Choosing the right ceiling texture for your home can dramatically impact the overall aesthetic and feel of a room. With so many different options to consider, it can be overwhelming trying to select the perfect ceiling for your needs and style. Here, we will explore the 13 most popular types of ceiling textures, their key characteristics, pros and cons, and what rooms they work best in. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently choose the ideal ceiling texture for your space.
What is a Ceiling Texture?
Before diving into the different types, let’s first understand what exactly ceiling texture is. Ceiling texture refers to the finishing style and look of a ceiling surface. It is the topcoat applied to drywall or plaster to create a certain visual effect. Ceiling textures come in different patterns, depth, and designs. The texture is typically applied using various techniques and tools to create swirls, bumps, ridges, orange peel, knockdown, and other patterns. The texture layers also help conceal imperfections in the drywall seams and create visual interest in what would otherwise be a flat, boring ceiling.
When selecting a ceiling texture, factors like the room size, lighting, ceiling height, and architectural style impact what will look best. Textures can make a ceiling feel higher or lower and can set a formal or relaxed tone. Heavily textured options add depth and interest, while smooth textures feel more modern and clean. The texture finish ranges from smooth to highly textured with endless options in between. Keep reading to learn about the most common ceiling texture types to consider for your home.
13 Most Popular Ceiling Texture Types
1. Popcorn Ceiling Texture
Popcorn ceiling texture, also sometimes called cottage cheese ceiling, is a classic textured finish that has a bumpy, stippled look. It is applied by spraying small dollops of joint compound onto the ceiling with a special popcorn texture spray gun. The popcorn effect helps hides imperfections well.
Key Features:
- Bumpy, irregular texture
- Provides heavy texture and relief
- Conceals flaws in ceiling surface
- affordable and easy to apply
Best Rooms for Use: Popcorn works well in most rooms but is especially popular for basements, bedrooms, and recreation rooms where soundproofing is helpful. Avoid in dining rooms and formal spaces.
Pros:
- Masks imperfections extremely well
- Provides noise reduction qualities
- Easy, fast application
- Budget-friendly option
Cons:
- Can appear outdated
- Texture traps dirt, dust and allergens
- Not smooth or modern looking
- Difficult to paint and repair
2. Knockdown Ceiling Texture
Knockdown texture is applied by spraying on a wet coat of heavy ceiling texture then going back and “knocking it down” with a wide drywall knife to flatten tops. This leaves rounded tops with valleys. It is medium texture.
Key Features:
- Rounded texture with flatted peaks
- Medium texture depth
- Modern, subtle appearance
- Covers flaws effectively
Best Rooms for Use: Works well in most rooms but especially nice for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and hallways.
Pros:
- Modern, stylish appearance
- Conceals imperfections well
- More subtle than heavy textured options
Cons:
- Needs some skill to apply correctly
- Not as effective at masking flaws as heavier textures
3. Orange Peel Ceiling Texture
This ultra-smooth ceiling texture gets its name from the look of orange peel skin. It has just enough texture to avoid looking flat but maintains a polished, refined look. The texture is rolled on using a paint roller then flattened.
Key Features:
- Fine, smooth texture
- Subtle light bumps throughout
- Resembles the exterior of an orange peel
- Gently textured but still smooth
Best Rooms for Use: Looks beautiful in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and formal spaces. Avoid very high ceilings.
Pros:
- Light texture provides some visual interest
- Smooth enough for formal spaces
- Modern, sophisticated appearance
- Easy to apply evenly
Cons:
- Shows imperfections more than heavy textures
- Not effective at masking flaws
- Needs a smooth, flawless ceiling to start
4. Skip Trowel Ceiling Texture
This heavily textured finish is created by applying joint compound forcefully with a trowel to make ridges. The trowel is “skipped” across the surface, leaving peaks and valleys.
Key Features:
- Deep ridges and grooves
- Very heavy texture
- Trowel finish leaves distinct marks
- Rustic, bold texture
Best Rooms for Use: Provides a dramatic accent for bold decors. Use in living rooms, bedrooms, and recreation spaces.
Pros:
- Creates depth and architectural interest
- Masks flaws very effectively
- Provides noise dampening
- Rustic, artsy look
Cons:
- Too heavy for subtle decors
- Shows imperfections if not applied perfectly
- Needs repair work done carefully
- Can be challenging to clean
5. Swirl Ceiling Texture
As its name suggests, swirl texture has a fluid, swirling look. It is applied by swirling a paintbrush through thick joint compound. The swoops left behind create movement.
Key Features:
- Light delicate swoops
- Subtle wave-like ridges
- Provides visual motion
- Softer texture depth
Best Rooms for Use: Beautiful ceiling for bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. Brings subtle interest.
Pros:
- Light texture depth is versatile
- Easier to repair than heavy texture
- Creates soft, fluid look with motion
- Easy, fast application
Cons:
-Won’t hide flaws as well as heavy texture
- Needs an even base layer to look neat
- Can appear messy if brushstrokes are uneven
6. Stomp Brush Ceiling Texture
This stamped texture is applied with a stomp brush. The brush head has stiff bristles that leave behind impressions when it is pushed into the wet joint compound. The look is somewhat like knockdown but with more distinct impressions.
