How To Recreate Joanna Gaines' Unique Fixer Upper Textured Ceilings On A Budget

Textured ceilings are making a comeback. But we're not talking about those popcorn ceilings that look straight out of the 1970s. The familiar bumpy texture is achieved by spraying or painting Styrofoam or stucco mixtures onto ceilings to cover up cracks, leak stains, and poor drywall installation. The old-school texture is difficult to clean and even harder to repair. Instead, modern interior designers are embracing more eye-catching ways to decorate ceilings. In a recent "Mini Reni," the Magnolia design team used a moody dark green paint on an existing tiled ceiling to update a cozy den. So, here's how to recreate Joanna Gaines' unique "Fixer Upper" textured ceilings on a budget.

If you're looking to update your home, there are a lot of reasons you should be painting your ceilings. Compared to installing faux ceiling beams, which can cost hundreds of dollars a piece, a can of paint is an extremely cost-effective way of creating a bold look that can make your room feel larger or cozier depending on the color you choose. To add even more visual interest, it's easy to install thin PVC or foam ceiling tiles that come in a variety of patterns and colors. This textured ceiling design hack works even if you have an old popcorn ceiling you're desperate to cover up. The tiles are extremely lightweight, making them easy to secure with a few tubes of Loctite Power Grab Express Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive.

How to get the textured ceiling look on a budget

Decorating your ceiling is definitely a design trend that'll add more character and personality to your home. Whether you inherited textured ceilings when you purchased your home or you want to install them yourself, Joanna Gaines says they can "stand out visually and make such a statement," per Magnolia. She adds that you should embrace textured ceilings "as part of the home's character."

It's important to select the best ceiling tiles for your specific space. In classic and transitional homes, A La Maison Ceilings R24 Line Art Foam Glue-Up Ceiling Tiles in White Heron can elevate a living room or bedroom. The tiles can be painted any color, but are also available in special finishes like Gold Moss and Rusted Steel. These are available in packs of up to 144 tiles covering almost 400 square feet, and at $1.25 per square foot they're a budget-friendly option.

Lightweight PVC ceiling tiles like the Art3d Decorative 3D Textured Ceiling Panels can also be installed with heavy-duty glue, or in a drop ceiling grid system. Another paintable option, the panels measure two feet by two feet each, and are easily cut with a utility knife or scissors. The company sells several different 3D textured panels, from art deco and geometric designs to ornate tiles that mimic the look of vintage tin. 

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