Ceiling ideas for homes


17 Unique Ceiling Design Ideas for Interior Design

Are boring ceilings a given? No way! Read on to discover 17 unique ceiling ideas for interior design so the fifth wall never has to be mundane again.

 

Ah, the ceiling. So modest. So functional. It provides a much-needed barrier against the elements above, aids in acoustics, and keeps necessary elements like lighting held securely in place. Gone are the days of the ceiling being a neglected part of the design space.

To help push that boring, flat white surface out (or at least far into last place), we’ve found 17 unique ceiling design ideas and inspirations for décor — these examples are sure to breathe new life into what Stephen Fanuka, New York City’s “Contractor to the Stars” and Million Dollar Contractor, called the fifth wall in a 2014 interview with Architectural Digest.

While ceilings in churches, castles, and homes of the rich and famous have traditionally been treated with all due respect over the years, interior designers can now give new life to the humble ceiling no matter the venue. When working on interior designs, Fanuka suggests, “Look up at your ceiling…. Add a pop of color or hang wallpaper.” From plants to patterns to fabric and fibers, here are dozens of beautiful and unique fifth walls.

NAVIGATION GUIDE

  1. High Gloss
  2. Plants
  3. Wood
  4. Stenciled
  5. Photos & Art
  6. Wallpaper
  7. Three-Dimensional Installations
  8. A Layered Look
  9. Sculptural / Architectural
  10. Non-Traditional Color
  11. Industrial
  12. Brick & Stone
  13. Fabric & Fibers
  14. Metal
  15. Upcycled
  16. Glass & Light
  17. Striped

1. High Gloss

One of the recent trends for ceilings is an ultra-glossy, reflective finish that shines. A glossy surface tricks the eye so the room feels larger, especially with lighter colors and furniture in place. However, the surface needs to be polished smooth so no bumps show if using paint.

If a smooth surface isn’t possible, a stretch ceiling might be the perfect option. Stretch ceilings cover up the existing ceiling and are available in hundreds of colors and several finishes, including high gloss. The smooth and shiny fifth wall can also add a glamorous feel to a space. High-gloss paint can also be applied to materials like wood for a neat combination of planking and glam. [back to guide]

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2. Plants

Adding a few live plants for decoration in a room can immediately make a space feel bright and fresh. Now imagine that times 10, 100, 1000! Suspending plants from the ceiling is one way to scatter in a few more botanicals.

Building and hanging complete frames with overflowing fronds can take the greenery to a whole new level — literally. Cover the entire ceiling, make a pattern with hanging boxes, or just suspend plants from open beams. [back to guide]

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3. Wood

Of course, wood is as traditional as it gets when it comes to building materials. Wood adds a certain warmth to a room all by itself, often regardless of whether it is stained or painted.

Now mixing different stains, plank lengths, finishes, and even painting wood for use on a ceiling is desirable. Try patterns and even board-on-board layers with recycled pieces for more appeal. [back to guide]

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4.

Stenciled

The lackluster stencil designs of yesteryear have been replaced with high-tech creations that make stenciling easier and better looking.

These new stencils make doing tones, bold colors, and even metallic finishes accessible. Try a full pattern over the entire ceiling, small focus areas around light fixtures, and more complex designs for a cool new look. [back to guide]

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5. Photos & Art

Covering up popcorn ceilings and banishing the boring white is also easier than ever. Large prints can be installed, stretch ceilings can be printed with graphics and illustrations, and gorgeous wallpapers with enormous designs can span the entire space.

Depending on the photo or art, the ceiling can become the focus of a room or continue the design from floor to ceiling for a fully immersive experience. Consider whether art prints with abstract shapes or patterns can work for a modern vibe, or if a vintage map print trimmed with stained wood is in order. [back to guide]

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6. Wallpaper

While no one wants the wallpaper borders and the tired mix of floral patterns of the past to reappear just yet, fresh new designs are on the market that work for both residential and commercial spaces. Where actual wood may not be an option, check out a faux wood look courtesy of printed wallpaper.

Wallpaper patterns can range from geometric and simple to angular and bold, as well as monochromatic floral patterns and tone-on-tone designs that pack an understated, elegant punch. Wallpaper on ceilings span from sophisticated traditional patterns to fun and funky fruit in neon colors, so don’t hold back when choosing something to cover up the fifth wall. [back to guide]

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7. Three-Dimensional Installations

Take the traditional light fixture and expand that concept across the ceiling. Now, one light becomes a dozen with reimagined elements that create something akin to an art piece, suspended directly from the ceiling.

