Have you ever looked at a ceiling in your home or someone else’s and wondered why the surface is all bumpy?
Ceilings are generally bumpy because it’s much easier to make the surface look good by applying a texture. Because ceilings are so well lit and form an uninterrupted plane, defects and imperfections show up very clearly. Texturing them avoids these issues.
In this article, we’re going to look at why ceilings are often bumpy, how the bumps are created, and whether it’s a good idea to install a textured ceiling or not.
All The Reasons Most Ceilings Bumpy
There are a few reasons that ceilings tend to be bumpy, and these include things like:
- It makes it easier to create an aesthetically pleasing surface
- Textured ceilings create less echo because the sound will not bounce off them as sharply as a smooth ceiling
- The additional material will reduce the amount of noise that goes through the ceiling and into the room above
- The bumps can be decorative and attractive
- Imperfections will not show up much, because the whole surface is textured
- The lighting in the room will be softer; smooth surface ceilings tend to bounce the light down in a way that is quite harsh, while textured ceilings scatter it into a softer glow
That can make textured ceilings seem quite attractive, and many people consider installing them for some or all of these reasons. If you get a firm in to create the ceiling for you, there is a high chance that they will make a textured ceiling, partly because this is easier and quicker, and partly for other reasons.
If you do not like textured ceilings, a smooth ceiling is perfectly functional too, but it won’t enjoy all of the advantages listed above. You can still have one, but you should be aware that the lighting will be harsher and less pleasant, and you might get more echo in the room.
How Are Bumpy Ceilings Created?
There are a few different methods through which bumpy ceilings can be created. Often, ceiling paint is mixed with balls of polystyrene or pieces of vermiculite, and then a special spray gun is used to apply this to the ceiling.
This makes the process much faster, because the gun has a wide range and will cover the area much more quickly than a brush could. This is partly why bumpy ceilings have been such a popular option for so long; they are quick to create.
In some cases, the bumpiness is applied using a tool instead, and this is usually the case with fan-pattern ceilings. A toothed trowel is used to create the ridges in the paint. Different patterns may be drawn into the paint, giving it a textured appearance that is neater and perhaps more attractive than the spray-on version.
It’s a good idea to figure out which aesthetic you like best, and then to look into how this specific one is created, because techniques can be so varied. Once you know what you want, it should be easy to find out what method you need to use. If you are paying a firm to create the ceiling, it should be enough to show them a picture of the texture you want.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Bumpy Ceilings?
Although textured ceilings have some significant benefits, they also have some drawbacks that you should be aware of. One of the major ones is that textured ceilings are not nearly as popular as they used to be, and a lot of people dislike the appearance. It is seen as old-fashioned – although some designs suffer from this perception a lot more than others.
The other major drawback is that bumpy ceilings are hard to remove once they have been installed, and they are also pretty challenging to repair. Repair jobs are often very obvious and it can be difficult to match the texture and pattern. Getting rid of a textured ceiling usually involves hiring professionals, and it can be expensive.
A final disadvantage of bumpy ceilings is that they are pretty challenging to clean because dirt will get into the nooks and crannies. This means that they are not ideal for ceilings in bathrooms or kitchens, where dirt is likely to get splashed about.
Should You Install A Bumpy Ceiling?
Before installing a bumpy ceiling, weigh up the pros and cons carefully, and decide whether you like their appearance. As mentioned above, getting rid of texturing can be an intensive process. You shouldn’t install a bumpy ceiling unless you are sure it’s the right thing for that particular space.
There are certainly advantages, but there are drawbacks too. So be thoughtful about the best way to install this kind of ceiling.
FAQs
Q: How do you smooth out a bumpy ceiling?
A: If your ceiling is only lightly textured, you may be able to use water and a drywall scraper to chip off the texturing and smooth it down. However, be aware that any imperfections will be quite obvious, and it’s not easy to get a smooth surface. In most cases, it’s best to hire somebody to do this work for you.
Q: What is the bumpy ceiling called?
A: This depends on what kind of texturing has been applied. One of the commonest types is known as “popcorn” ceiling because it has the lumpy appearance of popcorn, but there are many other kinds, including orange peel, stippled ceilings, and more. It’s worth finding out the name of the specific technique you are thinking of installing.
Q: Are textured ceilings coming back?
A: Textured ceilings lost their popularity for a while, but in recent years, installations have increased again.
Conclusion
Ceilings are generally bumpy because it is much easier to make them look good and hide construction flaws by applying a textured surface. However, there are other advantages to this textured, including the sound absorption properties and the softer lighting. Don’t put bumpy ceilings somewhere that they will need regular cleaning, though.