Everyone loves popcorn at the movies—but seeing that fluffy texture on a ceiling? Not so much.

The stippled texture known as the popcorn ceiling was popular from the 1950s through the 1980s, especially in bedrooms. Sometimes likened to cottage cheese, the bumps of this finish supposedly dampened sound, but also made it easier for builders to hide imperfections.

Nowadays, it can make selling your house more difficult, depending on the market and price range, said Timothy Schutte, a top performing real estate agent in Des Moines, Iowa and expert in single-family homes.

“It’s a vintage and aged style,” said Schutte.

“It is noticed fairly quickly upon opening the door and walking in. It may not be within the first three minutes, but you see it.”

Does removing a popcorn ceiling increase your home’s value? Before you roll up your sleeves and grab the putty knife and protective goggles, you should weigh whether the cost of removal is worth it given the time, cost, and potential health risk.