Fantastic, complex lighting fixtures bring in texture and varying levels for the eye to consider while taking in the space. Add contrast with a rudimentary diamond pattern in black directly on that boring white ceiling — BAM — instant interest. Or take a classic arabesque pattern and extrude it into a three-dimensional layer with a monochromatic finish. A coffered ceiling in a dark, single-color finish will also demand attention, leaving anyone gazing up filled with intrigue. [back to guide]

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8. A Layered Look

Go a step beyond three-dimensional objects with a completely layered approach to the décor. After installing a series of patterned wood panels, add in beams, and then add a third layer with creative lighting fixtures in bold colors that complement the ceiling color.

Take long planks of wood and create steps with spacing to allow the play of light and shadow on each piece. Incorporating stenciling, art, and even ceiling baffles for better acoustics can add to the layered look. [back to guide]

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9.

Sculptural / Architectural

For a look that is more integrated than just layered levels or three-dimensional elements suspended from or attached to the ceiling, form the ceiling itself into something new. That may mean ocean-like waves, undulating baffling contained to organic cut-outs in the ceiling space, or large sculptural designs that are not removable. Like with a layered design, sculptural and architectural ceiling designs allow the play of light and shadow. These can also make a large room feel less or more intimidating, depending on the execution and color choice. [back to guide]

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10. Non-Traditional Color

White may be the safest neutral on the block, but that doesn’t mean anyone has to stick with it in every room. Bold, bright choices can easily become the focus to draw the eye up in a space with meager dimensions. Bring the non-traditional color choice down on to the walls part way to visually expand the size of the room.

A dark ceiling can pull together elements in a way that bold walls would otherwise steal the focus from instead of working in harmony. A lighter or darker color pulled from the room’s décor can instantly brighten up the space with little effort, while a color complementary to the floor can add life. [back to guide]

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11. Industrial

This look can get a little weary — it’s been around for quite a while. Instead of simply allowing the building structure to dictate how an open ceiling plan looks, make it purposeful and intentional.

Gray, white, or black ductwork might do the trick in some spaces, but changing it up with a bright paint color can pull the focus and unify the space at the same time. Change the ductwork to match one wall exactly or coat everything in the open ceiling space a complementary but non-standard color that marries industrial and elegant.

Keep the ceiling itself a different color with standard black structural finishes on pipes, beams, and ductwork for a nice contrast. [back to guide]

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12. Brick & Stone

Natural, earthy elements can take a modern, minimal space and instantly add warmth. Bricks are the perfect choices for arches and curved ceilings in a space that has plenty of natural light.

Choose brick colors that complement the furnishings for a cohesive design, and consider using wood throughout to add another degree of warmth to the stone.

Herringbone patterns work well with brick and stone for a unique ceiling design, and aspects like stone or brick size and the amount of visible mortar also come into play to create an interesting texture. [back to guide]

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13. Fabric & Fibers

Rugs, ropes, and rags can change the vibe with little effort, and billowy satins soften up the otherwise hard lines of walls. Wedding venues are often the place to see drapes of fabric adorning a ceiling, but materials can be used in both homes and retail settings.

Get creative with texture and add felted wool balls and roughly torn ribbons suspended from metal rings for a unique ceiling design, or hang long swaths of linen amidst origami birds and soft lighting. Incorporating layers and greenery is also a great one to create a unique space with the ceiling. [back to guide]

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14. Metal

Metal ceiling treatments aren’t anything new, but using non-traditional ceiling materials can take a metal ceiling from ho-hum to how cool. Items typically used for outdoor and exterior construction are a bit shocking when seen inside and above.

Cutting the metal into interesting shapes for layering, stacking, or creating patterns gives the material a unique feel. Though metal ceiling can easily create a rustic feel, choosing patterned tin tiles or polished metal perks up the glam factor for more upscale scenes. [back to guide]

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15. Upcycled

How does creating a unique ceiling design AND helping the environment sound?? Yeah, it sounds pretty awesome. Hanging wooden crates or pallets from the ceiling adds texture, dimension, and warmth.

Having patrons donate used or broken umbrellas to hang upside down from the ceiling? That’s a great way to add interest to a space and keep one more thing out of a landfill. Even old newspapers, paper bags, and books can be upcycled to create an undeniably unique set of lighting fixtures for that fifth wall, all while saving money and the planet. That combo might be the best one yet. [back to guide]

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16. Glass & Light

A ceiling can be more than a flat surface that protects for the outside elements. Bringing in energy-efficient windows that soften the sunlight can help reduce energy costs and make the space a lighter, brighter one.

Glass can also be incorporated into the ceiling design by way of hand-blown fixtures that serve as textural, colorful art pieces. With those and other light fixtures, look for ways to throw shadows on the ceiling. Casting shadows from a light fixture can give the illusion of art, stencils, or other patterns for a truly unique ceiling design without the commitment or paint or installations. [back to guide]

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17. Striped

One final way to make a ceiling unique and interesting is to add stripes. Though stripes that run parallel to the flooring may be the best choice for smaller spaces, any direction is fair game.

