The ceiling can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Let's explore different ceiling design ideas and how you can implement them into your home.
When it comes to interior design, the ceiling is often overlooked. Many people focus on the walls, floors, and furniture; however, the ceiling can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space. In this blog post, we will explore different ceiling design ideas and how you can implement them in your home.
Table of Contents
By not extending design ideas all the way up, most interior designers and homeowners leave potential on the table. The ceiling is left looking bare, unappealing, white, and boring. By making full use of the space, you can create what’s called a feature ceiling with a fully cohesive and completely designed space.
There are so many different ways to create a beautiful ceiling design – everything from decorative elements, wall coverings, paint techniques, and so many other options. You can even cover up popcorn ceiling!
What is a feature ceiling?
In short, a feature ceiling is much like an accent wall. Interior designers also refer to the ceiling as the fifth wall as it acts as a decorative feature to tie the room together.
You can make this design as simple or as ornate as you choose. This concept is easily achieved through paint or installing different ornamental features, as an example.
Design experts often refer to the ceiling as the “fifth wall” of a room as it offers a unique canvas to show off your creativity and architectural expression. Not to mention, the design can make or break the way a room feels.
With a few simple ideas, you can transform a boring white ceiling into a dramatic, open space and create a visually stunning masterpiece.
20+ Unique Ceiling Design Ideas
Decorative Wood Pieces
With a fresh coat of paint and decorative wood pieces, this intricately decorated bathroom exudes style and sophistication.
Cover Up the Ugly
Fluorescent light fixtures really bring down the vibe of a room, especially with popcorn ceilings. These panels made with woven cane material fixes all of that and adds additional character and interest.
Farmhouse on the Ceiling
Adding a herringbone ceiling from wood palettes gives a ceiling instant character and maintains that classic farmhouse style.
Frame Existing Features
A small living room with a beautiful arch window is framed perfectly with a wood slat ceiling.
Add a Bold Pattern
Keep it simple with paint, then step it up a notch. This plaid-patterned ceiling adds a unique character to this bedroom ceiling.
Go Modern with Drop Ceiling Tiles
If you’re looking for an easy way to cover up those unsightly drop ceiling tiles, just add new tiles! Learn how to easily install new tiles for a completely fresh look.
Faux Tin Tile Ceiling
This tutorial uses wallpaper that looks like tile and completed the project with a beautiful faux metal finish.
Shiplap Ceiling
Give the popcorn ceilings back to the 80s and cover it up with shiplap!
Keep it Simple with Paint
It’s amazing how a simple coat of fresh paint can transform a room and now a ceiling!
Cover the popcorn with a tongue & groove
Cover up dusty popcorn ceilings with beautiful cedar planks for a wood ceiling. The tones in the cedar are an unexpected choice for most homeowners. However, this style adds so much character and depth to the room!
DIY Coffered Ceiling
With inexpensive beadboard and construction lumber, this popcorn ceiling went from drab to fab! The room started as an outdated yellow with wainscotting and got a total makeover, complete with beautiful wallpaper.
Expensive on a Budget
See how the combination of beadboard and crown molding upped the ante on this space… on a budget!
Add Architectural Details with Beadboard
If you think beadboard is just for walls, think again!
Installing beadboard on this ceiling added so much character and dimension to this bedroom.
Wood Beams Add Texture and Depth
Customizations are key to warming up a complicated space! These faux wood beams really warmed up the monotony of the white space. The beams were also painted to match the wood in the rest of the home.
Faux Wood Beams
Solid wood beams are an expensive upgrade. With common board from a home improvement store, this dreamy master bedroom got the same effect for a fraction of the cost.
Make it Vaulted
Dressing up a vaulted ceiling really amps up the drama! Wood planks were added in this master bedroom. A sophisticated addition that keeps this bedroom cozy and comfortable.
Use Reclaimed Wood
Using cedar fence pickets, this ceiling in the kitchen and dining room got an instant warm up. The different tones across the wood panels give a unique and one-of-a-kind look to the space.
A Dramatic Modern Touch
The ultimate transformation to a living space! This dramatic, floral print wallpaper adds so much depth to this otherwise minimal room.
The oversized floral pattern makes this dining area moody, but comfortable with the simple furniture designs.
Faux Wallpaper
If you’re afraid of commitment, this vinyl decal technique may be your answer. Instead of installing sheets of wallpaper, these decals we strategically spaced on the ceiling to create a wallpapered effect, without the hassle factor!
The decals are peel and stick and adhered smoothly over textured ceilings. It’s the perfect budget friendly solution.
Wallpaper for a Simple Statement
The powerful purple shade on the walls complement the subtly unexpected wallpaper on the ceiling. This pattern is simple but makes a big statement in this space!
Ceiling Design Ideas and Coverings
Ceilings often get overlooked in interior design discussions, but they play a crucial role in shaping the ambiance and visual appeal of a room. Choosing the right ceiling covering can enhance the overall aesthetic while also adding depth and character to the space.
From classic elegance to modern sophistication, there’s a myriad of options available to suit every taste and style preference. Let’s delve into some popular ceiling designs and coverings that can transform any room into a stunning masterpiece.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper isn’t just for walls – it can also be used to elevate your ceiling design. Whether you opt for bold patterns, subtle textures, or intricate designs, wallpaper can add visual interest and personality to a room.
You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns, and materials to complement the overall theme of your space. Graphic wallpaper patterns, metallic wallpapers, and designs with different patterns and bold colors really make a dramatic impact without breaking the bank.