Key Features:
- Angular brush strokes stamped into texture
- Medium texture depth
- Clear, defined brush marks left behind
- Rustic stamp-like look
Best Rooms for Use: Provides a nice texture accent for bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms and offices.
Pros:
- More interesting than plain knockdown
- Covers imperfections well
- Quick and easy application
- Provides subtle visual interest
Cons:
- Can look messy if brush marks are uneven
- Too modern for some traditional decor
- Needs repairs done carefully around texture
7. Roller Ceiling Texture
As you can imagine, this basic texture is simply rolled onto the ceiling with a paint roller. It provides a lightly textured orange peel type look on a budget.
Key Features:
- Faint texture subtly breaks up flat ceiling
- Achieves basic orange peel look
- Very fast, easy application
- Most budget-friendly textured option
Best Rooms for Use: The simple look works well in kids’ rooms, basements, and rec rooms.
Pros:
- Very affordable and easy
- Subtly hides some flaws
- Takes no skill to apply
- Quick project for DIYers
Cons:
- Minimal texture depth
- Won’t cover imperfections well
- Can appear blotchy if not applied evenly
- Limited visual interest
8. Drag Brush Ceiling Texture
Using a special brush with flexible bristles, this texture is achieved by dragging the brush through wet joint compound. The lines left behind have a feathered, brushy look.
Key Features:
- Light brushy texture
- Brush bristle marks are visible
- Softer, feathered texture depth
- Subtle lined texture
Best Rooms for Use: Provides a soft accent texture suitable for bedrooms, hallways, and dining rooms.
Pros:
- Creates subtle interest and texture
- Softer, more delicate texture depth
- Easy quick application
- Versatile for many home styles
Cons:
- Won’t hide imperfections well
- Needs solid ceiling base to start
- Takes some skill to get smooth lines
- Can appear blotchy if applied unevenly
9. Smooth Ceiling Texture
The smooth ceiling is finished with either zero texture or just a light orange peel style texture. It is an ultra-flat and seamless modern look.
Key Features:
- Glossy smooth finish
- Little to no texture
- Seamless, minimalist appearance
- Sleek modern look
Best Rooms for Use: Looks gorgeous in modern or contemporary rooms. Popular in kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces.
Pros:
- Crisp, clean, flawless look
- Reflects light beautifully
- Fits with modern, minimalist decors
- Easier to paint and repair
Cons:
- Won’t hide any ceiling flaws
- Can feel cold and flat without texture
- Needs meticulous drywall finishing
- Shows any imperfections
10. Travertine Ceiling Texture
Travertine ceiling texture mimics the bumpy look of natural stone. It provides heavy texture and depth for a natural, rustic look. The finish is troweled on.
Key Features:
- Deeply textured and bumpy
- Imitates look of natural travertine stone
- Heavy texture provides loads of depth
- Rustic, craggy look
Best Rooms for Use: Makes a bold statement in living rooms, bedrooms, and dens. Avoid formal spaces.
Pros:
- Beautifully masks imperfections
- Adds loads of character
- Natural, organic look
- Provides sound dampening
Cons:
- Rustic look not for everyone
- Challenging to apply evenly
- Difficult to repair or paint
- Collects dust easily
11. Crow’s Feet Ceiling Texture
This aptly named texturefinish has the look of overlapping crow’s feet. It features closely placed ragged ridges that intersect and overlap. The heavily textured finish is troweled on.
Key Features:
- Intersecting ragged ridges
- Heavily textured depth
- Appears layered like crow’s feet
- Rustic, organic texture
Best Rooms for Use: Makes a bold rustic statement in bedrooms, dining rooms or living rooms. Not ideal for high or formal ceilings.
Pros:
- Masks flaws exceptionally well
- Provides loads of character
- Natural, rugged look
- Noise reduction qualities
Cons:
- Very heavy texture can overwhelm
- Challenging to apply evenly
- Repairs stand out and are obvious
- Too rustic and bold for some spaces
12. Santa Fe Ceiling Texture
Inspired by Southwestern architecture, the Santa Fe ceiling has deep ridges made by dragging tools across the texture coating. The adobe-like look features intermittent handmade grooves.
Key Features:
- Rustic deep ridge texture
- Grooves spaced evenly apart
- Mimics adobe and Santa Fe style
- Hand-troweled on for organic look
Best Rooms for Use: Brings warmth to Southwestern style bedrooms, living rooms, and dens. Not ideal for high or formal ceilings.
Pros:
- Heavy texture masks flaws
- Brings natural, rustic warmth
- Unique, regional look
- Provides sound dampening
Cons:
- Very bold, heavy texture
- Challenging to repair or paint
- Too regional/rustic for some spaces
- Grooves can build up dust and dirt
13. Veined Ceiling Texture
Veined texture mimics the delicate veins found in natural materials like marble or travertine. It features subtle uneven ridges that follow across the ceiling to mimic movement in stone.
