When Islington 2000 was under construction, popcorn ceilings were an obvious choice. The bumpy finish was easy to install, hid imperfections, and discouraged both fire and noise. If you still have the stippled finish you are still benefitting from these advantages.
Current taste has moved away from a focus on these practical issues and toward the modern look of smooth finishes on our ceilings. If you are inclined to make your ceiling smooth there are options. Scraping/sanding is the worst – the dust can be toxic.
Popcorn ceilings in big rooms can be covered with 3/8” drywall. This will lower the ceiling a very little. In a condo remember that the building is designed to sway which may in time expose cracks. More creative options for covering the stipple are decorative ceiling tiles or wooden planks. Both offer warmth and visual appeal.
A newer option for creating a smooth surface is to tightly stretch fabric or pvc across the existing ceiling. Installers work with an aluminum frame attached to the ceiling, then stretch the membrane of your choice over all. Besides a sleek look this improves acoustics. And the space above a stretched ceiling can include various kinds of ambient lighting options.
A plasterer can skim-coat the whole ceiling. It may require multiple coats to even out a very textured ceiling, because it is not advisable to prepare the surface by sanding. As mentioned above, it is best to avoid any contact with possibly toxic construction dust.
The least expensive and least fussy option is to paint over the textured ceiling. An acrylic/latex paint in a flat or matte finish, possibly in a darker colour will visually camouflage the texture. It is decorative and also works as a sealant. Lay down multiple coats very thickly for best results.
