Whether you opt for paint, wallpaper, or another technique, you won't regret paying a bit of attention to the ceiling. Payal Bansal, the founder of Payal Bansal Interior Design, explains how unique ceiling treatments like exposed beams, coffered ceilings, or decorative molding can instantly add architectural depth and character to any room
"Neglecting the ceiling in a room is like overlooking a hidden gem," Danielle Chiprut, the founder of Danielle Rose Design Co, says. "Embracing the potential of the ceiling can elevate the overall design, tying the entire room together with a cohesive and polished look."
It's entirely up to you what aesthetic you'd like to create in your space; decorating the ceiling can help bring your vision to life.
"These elements can enhance the overall design narrative and make the space feel more customized and intentional," Bansal says.
Ready to start decking out your own ceilings? Keep reading for 40 different stunning ceiling decor ideas below, which will appeal to a range of styles, room sizes, and color preferences.
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Ceiling Skylights and Beams
Exposed beams add so much character to a home, and many times, they're either painted a neutral color or left in their natural state. Here, this slanted ceiling is comprised of large skylight windows and beams, which complement the white walls.
"A beautifully decorated ceiling draws the eye upwards, creating a sense of spaciousness," Chiprut adds. "Just as accessories complete an outfit, a decorated ceiling adds the perfect finishing touch, bringing warmth and character to the entire room."
DIY Ornate Molding on Ceiling
If you love an ornate look, draw inspiration from traditional Parisian apartments and go all in with molding, no matter where you live.
Stick-on molding, as pictured here, is an excellent option for renters looking to upgrade their space temporarily. Note that you can leave the molding in its original white state, paint over it in the color you used on your ceiling, or use a different hue entirely.
Luxe Gold Plastered Ceiling
This gold plaster ceiling adds a luxe touch to a home office. Why not have a bit of fun with an unexpected material where you can? If there's a technique you love but might be hesitant to incorporate on all four walls of a room, try it on the ceiling instead.
Natural Wooden Planks
A natural wooden arched ceiling adds instant coziness to this family room. It's a must-have for those who crave a cabin-like look at home.
"These elements are perfect for adding warmth and a rustic touch to any room," Chiprut says.
Peppy Patterned Wallpaper
Wallpapering the ceiling is becoming an increasingly common practice, and the best part is that there are truly so many different wallpaper types and styles to choose from—no two ceilings will look alike.
Whether you take a simpler approach with a solid or go all in with a bold pattern, as seen in the den shown here, you can't go wrong. Keep in mind that peel-and-stick wallpaper is great for those looking for a more temporary fix.
Simple Coffered Ceiling
Coffered ceilings are utilized in many homes and come in all shapes and colors. This is an example of a simple, classic white coffered ceiling that is sure to complement any design style.
Bold Contrasting Painted Ceiling
Painting the ceiling isn't a new technique, but it's been rising in popularity. It's up to you whether you choose to paint your ceiling the same color as the walls within a room or if you view it as an opportunity to bring a new shade into the mix. Use this image as a reminder that even a contrasting color can look majorly sophisticated.
Painted Coffered Ceiling With Wallpaper
This is a much more eclectic-looking coffered ceiling; between the bright blue paint and busy patterned wallpaper, it truly packs a punch. A ceiling like this one is sure to make a major visual statement and draw all eyes upward.
Textural Wallpapered Ceiling
No room is complete without textural touches. This ceiling wallpaper is designed to resemble fabric, texture-wise, and adds plenty of dimension to this dining space.
To finish off the look, add a medallion. Sarah Storms, the founder of Styled by Storms, recommends looking on Home Depot or Amazon to find a ceiling medallion that can easily be added around your chandelier or pendant in any room to elevate the overall space.
"These typically need to be painted, so you can either spray paint the medallion and add it to your existing ceiling or you can paint your ceiling and medallion the same color which gives a chic 'Parisian apartment' look,'"Storms says.
Cork Style Wallpaper Ceiling
Another example of a textural wallpaper is this gold cork-style paper that shines in this moody, glamorous formal dining room. Incorporating gold accents throughout the space helps to tie the room together seamlessly.
"Ceiling design can significantly influence the mood and atmosphere of a room," Bansal says. "For example, a ceiling painted in a dark color can create a cozy, intimate feel, while a ceiling with reflective materials can enhance light and make the space feel larger and brighter."
Neutral Ceiling
Even if you don't want to veer out of neutral territory, you can still have some fun weaving a few different shades onto the ceiling, as illustrated here.
Shiplap Ceiling
Say hello to shiplap on the ceiling! This popular material is by no means just for your walls and will add a cozy touch to ceilings in bedrooms and main living spaces alike.
Pop of Paint on Ceiling
If you're papering the walls of a room but painting the ceiling, you'll want to make sure that your space appears cohesive. Here, drawing from the gray used on the wallpaper was a no-brainer.
Monochromatic Ceiling
Embrace a monochromatic look by going all in with one paint color and using it on all four walls of the room as well as the ceiling. This is a nice way to create that classic jewel box effect.
