Popcorn ceilings, also known as acoustic or stipple ceilings, are a type of textured ceiling style that resembles kernels of popcorn. They were invented in the 1920s or 1930s to create a barrier for sound, hence the acoustic-sounding name. Here are some points on the purpose of popcorn ceilings:
Pros:
- Popcorn ceilings were quicker to apply than making ceilings smooth, which have to be drywalled, primed, and painted.
- The texture of popcorn ceilings simply covers any minor to moderate irregularities and eliminates the need to apply, feather, and sand multiple layers or fill in holes.
- Popcorn ceilings hide cracks and unevenness.
Cons:
- Popcorn ceilings catch dust and materials that can easily discolor over time.
- Their crater-like surfaces also tend to cast harsh shadows, which makes rooms appear smaller.
Popcorn ceilings were popular because of the helpful functions that they provided. Its quick and affordable application was especially useful in the 1950s, which marked the start of a construction explosion. They were also the standard for bedroom and residential hallway ceilings for their bright, white appearance, ability to hide imperfections, and acoustical characteristics. However, since the mid-2000s, the popularity of textured popcorn ceilings has diminished significantly across North America.