Stripes that join at different angles, run perpendicularly to the flooring or furnishings, or even conjoin on an angled ceiling are great choices depending on the room size and shape. Since a variety of widths may look like a bit clownish, sticking with similar widths will keep the ceiling design unified AND unique.

Bold colors that contrast, as well as the same color in different finishes, can work. The end result will be a unique ceiling design that no one will be able to miss. [back to guide]

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Are you looking to add some color and style to your ceiling while reducing the noise level of a room? See our selection of artistic and stylish Acoustic Ceiling Tiles and Baffles.

13 ways to add interest to the fifth wall |

(Image credit: James Mcdonald / Paul Massey / Ricardo Labougle)

Ceiling ideas offer scope to expand your creativity beyond your four walls.

Our selection of the very best ceiling ideas include statement accent wall ideas and beautiful paint ideas to suit every home's style – and we have included a ton of added-value interior design advice, too.

So whether your ceiling is high, low or in need of rejuvenation, there are looks to suit. Plus, of course, we have catered to a wide variety of styles, color preferences, and budgets, and, as ever, there are ceiling ideas you can adopt quickly – no entire renovation needed.

Ceiling ideas – 13 ways to decorate your ceiling with paint, wood, wallpaper and more

Could ceilings be ripe for decorative rediscovery? Many designers seem to think so. The ceiling holds endless possibilities for creativity, and should be treated with the same consideration as any other wall in your home.

1. Paint your ceiling the same color as the rest of the room

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

‘Ceilings are a great way of adding another layer of interest and making a space feel cozier. All too often they are an afterthought but we make sure to consider their potential,’ confides interior designer Nicola Harding. ‘Using statement color and paint ideas on the ceiling helped extend the walls in this dining room.’ 

Nicola starts by thinking how she wants the room to feel, ultimately, and she also takes into consideration the amount of natural light – which comes here from the floor-to-ceiling glazed doors. With that in mind she specified a simple emulsion – Farrow & Ball’s Stone Blue – that both complemented and enhanced the furniture, rugs and artwork, a great look for ceiling paint ideas.

2. Wallpaper the ceiling

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Ceilings are an opportunity to take a bold wallpaper idea and supersize it. In this case that means straight up the wall and right across the ceiling with a contrasting striped paper. To achieve this effect, it’s worth using an experienced decorator to deliver the best outcome.

An elegant look for ceiling wallpaper ideas, decorating with stripes will create a structured, timeless effect for your ceiling ideas.

3. Make a feature of the ceiling

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By using mostly white for the walls and kitchen cabinets, this kitchen by Beata Heuman allows the details to come to the fore. In particular the glass ceiling shines here – literally, elevating the room and adding interest through reflections, plus a real sense of more space. A beautiful example of what can be achieved with kitchen ceiling ideas.

4. Add a rustic touch with wood planks

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A cozy and colorful look for living room ceiling ideas, Katie McCrum’s client wanted to recreate the green Parisian ceilings of her clients’ first and much-loved apartment so she tracked down some reclaimed wood floor planks which were installed by Crafted Cabinetry and then painted in Harley Green from Little Greene.  

An innovative design that adds a colorful, contemporary twist to the rustic nature of wood, a great look for wood ceiling ideas.

5. Go for an entirely bespoke option

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'The fifth wall is a great way to add layering and a three-dimensional aspect to the design of a space, says Elnaz Namaki, creative director, Elnaz Namaki Studio .

For this study and occasional bedroom, interior designer Elnaz Namaki chose a completely bespoke plastered paint color solution, working with a plaster finish artisan. This was overlaid in the corners with bespoke paisley stencils around the spotlights.

6. Create a ceiling that is both functional and beautiful

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Although this bathroom ceiling is striking, its design is as much about function as it is about style. According to design practice Collett-Zarzycki: ‘We have created a grid of stainless steel angles supporting opalescent acrylic panels that conceal bathroom lighting ideas behind,' a beautiful option for bathroom ceiling ideas.

7. Highlight architectural features 

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In this Salvesen Graham drawing room, a grey shade for the ceiling and cornice adds definition and is a sophisticated choice that flatters the formal living room. Pastels and whites and creams often work well – start pale and increase the intensity of color until you find the right balance, a great look for ceiling trim ideas.

8. Clad your ceiling in wood

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The materials in this spacious main bedroom suggest a cabin in the woods or materials associated more with porch ceiling ideas, however, the slick finishes add a layer of urban polish. To clad a ceiling in timber, especially with such a precise finish, takes careful planning. Once the choice of timber and the finished design have been signed off – long boards have been used here to draw the eye along the ceiling and are in a slightly different timber to the exposed rafter – a skilled joiner or carpenter will need to prepare the existing ceiling.  

