Hate Your Popcorn Ceilings? Make Them Less Of An Eyesore With One Simple Lighting Trick

Popcorn ceilings had a decades-long popularity run, finding their way into many homes up until the '90s. Homeowners would often opt for this bumpy-textured ceiling because of its ability to disguise flaws, absorb sound, and not break the bank. But while they used to have their perks, all those hidden downsides of popcorn ceilings are not so secret in today's interior design. In addition to all the bad press they got for possibly harboring asbestos, popcorn ceilings are now notorious for their outdated look. If your home is sporting this textured relic, chances are you're not happy with how it's cramping the style of the rest of your interior. Luckily, you can downplay your popcorn ceilings by using lighting that points downwards, guiding the eye away from the eyesore overhead.

Ideally, doing away with your popcorn ceiling completely would be the best solution, leaving you with a clean, sleek canvas that doesn't distract from your other design choices. But popcorn ceiling removal can cost you a pretty penny, with the price sometimes exceeding $3,000, especially if the ceiling contains asbestos and requires professional removal. Meanwhile, there are plenty of affordable lighting choices you can turn to for a smart way to draw attention away from your popcorn ceilings until you're ready to remove the texture completely.

To visually transform your dated popcorn ceilings with thoughtful lighting, choose fixtures that shine light downward, away from the unappealing texture. Fixtures that direct the light upward toward your ceiling draw the eye upward as well, making the popcorn texture the focal point. Meanwhile, lighting options with a downward focus encourage you to notice artwork, furniture, and other beautiful elements in the room, allowing the ceiling to visually disappear. A chandelier or pendant light that hangs away from the ceiling and casts the light onto the surfaces and decor below is a great choice. For the best results, choose an option with an opaque shade to make sure the light points downwards without dissipating in other directions.

You don't have to stick to overhead lighting only. Floor lamps that arch over your furniture and aim the light downward can help you achieve the same effect. Wall sconces are another possibility, as they pull the focus from the ceiling and place it on your walls. Just make sure to check the light direction before installing any wall fixtures.

For the best effect, make sure the eye stays down by complementing your lighting scheme with your decor choices. Use attention-grabbing artwork to highlight your walls, or opt for a stylish bold rug that draws the eye downward instead of letting it roam to your ceiling. Dramatic paint choices at ground level can also work wonders, helping emphasize a chunk of your space that has nothing to do with your ceiling.