Wood Beams and Paneling
For a touch of warmth and natural charm, wood beams and paneling are an excellent choice for ceiling coverings. Whether you prefer rustic reclaimed wood or sleek, modern finishes, wood adds a timeless elegance to any room.
Whether you’re aiming for a cozy cabin vibe or a sophisticated farmhouse aesthetic, wood ceilings can create a sense of warmth and intimacy that ties the room together.
Paint
Painting a ceiling is perhaps one of the most straightforward yet effective ways to enhance its appearance. From crisp white to bold hues, the color you choose can significantly impact the perceived size and mood of the room.
Lighter colors can make a space feel more open and airy, while darker shades add drama and sophistication. If you have a small space with a low ceiling, opt for brighter colors. If you have high ceilings, a darker shade can really add some moodiness to the rest of the room.
One of the main advantages of using paint as a ceiling covering is its affordability and accessibility. With a fresh coat of paint, you can instantly refresh and revitalize any room without a major renovation. Additionally, painting the ceiling allows for endless customization options, enabling you to experiment with different color schemes and finishes to achieve the desired look.
Ceiling Tiles
For a touch of luxury and glamor, ceiling tiles offer a stunning solution that exudes sophistication. Available in a variety of materials such as tin, metal, and faux tin, ceiling tiles can add texture, dimension, and visual interest to any space.
One of the key benefits of using tiles as a ceiling covering is their durability and low maintenance requirements. Unlike other materials that may be susceptible to wear and tear over time, ceiling tiles are designed to withstand the test of time while retaining their beauty and elegance.
Additionally, ceiling tiles can be installed in various patterns and configurations, allowing for endless design possibilities. Whether you prefer classic elegance or contemporary flair, ceiling tiles can elevate your space and make a lasting impression.
Other Design Elements to Enhance a Ceiling
Incorporating these design elements into your ceiling can transform it from a forgotten overhead space into a stunning focal point that enhances the overall aesthetic of your home.
Here are a few more design elements that will enhance your ceiling even more:
Light Fixtures
Lighting fixtures not only illuminate a room but also serve as decorative elements that can enhance the ambiance and style of a ceiling.
Whether you prefer the classic elegance of a chandelier, the modern simplicity of recessed lighting, or the industrial chic of pendant lights, the right light fixture can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a room.
Consider the size, shape, and finish of the fixture to complement your space’s design scheme and architectural features. Strategic placement of lighting fixtures can highlight specific areas of the room while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Further Reading – Learn how to install a ceiling light here!
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans blend form and function, providing both air circulation and decorative appeal to a room’s ceiling. Available in a variety of styles, from sleek and contemporary to rustic and vintage-inspired, a ceiling fan can complement any design aesthetic.
Look for fans with unique blade designs, decorative motor housings, and integrated lighting to add visual interest to your ceiling. Whether installed in bedrooms, living rooms, or outdoor spaces, ceiling fans offer a stylish solution for keeping cool while enhancing the overall look of your home.
Ceiling Medallions
A ceiling medallion is an ornamental disc installed around light fixtures or ceiling fans to add a touch of elegance and architectural detail to a room’s ceiling. Made from materials such as plaster, polyurethane, or wood, medallions come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and intricate designs to suit any decor style.
Whether you prefer a simple, understated medallion or a more elaborate, decorative one, these accents can elevate the aesthetic appeal of your ceiling and create a focal point in the room. Consider painting or staining the medallion to match your ceiling or accentuate its design with antique finishes for added drama.
False Ceilings
False ceilings, also known as dropped ceilings or suspended ceilings, are secondary ceilings installed below the main structural ceiling to conceal wiring, ductwork, and other mechanical systems. These ceilings offer a versatile canvas for creativity, allowing for the integration of lighting, HVAC systems, and acoustic treatments.
False ceilings can be constructed from a variety of materials, including gypsum board, metal panels, or acoustic tiles, and can be customized with different textures, patterns, and finishes to enhance the overall aesthetic of a room. Consider incorporating recessed lighting or LED strips within the false ceiling to create a soft, diffused glow that adds depth and dimension to the space.
Ceiling Cornices
Ceiling cornices, similar to crown molding, are decorative trim pieces installed along the top edges of walls where they meet the ceiling. These architectural accents add a sense of sophistication and refinement to a room’s ceiling, creating a seamless transition between the walls and ceiling.
Cornices can enhance the architectural integrity of your space and draw the eye upward, giving a room a sense of height. Consider painting or staining the cornices to match your walls or ceiling, or choose a contrasting color to make a bold statement.
Crown Molding
Crown molding is a traditional design element that adds elegance and charm to a room’s ceiling by creating a decorative transition between the walls and ceiling. Available in a variety of profiles, sizes, and materials, crown molding can be tailored to suit any architectural style or design aesthetic.
Whether you prefer classic, symmetrical designs or more contemporary, asymmetrical profiles, crown molding can enhance the overall aesthetic of your space and elevate its visual appeal. Consider incorporating lighting elements or recessed shelves within the crown molding for added functionality and decorative interest.
Ceiling designs and coverings offer endless opportunities to enhance the aesthetic appeal and ambiance of any room. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless charm of wood beams, the versatility of wallpaper, the simplicity of paint, or the luxury of ceiling tiles, there’s a solution to suit every style and budget.
Which of these ceiling design ideas was your favorite?
