test comes back positive, you’ll need to bring in a professional removal team if you're still determined to get rid of your popcorn ceilings.' 

If the test comes back negative, it's safe to remove it on your own, but that isn't to say it will be an easy job. 'The DIY approach involves spraying the ceiling with water, scraping off the texture with a wide putty knife or a specialized ceiling scraper, and then sanding and painting the ceiling,' says Brian Jeffries, Lead Advisor of Building Product Advisor. When spraying the water, use enough to soften the texture but avoid using so much that you weaken the drywall underneath.

Unfortunately, if someone has painted a popcorn ceiling in the past, it won’t easily absorb the water making it much harden to soften the texture. In this case, you may want to consider your best bet is calling in some professionals or going disguising your ceiling instead.

What's the alternative to removing it?

(Image credit: Cortney Bishop Design )

Sound like too much work? We think so too. Luckily though, there is an alternative solution. If you want a quick, easy, and budget-friendly fix for a popcorn ceiling, rather than looking for ways to remove it, experts encourage you to disguise it instead.  

'You can easily cover popcorn ceilings with drywall to create a new, smooth ceiling over the original popcorn ceiling,' says Mallory. Hanging drywall to a ceiling simply involves measuring the board and screwing it into your ceiling studs, and can easily be done by novices, but you'll probably need an assistant on hand. 'You can expect to pay between $160 and $200 for materials to cover the ceiling in a 12x12 foot room. If you hire a pro for the project, you’ll need to budget for labor costs as well,' adds Mallory.  

Once you've installed your drywall and hidden that bubbly-looking ceiling once and for all, you can now consider painting or decorating your smooth fifth wall. The easiest option is to go for a painted ceiling, but if you want to be a bit more experimental, Brian has a few ideas. 'Some popular contemporary methods for decorating ceilings include tray ceilings, coffered ceilings, and wood paneling,' he explains. 'If you want to stick to painting your ceiling, applying a metallic finish can create a modern and luxurious look.' 

 Of these options, the most simple DIY approach is wood paneling. You can easily create the look of a shiplap ceiling using slatwall panels, a lightweight material made of medium-density fiberboard that can be added to your ceiling and built to fill your space. 'Not only is it relatively easy to do, but adding wood paneling to a ceiling can help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere,' says Brian. It's also the perfect way to tap into the organic modern trend if you're ready for a more up-to-date ceiling style!