Popcorn ceiling

[1] The bumpy surface is created by tiny particles of vermiculite or polystyrene, which gives the ceiling sound-deadening properties.

[2] In many parts of the world, it was the standard for bedroom and residential hallway ceilings for its bright, white appearance, ability to hide imperfections, and acoustic characteristics.

In comparison, kitchen, living room and bathroom ceilings would normally be finished in smoother skip-trowel or orange peel texture for their higher durability and ease of cleaning.

However, in order to minimize economic hardship to suppliers and installers, existing inventories of asbestos-bearing texturing materials were exempt from the ban, so it is possible to find asbestos in popcorn ceilings that were applied through the 1980s.

[4] A trend toward more modern, clean-lined design features has influenced home improvement professionals to provide popcorn ceiling removal services.