Smooth Ceilings
The classic look and current trend. A flat, untextured surface that shows clean lines and looks modern.
Pros: Clean appearance. Easy to paint. Easy to clean. Works with any decor style. No place for dust to collect.
Cons: Shows every imperfection. Requires Level 4 or 5 finish. More expensive in labor. Settling cracks show immediately.
Best for: Modern homes, rooms with dramatic lighting, when you want a premium look. Bedrooms and living rooms where you'll notice the quality.
Our smooth bedroom ceilings look great but I can see every seam in certain light. You trade hiding power for aesthetics.
Orange Peel
Light spray texture with small rounded bumps resembling orange skin. The most popular texture for residential construction.
Pros: Hides minor imperfections. Looks clean and modern enough. Easy to apply. Easy to repair and match. Doesn't collect much dust.
Cons: Still shows major flaws. Some consider it dated. Harder to clean than smooth.
Best for: General residential use. New construction. When you want texture benefits without a dramatic look. Most rooms in most homes.
This is what we have throughout our main floor. Neutral, practical, doesn't draw attention to itself.
Knockdown
Splattered texture with flattened peaks creating a more pronounced pattern than orange peel.
Pros: Hides imperfections well. Visual interest without being overwhelming. Can look elegant in the right setting.
Cons: Harder to match for repairs. More dated appearance than orange peel. Collects more dust than light textures.
Best for: Mediterranean or Southwestern styles. Rooms where you want textural interest. When orange peel isn't enough to hide surface problems.
Popcorn
Heavy stippled texture that was popular from the 1960s through 1980s. Also called acoustic ceiling.
Pros: Excellent at hiding imperfections. Good acoustic properties. Easy to apply.
Cons: Dated appearance. Collects dust and cobwebs. Nearly impossible to clean. May contain asbestos if pre-1980. Hard to repair.
Best for: Rarely installed new today. Still present in many older homes. Consider removal or covering rather than matching.
Skip Trowel
Hand-applied texture with organic patterns from trowel work.
Pros: Unique handmade appearance. Excellent at hiding imperfections. Distinctive look.
Cons: Labor intensive. Hard to match for repairs. Can look busy. Not for every style.
Best for: Spanish, Mediterranean, Tuscan styles. When you want a artisan or handcrafted feel. Statement ceilings.
Stomp Brush
Stamped texture with peaks and patterns from a stiff brush pressed into wet compound.
Pros: Quick to apply. Hides everything. Distinctive pattern.
Cons: Very dated looking. Catches dust badly. Hard to clean or repaint.
Best for: Utility spaces where appearance matters less. Garages. When matching existing stomp texture.
Choosing Based on the Room
Some practical guidance:
Living rooms: Orange peel or smooth. These are showcase rooms where appearance matters.
Bedrooms: Any texture works. Smooth if you're lighting-sensitive, texture if you want to hide imperfections.
Bathrooms: Light texture or smooth. Heavy texture can trap moisture and harbor mold.
Kitchens: Light texture or smooth. Easier to clean cooking residue from lighter textures.
Basements: Whatever matches the upstairs, or orange peel as a safe default. Texture helps hide basement finishing imperfections.
Garages: Texture or nothing. Nobody expects smooth garage ceilings.