I think this is far newer and more modern than what the OP has. Of course it also depends on how the house was built. Bottom line is if the OP removes it and there is a problem a solution can be found. Worst case scenario put the board back and fit the curtain rails. It is not an impossible fix. If the OP has the house plans it might be possible to see how these curtain rail boxes were fitted.
They were probably fitted before the popcorn was applied to the ceiling.
If you take them down you'll need to find an exceptionally good plasterer to get the popcorn even close to a match. And you'll need to pain the whole ceiling.
Replacing them with a slightly less ugly curtain track board is a better option.
To make it more complicated (or maybe less) the tracks in some rooms don't reach the ceiling due to high ceilings .... but are kind of attached to wood panelling. I'll take a picture of those tomorrow. Far too much wood going on in this apartment, the panelling will have to be painted, but that's another dilemma!
[](https://www.englishforum.ch/attachments/housing-general/130728d1511030983-removing-curtain-tracks-img_2781.jpg)
[](https://www.englishforum.ch/attachments/housing-general/130729d1511030983-removing-curtain-tracks-img_2782.jpg)
[](https://www.englishforum.ch/attachments/housing-general/130730d1511030983-removing-curtain-tracks-img_2783.jpg)
A few more pics.
We turned ours into a bookshelf