Key Features:
- Subtle uneven ridges
- Follows soft irregular patterns
- Mimics natural veining in stone
- More subtle texture depth
Best Rooms for Use: Provides simple elegance for bedrooms, dining rooms, and living spaces. Avoid very high ceilings.
Pros:
- Light texture depth is widely appealing
- Soft, natural style texture
- Easier to repair than deep textures
- Looks beautiful and interesting
Cons:
- Won’t conceal flaws as well
- Needs solid smooth base to start
- Takes skill to apply realistic looking veins
- Can appear messy if not troweled evenly
What Factors Impact Choosing Ceiling Texture?
With so many diverse ceiling texture options available, it can certainly be daunting deciding what will look best in your home. Here are a few key factors to consider when selecting ceiling texture:
- Room Function and Formality – Formal dining rooms and foyers often look best with refined finishes like smooth or fine orange peel texture. While heavily textured options add character to informal living rooms and bedrooms. Match texture style to the room decor.
- Ceiling Height – Smooth textures help higher ceilings feel lower and more intimate. Visually lower a high ceiling by adding beams or heavy texture.
- Historic Architecture – Maintain the architectural style of historic homes with period-appropriate textures like swirls or ornamental tin finishes.
- Lighting – Heavily textured ceilings provide visual interest under accent lighting. Smooth ceilings maximize reflected light in a space.
- Existing Conditions – Severely damaged drywall or plaster ceilings benefit from heavy masking textures like knockdown or skip trowel.
- Personal Style – Contemporary modern decor looks best with smooth ceilings, while Old World styles suit crows feet or adobe textures.
- Allergies/Asthma – Smooth ceiling textures minimize dust and allergens. Popcorn texture can aggravate respiratory issues when not cleaned routinely.
Considering these factors will help guide you to selecting the perfect ceiling texture for each unique space.
Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Ceiling Textures
Proper maintenance is key to keeping ceiling textures looking their best long-term. Here are some top tips for cleaning different textured ceilings:
- Smooth – Use a microfiber mop or duster on an extension pole for easy dusting and debris removal. Gently wipe with a damp microfiber cloth to remove stains.
- Popcorn – Vacuum using a brush attachment regularly to remove surface dust and dirt. Carefully wipe water stains with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid excess moisture.
- Knockdown and Orange Peel – Use a soft bristle brush on an extension pole to gently remove dust buildup. Spot clean water stains using a lightly damp microfiber cloth.
- Heavy Textures – Vacuum surface dust routinely using a brush attachment. For deeper cleaning, mix warm water and a small amount of mild detergent in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the ceiling and gently scrub with a soft bristle brush. Avoid saturating the texture.
Always use caution when cleaning ceilings to avoid damage. Test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area first. Avoid harsh abrasives. Address moisture issues immediately to prevent water stains and mold growth.
Costs of Ceiling Textures
Texture application cost depends on factors like the complexity of the finish, contractor rates in your area, and ceiling size. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Popcorn – $0.30-$0.50 per square foot
- Knockdown -$0.45 – $1.00 per square foot
- Orange Peel – $1.00-$1.50 per square foot
- Smooth – $1.00 – $1.50 per square foot
- Heavy Hand Textures – $1.50 – $3.00 per square foot
Texturing over an existing popcorn or heavily textured ceiling also increases costs. Expect to pay added labor fees for removal and preparation of the existing texture before reapplying a new finish.
Always obtain multiple quotes to find the best value. Look for contractors who specialize in applying ceiling textures to ensure a professional quality result.
DIY Ceiling Texture Application Tips
While hiring a pro is recommended for perfectly smooth, seamless texture application, DIYers can tackle basic ceiling textures themselves. Here are some tips:
- Prep ceiling by repairing flaws, sanding, and priming well before texturing
- Test texture in an out of sight area like a closet to finesse technique
- Load roller or brushes evenly and avoid drips for clean texture pattern
- Apply texture in small sections to control mess and allow smoothing overlap
- Maintain wet edge boundaries to prevent lap marks between sections
- Feather out texture up to cut-in paint lines around ceiling perimeter
- Follow product instructions for ideal prep, mixing, and drying times
- Consider handy texturing tools like hopper guns to make DIY application easier
With some practice and the right tools, basic textures like knockdown and orange peel can be successfully tackled as a DIY project. Seek contractor help for heavily hand-textured finishes.
Hiring Professional Texture Contractors
Seeking professional help is recommended to get flawless, seamless results from intricate ceiling textures. Here are tips for hiring contractors:
- Review online portfolios to view past ceiling texturing projects
- Ask for at least 3 references from recent clients to check quality
- Verify proper licensing, insurance, and bonding
- Get a detailed written quote outlining the full scope of work
- Look for extensive experience applying the specific texture you want
- Check that they own the proper texturing tools for the job
- Schedule a planning meeting to agree on details like texture type and scope
- Hold payment until the ceiling texture is complete and meets standards
- Get any warranty terms in writing before work starts
Taking time to vet and hire reputable ceiling contractors is worth the investment. They have the expertise to correctly apply tricky finishes and textures for professional looking results.