I had a client who was really sick and tired of looking at their popcorn ceilings in their 1980′s home. And thought it was time for a change. I not only agreed for his own sanity but for the future resale when the time comes!
However, I warned him that lurking above that strange popcorn mess is possible plumbing, wiring, joists and structural beams, so you have to be careful and creative when updating your this part of your home.
Here’s a few suggestions he toyed with.
1. Bring Back Wood Paneling
The retro look of the 70′s is making a comeback. If you have a flat or slanted ceiling, wood paneling is easy to affix and can create a cozy cabin-like feel. This works well in living rooms, bedrooms and man caves, where you want generate a manly, warm, comfortable atmosphere.
2. Create An Industrial Vibe
If you like the look of a modern contemporary home, then this might be the most cost-effective solution for you. If there’s an existing ceiling, remove it and then buy a paint sprayer and coat everything except the duct work in one dark color. Many converted lofts and urban spaces use this technique. See ideas at most the trendy restaurants and other strip mall businesses. Low tech, low cost and loft like!
3. Drop It!
These aren’t the old school drop ceilings you saw in your parents or grandparents homes, today’s drop ceilings come in pressed metals, artistic compressed wood panels and other attractive architectural designs. They’re cost effective , easy to install and still allow access to any of the plumbing and electrical systems.
4. Utilize Soffits
Duct work and plumbing that cut through the middle of a room can be an eyesore and hard to work around. Utilize soffits to create ceilings of different heights, called tray ceilings, like many loft like condos these days, or use them to blend uneven surfaces into decorative corners along a wall.
If an old outdated ceiling is getting you down, look up! Use any one of the solutions above or search for your own ideas on the web. There are hundreds of ideas for an eye-catching ceiling that will keep you looking up, happy and improve the value of your home at the same time.
