Flat/smooth ceilings are popular because they lend themselves well to clean lines and minimalistic design.
Flat ceilings are by far the most popular ceilings in homes today. Also called conventional ceilings, these ceilings are usually 7 to 10 feet tall, flat and finished with drywall, then painted.
Smooth texture is far more aesthetically pleasing. Plus, your rooms will look lighter and brighter. Each little bump or ridge in the ceiling surface, no matter how small, casts a tiny shadow. Those textures have thousands and thousands of those little bumps and ridges. Combined, it makes a huge difference in the room.
'For ceilings, it's usually best to go for a matte, flat finish,' says Sarah. 'Other fast drying options are also available such as a paint and primer in one, which dries in just an hour so you can paint the ceiling in no time at all.
Most people simply don't like the look of popcorn ceilings. They also tend to collect dust and dirt, and can be difficult to clean. Unsafe materials, a divisive look, and difficult upkeep have all contributed to popcorn ceilings' fall from grace.
Schutte estimates that removing a popcorn ceiling would add $25,000 to $35,000 in value for a large estate executive home.
Most ceiling paints have a flat (or matte) finish. A flat finish doesn't reflect lights and will hide most irregularities and defects in the ceiling. On the other hand, reflective sheens draw the eye upward and can detract from the rest of the room. Another benefit of a flat finish is that it doesn't scuff easily.
In contrast, post-war and modern buildings tend to have lower ceilings, around 2.4 meters, to maximize space efficiency and reduce heating costs. However, homeowners often seek to modify these standards to suit their preferences and needs.
Modern homeowners find popcorn ceilings not aesthetically pleasing. However, there are still some benefits to consider if you plan to get rid of those ceilings. As mentioned, textured ceilings or popcorn ceilings can hide a vast majority of surface imperfections on your ceiling, like scuffs and cracks.
Although textured ceilings are currently used in many homes, some people might view its appearance as outdated or unappealing. If you're looking to make your house look as contemporary as possible, this is something to keep in mind.
Glass ceiling design is an element in modern architecture that is rapidly gaining in popularity, in both residential and commercial applications. Modern glass ceiling designs have become popular, thanks to their ability to transform spaces, making them bright and visually attractive.
What are the most popular ceiling textures in 2024? Minimalist smooth finishes, textured plaster, reclaimed wood panels, metallic accents, geometric patterns, exposed beams and coffered ceilings are some trending designs.
It's on trend in 2025 to give architectural elements a little twist: use triangles for a coffered ceiling instead of squares, paint the top of the tray ceiling a different color or cover it with a different material, do some creative lighting.
Ceilings should almost always be painted in a flat, matte acrylic paint. The reason for this is that: Flat paint will not reflect light or draw attention away from the wall and room furnishings. Ceilings don't receive much wear and tear, so a glossy, durable paint is not necessary.
Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why we chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!
Flat paint is typically recommended for gyprock and fibro ceilings. Avoid flat paint in mould prone areas, woodwork or areas that will be regularly touched. The lower the sheen level the easier it is to hide imperfection. This is because flat paint reflects minimal light.
Flat paint is a great choice for ceilings due to its ability to hide imperfections and ease of touch-up. Meanwhile, eggshell finishes offer increased durability, richer colors, and a slight sheen which makes them an attractive option as well.
If you paint the ceiling a darker color than the walls, it will make the ceiling feel closer and the room feel smaller. But if you paint the ceiling a lighter color than the walls, it will make the room feel bigger, even if you are using dark shades on the walls.
Popcorn ceilings tend to absorb light and cast shadows, making rooms appear darker and more confined. By removing this texture, light can reflect more evenly, brightening up your spaces and making them feel more open and inviting.
Smooth ceilings can improve the acoustics of your home. Popcorn ceilings can sometimes trap sound, leading to echoey or muffled sounds within a room. A smooth ceiling, on the other hand, can help distribute sound more evenly, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable living space.
Scraping is the most common and cost-effective method for removing popcorn ceilings. This approach involves manually removing the texture using specialized tools.