wood panelled ceiling decoration in a white living room with chandelier

Ceilings tend to be the last area in a room to be considered, because let’s face it, not many people look up! Ceilings are usually white and act as a subtle backdrop for functional and decorative lighting. But the latest trend is drawing attention to the fifth wall and treating them as their very own focal point. Here are the favorite ceiling decoration ideas from the Decorilla design team that are sure to add a whole new dimension to any room in your home.

1. Moldings, roses, and ceiling paneling

ceiling decoration with moulding and panelling
Design by Decorilla interior designer, Ibrahim H.

Celebrate existing old school architecture, or add definition and detail with modern plaster moldings or reclaimed tin ceiling paneling. A blank ceiling blends away and becomes unnoticed. It presents an opportunity to create a statement ceiling in your preferred style. By simply adding any sort of trim detail or paneling (as simple as it may be) and immediately the eye is drawn upward. Designer tip: Try mixing styles! For example, adding a touch of antique ceiling decoration with a more contemporary design is a great combination.

ceiling design with paneling
Modern living room by Decorilla interior designer, Michelle B.
white diamond moulding ceiling decoration by decorilla designer Kelli E
Design by Decorilla interior designer, Kelli E.

2. Fabric Ceilings

ceiling fabric decoration
Coastal design by Decorilla interior designer, Corine M.
hesian fabric on the paneled ceiling decoration

A traditional way to cover ceilings and add sophistication in homes, fabric paneling on the ceiling can determine how casual or formal an interior will be. Choose silky fabric to create luxuriously smooth ceilings, or go for burlap or grasscloth for a more down-to-earth look.

3. Wood Paneling on Top

ceiling wood paneling
Living room by Decorilla interior designer, Sean J.

Add linear rhythm to your ceilings with wood paneling. A paneled wood finish can echo a solid wood floor for visual symmetry, or go for something like whitewashed paneling to compliment colder floor finishes like cement and tile. A great earth- and budget-friendly alternative is bamboo, which is wonderfully sustainable and perfect for an earthy, bohemian or Japanese-style interior.

ceiling wood paneling service
Dining and Sunroom by Decorilla interior designers Kimber P. and Aoife T.

4. Matchy Matchy Ceilings

matching ceiling decoration
White living room by Decorilla interior designer Margaryta S

Match the ceiling decoration or finish with other elements in the room: window treatments, floor finishes or upholstery. You can mirror floor finishes by creating the same pattern or color on the ceiling. For a less dramatic effect, mimic a motif that is in the rug, curtain or sofas. Or imitate finer touches like metallic handles in the ceiling decoration.

ceiling decoration blue and white pattern

5. Lacquer and Glossy Ceilings 

ceiling decoration glossy lacquer finish
Elegant dining room by Decorilla interior designer, Corine M.

A traditional lacquer finish will create a super glossy and impressive ceiling. This option is perfect for an audacious, daring interior. Lacquer is best applied in solid colors for maximum effect.

orange lacquer painted ceiling decoration in a living room

6. Paint it

blue ceiling paint ideas
Comfy living room by Decorilla interior designer, Sean J.

Choose deep and dark colors for depth, metallics for opulence and drama, or pastel and patterns for fun and frivolity. It doesn’t have to end at one color either. If your style permits, use several colors, geometric patterns or special paint techniques. The sky is the limit! Always remember to keep the final finish in mind: matte finishes for a more subtle effect or high gloss for emphasized impact.

7. Metal Leaf Accent Ceilings

gold leaf on the dining room ceiling decoration

Paint is not your only option! Go a step further than metallic paint and apply gold leaf to your ceilings for the ultimate in baroque luxury. In addition to feeling like royalty, your interior will benefit from the light reflected from the shimmering ceiling, basking it in a warm glow.

Check out our post on hallway decorating ideas for even more ideas for some not always thought of areas that need attention!

8. Wallpaper (or ceiling paper!)

ceiling wallpaper decoration
Girls bedroom by Decorilla interior designer, Stella P.

Did you know that you can install wallpaper on your ceilings exactly as you would install it on your walls? Wallpaper designs available are endless, so there is no limit to your creativity here. Create contrast by covering only the ceiling with wallpaper, or create a seamless pod by having your print wrap the entire room.

ceiling decoration wallpaper

9. Mirror Ceilings

ceiling-decoration-mirrors

It used to be considered very 80’s and some may even say tacky, but ceiling mirrors are making a comeback in a big way. Adding mirrors to your ceiling can create the illusion of depth and visually double the space. Opt for distressed mirrors to add vintage charm and to prevent the interior from looking like a nightclub, or match mirrored surfaces with ornate frames for extra drama. Weather you’re going for a more traditional look or you love contemporary interior design, the mirrored option can work.

10. Paint a Fresco

ceiling decoration fresco of delicate flowers

If it was good enough for Michelangelo, it’s good enough for us! Get an artist to create a beautiful fresco on your ceiling, or if you’re up to the task and have the time, try it yourself. Channel 16th century Renaissance with a Michelangelo-inspired decorative ceiling, or create your own masterpiece with a modern and minimalist theme, like a simple flower or mandala motif.

ceiling painting ideas
Dining room by Decorilla interior designer, Luba K.

11. Tented Ceiling

ceiling decoration tented with material

Bring Lawrence of Arabia home with a tented ceiling to rival any desert palace! A Bedouin tent-like composition of fabric can add lightness to an interior by softening the hard edges of a room. Tenting a ceiling can also be a budget-friendly way to decorate a ceiling, depending on the size of the room and type of material of course.

ceiling decoration service

Now that you have some newfound interior inspiration, you can set the roof on (visual) fire, with frescoes, lacquer, mirrors or even a dash of gold. The choice is yours, but if you need a bit of extra help, contact one of Decorilla’s talented  interior designers to Schedule a Free Consultation. They’ll be happy to guide you in your interior journey!

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6 years ago

[…] Ceilings tend to be the last area in a room to be considered, because let’s face it, not many people look up! Ceilings are usually white and act as a subtle backdrop for functional and decorative lighting. But the latest trend is drawing attention to the fifth wall and treating them as their very own… Read more » […]