When it comes to home decoration, the ceiling is often overlooked, but it can be a key element in adding architectural depth and character to any room. Payal Bansal, founder of Payal Bansal Interior Design, emphasizes the importance of unique treatments like exposed beams, coffered ceilings, or decorative molding.
“Neglecting the ceiling is like overlooking a hidden gem,” says Danielle Chiprut, founder of Danielle Rose Design Co. Embracing the ceiling’s potential can elevate the overall design, creating a cohesive and polished look.
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. 06 of 40 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. 07 of 40 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. 08 of 40 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. 09 of 40 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. 10 of 40 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. 11 of 40 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. 12 of 40 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. 13 of 40 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, using the gray from the wallpaper was an easy choice. 14 of 40 Monochromatic Ceiling @barij / Instagram. Create a monochromatic look by using one paint color on all four walls and the ceiling. It’s a great way to achieve that classic jewel box effect. Paint is also a budget-friendly option for the ceiling. Chiprut explains that decorating a ceiling doesn’t have to be expensive. ‘A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a ceiling, whether you choose 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.’
A couple of wooden beams add visual interest to an otherwise simple living room. You can add beams later if they weren’t part of your home’s original architecture. Storms loves ceiling beams as they create a warm and cottage-like ambiance. ‘In these spaces, you can be creative with your color choices because you have the wood to balance it,’ Storms says. 15 of 40 Minimal Wooden Beams on Ceiling @colleensimondsdesign / Instagram. Play up your ceiling by adding an eye-catching light fixture. This rope chandelier immediately grabs attention and draws the eye up to admire the tall beamed ceiling in this kitchen. 16 of 40 Tall Beamed Ceiling @colleensimondsdesign / Instagram. Painting your ceiling and trim the same color is perfect for a traditional room, giving a polished look. 17 of 40 Matching Ceiling and Trim @caseysanfordinteriors / Instagram. Can’t choose just one color? Paint your ceiling in one hue and the beams in another. This green and black combination is unexpected yet full of eclectic fun. 18 of 40 Green and Black Combo @styledbystorms / Instagram. Here’s another example where the ceiling is painted the same color as the room’s door and trim. While blue and orange are contrasting colors, adding consistency ties the room together. 19 of 40 Complementary Door, Ceiling, and Trim @jewelmarlowe / Instagram. 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. 20 of 40 High Vaulted Ceiling @barij / Instagram. There are many ways to combine multiple ceiling styles. Here, a shiplap coffered ceiling adds a coastal-inspired feel to this bright living room. 21 of 40 Coffered Shiplap Ceiling @kerripilchikdesign / Instagram. If you prefer something simpler, a plain shiplap ceiling adds a laid-back touch to the kitchen without taking focus away from the patterned curtains and statement lighting. 22 of 40 Simple Shiplap Ceiling @kerripilchikdesign / Instagram. Make the most of a slanted ceiling by turning it into an accent wall. 23 of 40 Slanted Rustic Ceiling @carolynleonadesign / Instagram.Here, natural wood brings rustic charm into this bedroom. 24of 40 Slanted Patterned Ceiling@studiolaloc / Instagram. If you’d rather paper a slanted ceiling, you can do that, too! This pink and white toile pops against the loud peacock-style fabric covering the closets. Simple white beamed ceilings are ideal for the minimalist who still craves a bit of decorative flair. 25of 40 Painted White Beams@beckynielseninteriors / Instagram. 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. 26of 40 Creative Molding Design@jewelmarlowe / Instagram. A pink lacquered coffered ceiling gets an extra dose of fun in the form of pendant lights that trail down the hallway. 27of 40 Pink Lacquer Ceiling@colleensimondsdesign / Instagram. 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. 28of 40 Partially Wood Ceiling@beckynielseninteriors / Instagram. Modern and rustic elements fuse together in this dine-in kitchen that boasts a dark wooden ceiling alongside contemporary built-ins and furniture. 29of 40 Rustic Dark Ceiling Desiree Burns Interiors. Light wooden beams warm up this mid-century modern style living room, which is part of an open floor plan. 30of 40 Light Wooden Ceiling@caseysanfordinteriors / Instagram. A tray ceiling dazzles in this dining room thanks to its painted trim as well as the dazzling chandelier hanging above the table. 31of 40 Classic Tray Ceiling@caseysanfordinteriors / Instagram. The blue lacquer from these built-ins has been carried up onto the ceiling in this relaxing, comfortable-looking living space. 32of 40 Ceiling and Bookshelf Combo@erinpaigepitts / Instagram. 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. 33of 40 Extending Accent Wall@erinpaigepitts / Instagram. 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. 34of 40 Grasscloth Wallpapered Ceiling@whitneydurhaminteriors / Instagram. Paint exposed beams a sweet soft blue for a soothing feel to add an extra dose of charm to any room. 35of 40 Painted Beams Studio Peake. Use molding to create a decorative pattern on the ceiling and add ornate detailing to your home. Even hallways deserve to have special ceilings! 36of 40 Ornate Ceiling Detailing Studio Peake. 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. 37of 40 Cozy Cave Mary Patton Design.
Go all in with gray (or another color of your choosing), incorporating it on the ceiling, walls, and even window fixtures. 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. Cloudy WallpaperStudio Peake 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. Beams Mimicking the WallsStudio Peake 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. Industrial LoftMary Patton Design