Paint is also a great budget-friendly option for the ceiling. Chiprut explains how decorating a ceiling doesn't need to break the bank.
"A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a ceiling, whether you opt for a bold color or a subtle shade that complements the walls," Chiprut says. "We love creating a color-wash room, where the ceiling and walls blend seamlessly."
Minimal Wooden Beams on Ceiling
A couple of wooden beams add visual interest to this otherwise simple living room. You can incorporate beams after the fact if they weren't a part of your home's original architecture.
Storms loves ceiling beams because they create a warm and cottage-like ambiance.
"In these spaces, you can get creative with your color choices because you have the wood to balance it," Storms says.
Tall Beamed Ceiling
Play up your ceiling by adding an eye-catching light fixture to the mix. This rope chandelier instantly commands attention and draws the eye up to admire the tall beamed ceiling in this kitchen.
Matching Ceiling and Trim
Painting your ceiling and trim the same color is perfect for a traditional room like this one, resulting in a polished look.
Green and Black Combo
Can't pick just one color? Paint your ceiling in one hue and tackle the beams using another. This green and black combination is unexpected yet full of eclectic fun.
Complementary Door, Ceiling, and Trim
Here is another instance where a ceiling is painted in the same color used on the room's door and trim. While blue and orange are contrasting colors, adding an element of consistency ties the room together.
High Vaulted Ceiling
An extremely high vaulted ceiling with wooden planks adds grandeur to this airy living room. It warms up the space and creates a cozy ambiance for guests to gather and get comfortable all day long.
Coffered Shiplap Ceiling
There are plenty of ways to cleverly combine multiple ceiling styles at the same time—here, a shiplap coffered ceiling adds a coastal-inspired feeling to this bright and cheerful living room.
Simple Shiplap Ceiling
Prefer something simpler? A plain shiplap ceiling adds a laid-back touch to this kitchen without taking the focus away from the patterned kitchen curtains and statement lighting.
Slanted Rustic Ceiling
Make the most of a slanted ceiling by turning it into an accent wall of sorts. Here, natural wood brings rustic charm into this bedroom.
Slanted Patterned Ceiling
If you'd rather paper a slanted ceiling, you can do that, too! This pink and white toile pops against the loud peaco*ck-style fabric covering the closets.
Painted White Beams
Simple white beamed ceilings are ideal for the minimalist who still craves a bit of decorative flair.
Creative Molding Design
Get creative and DIY your own ceiling design with the help of molding. Select a shape that speaks to you and then use adhesive or a nail gun to secure each molding strip in place.
Pink Lacquer Ceiling
A pink lacquered coffered ceiling gets an extra dose of fun in the form of pendant lights that trail down the hallway.
Partially Wood Ceiling
Bring the outdoors in with a few doses of natural wood—even if you don't desire a fully wooden ceiling, there's something special about this element of contrast.
Rustic Dark Ceiling
Modern and rustic elements fuse together in this dine-in kitchen that boasts a dark wooden ceiling alongside contemporary built-ins and furniture.
Light Wooden Ceiling
Light wooden beams warm up this mid-century modern style living room, which is part of an open floor plan.
Classic Tray Ceiling
A tray ceiling dazzles in this dining room thanks to its painted trim as well as the dazzling chandelier hanging above the table.
Ceiling and Bookshelf Combo
The blue lacquer from these built-ins has been carried up onto the ceiling in this relaxing, comfortable-looking living space.
Extending Accent Wall
If you love the design of your accent wall, consider continuing it up to your ceiling to create a cohesive look. Replicate the technique shown here, where molding begins on the wall behind the bed and reaches all the way up above it.
Grasscloth Wallpapered Ceiling
Grasscloth wallpaper will add a natural, organic feel to any room. The fabric-like design instantly warms up a space.
"You can also wallpaper the walls and ceiling in the same paper for an even more dramatic effect," Whitney Durham, the founder of Whitney Durham Interiors, who designed the space shown here.
Painted Beams
Paint exposed beams a sweet soft blue for a soothing feel to add an extra dose of charm to any room.
Ornate Ceiling Detailing
Use molding to create a decorative pattern on the ceiling and add ornate detailing to your home. Even hallways deserve to have special ceilings!
Cozy Cave
If you dream of dozing off to sleep in a cave-like bedroom that's drenched in one color, this space is sure to appeal to you. Go all in with gray (or another color of your choosing), incorporating it on the ceiling, walls, and even window fixtures.
Cloudy Wallpaper
Those who sit back and relax in this bathtub will be greeted with an incredible view of the clouds—at least in wallpaper form. The design almost appears mural-like due to the print's hand-painted look.
Beams Mimicking the Walls
The horizontal wooden beams on the ceiling in this dining space play off of the vertical beamed wall that separates the seating area from the staircase. If you're feeling stuck as to how to design your ceiling, simply look around your existing space, it's sure to be full of inspiration.
Industrial Loft
In an industrial loft, leave the ceiling in its natural, unfinished state to make the space feel more authentic and full of perfectly imperfect character.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
