9 Simple Decorating Tricks To Make Your Popcorn Ceilings Less Of An Eyesore

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You've curated the most gorgeous design for your home, and at last, you can take a sigh of relief. Now, it's time to rejoice in your hard work and relax in your new haven. But as your eyes wander up towards the ceiling, you wince. The horror of the dreaded popcorn ceiling weighs heavily on your mind, and you wonder if this cottage cheese aesthetic will put a damper on your entire interior scheme. It's safe to say that popcorn ceilings are out of style, and you wouldn't be alone in thinking they're an eyesore in your home design. While there are a few ways to cover dated popcorn ceilings without the hassle of scraping, not everyone can take on such a massive reno project. Aside from budget constraints, renters may have no choice but to accept their fate with their popcorn ceilings. And even in instances where there's nothing holding them back, some homeowners might choose to keep their outdated popcorn ceilings and simply try to overlook them. Shocking; we know! But rather than grimace every time you recline in your space, you might try incorporating a few design tricks to lure your gaze away from the bumpy ceiling and distract from its outdated appearance.

While these design upgrades won't hide the popcorn ceiling, they could help take attention away from it. Statements throughout the room will keep wandering eyes on the rest of your layout, as features like patterned rugs, artwork, or touchable textures become the focal points. Of course, not everyone wants bold furniture to distract from their hideous cottage cheese ceiling, but subtle changes using lighting or a cleverly placed coat of paint may also work wonders.

Many designers point out just how impactful a fresh coat of paint can be for your space, and the same is true for dated popcorn ceilings. Chances are that your existing popcorn ceilings are off-white to beige in hue and likely need a modern pick-me-up. Bright white paint could revive the appearance of your ceiling, eliminating stains and blemishes that might catch the eye. As you choose your paint, stick with flat or matte finishes to help hide imperfections and stay subdued. Glossy sheens will reflect light and highlight the rough popcorn texture.

When opting for light fixtures to adorn your space, you'll have to choose between upward versus downward facing lighting. Although upward-focused lights can provide a softer spread of light, downward-focused lights will distract from popcorn ceilings by keeping illumination off of the texture. Pendant lights, chandeliers, and semi-flush mounts might be good choices to direct light away from the popcorn ceiling. Alternatively, you could invest in lamps that aim task and accent lighting towards the ground. Aside from directed lighting, statement chandeliers and notable fixtures pull attention towards design details, helping you control the focus.

Aside from floor lamps and chandeliers, you could pull attention away from the ceiling by utilizing wall sconces. Depending on the type of wall sconces you choose, light can be focused upwards, downwards, or both, with battery-operated varieties like Bailoch Vintage Wireless Wall Sconces making this update as simple as possible. However, the best feature of sconces is that they put more focus and illumination on the walls, drawing attention to the rest of your design. Flank your television area with two sconces, or use them above bedside tables in the bedroom.

A clever trick to draw attention away from popcorn ceilings is to encourage guests to look down at their feet. Gorgeous rugs or low-profile furniture can help distract from the ceiling. Consider adding a statement area rug to the living room or dining room to pull attention away from the ceiling while gaining some functional benefits. Low-profile furniture also keep visual attention lower by highlighting shapes along the floors and making walls appear taller than they are.

Another method of keeping visual attention on the walls rather than the ceiling is to hang large, statement artworks that dominate the space. Grandiose artwork that fits the vibe you're aiming for will not only boost your aesthetic but introduce intriguing colors and texture into the design as well. This is a great way to fill a blank wall, and you could consider a gallery wall as a clever way to direct attention where you want it and distract from the popcorn ceiling.

Hanging statement curtains to frame windows could also distract from popcorn ceilings. While there are a few window treatment rules that will make your curtains look more expensive, you don't necessarily have to opt for puddles or floor-to-ceiling fabrics if it's out of budget. Those options will put emphasis on your windows and boost the appeal of your design, but even simple curtains with vivid colors or patterns can help capture attention. However, avoid valances that stand out and draw the eye upward towards the ceiling.

While it may seem counterintuitive, crown molding, ceiling trim, and medallions could actually distract from your popcorn ceilings. A ceiling medallion will cover part of your ceilings and draw attention to your light fixture. If you have a downward-focused chandelier, this will help draw the eye to the statement piece rather than the surrounding ceiling. Meanwhile, crown molding and decorative trim add visual interest and elegance to the space. Although eyes will be drawn upwards, the crown molding becomes the star, creating a focus point before you notice the popcorn ceilings.

A renter-friendly and simple solution to keep eyes away from the ceiling may be to use statement furniture. When in doubt, pieces like sculptural sofas, oversized ottomans, accent chairs, quirky coffee tables, or open shelving can put the focus back on your design. Opt for bold prints, tactile fabrics, and unique shapes that draw attention away from the overhead popcorn, all while staying cohesive with your interior scheme.

Despite the distaste for popcorn ceilings, textured walls and ceilings overall are gaining traction in home design. One way you could embrace your popcorn ceilings is by incorporating other textured elements into your design to keep attention on the tactile surfaces you prefer. For example, a stucco or plastered rough-textured wall can be a feature in your home, adhering to biophilic trends while distracting from the dreaded popcorn ceilings above. Or, consider fluted materials on furniture and accent walls or organic textures running between rugs, toss pillows, and throws to keep eyes fixed downward.