The wood will also need to be treated to protect it and preserve its good looks. This takes patience, time and budget but, as you can see, it will be ready to give a lifetime of pleasure for your bedroom ceiling ideas.

9. Paint a whimsical scene

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‘This kids' bathroom is for younger members of the family, so we chose bold colors and a playful approach,’ says Jane Landino of design practice Taylor Howes. She put a darker wallpaper above the picture rail, a whimsical choice that feels like floating clouds.

10. Pay homage to the original 'bones' of the house

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The lines and crosses of this white living room ceiling reveal the beauty of its structure and architecture, and create a lively counterpoint to the calm space below. 

In old houses it can pay to investigate the original ‘bones’ of the house though it is important to consider the condition ceilings may be in if you expose them. The use of white paint here may have helped to conceal flaws as well as create a softer effect that blends in with the room below, a great option for beamed ceiling ideas.

While exciting discoveries are possible, it’s best to proceed with caution in period properties as the process may take considerable amounts of time and money. Replacing old ceilings is a notoriously messy business and expert help may be needed to make good any damage.

11. Get creative with color

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In this family living room designed by Turner Pocock, the pale walls, plus the lines of timber on the ceiling, echoed by the natural matting on the floor, create a visual ice-cream sandwich. Three darker elements – floor, living room sofa, ceiling – direct the eye to the mix of art on the wall behind.

12. Create intense contrast 

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This French kitchen is both modern and traditional with a combination of refined lines and authentic Parisian Haussmann mouldings. ‘A deep yellow ceiling makes an intense contrast to the simple cabinetry and white walls, achieved with several coats of the same shade,’ says Argile founder Jean-Frédéric Nothomb. 

The ceiling was painted first with Argile’s primer, followed by two coats of T644 Jaune Indien (Indian yellow). The yellow tempers and warms the brightness of the white on the walls (T111 Terre Blanche). Argile is a high-performance paint that achieves an elegant finish and striking depth of color. It comes in a classic range and nature eco range, which is made from over 95% vegetable oils.

(Image credit: Ricardo Labougle)

‘The brief was that the house be filled with frivolous use of dining room color ideas,’ says Scott Maddux of Maddux Creative. Without its eye-catching ceiling this dining room would be a restrained space, filled with very desirable 20th-century furniture but with no element of fun and surprise. 

The client’s 20th-century art collection provided inspiration and specifically the work of British artist Ben Nicholson and French glass maker Louis Barillet. Both have a particular approach to geometry which is explored on the ceiling and in the glass doors, and echoed in the contemporary lighting piece by Johanna Grawunder. Scott commissioned artist Isabelle Day to carry out the painstaking paintwork.

What can I put on my ceilings?

There are a multitude of ways to elevate your ceiling with materials, color, texture and even wallpaper. 

‘Ceilings have been overlooked in recent times,’ says interior designer Rachel Chudley, ‘but when you visit historic houses, the ceiling is often treated as a masterpiece.’ 

Adam-style ceilings of the 18th century are often cited but ceilings have been used as a decorative surface for centuries. The 21st-century ceiling is arguably more playful with designers encouraging their clients to experiment with pattern, color and shape/structure.

And don't forget lighting. Lighting is inevitably a consideration when planning ceiling design. Think strategically about where illumination is needed. ‘Lights can be a feature of the ceiling design or be incorporated into it to disappear,’ says Katie McCrum, who also suggests avoiding it altogether: ‘wall lights and side lights are increasingly popular alternatives to ceiling lights, especially when used on a 5-amp circuit.

How can I make my ceiling look good?

Interior designer Elnaz Namaki recommends taking the time to give a room’s ceiling proper consideration, as a completely separate surface rather than an afterthought. 

‘We approach the ceilings in key rooms such as hallways, living rooms, studies, dining rooms and cloakrooms, the same way we approach the other surfaces,’ she says. ‘Start with thinking about the color, texture, reflection and finish already in the space.'

How can I make my ceiling look bigger?

Interior designers and architects have a tool kit of tricks to add the illusion of height in a room. ‘Coffered ceilings make a room feel so much bigger. Architectural details can add real drama to a space, says Jane Landino of design practice Taylor Howes.  

‘Anything that draws your eye upwards gives the illusion of higher ceilings and grandeur. These not only add interest but also “cheat” the height of the room and make it look taller. With a coffered ceiling, we also like to use details such as concealed lighting’ - a good option for basement ceiling ideas.  

If there is enough space and budget Jane and her team add specialist finishes such as gilding or polished plaster, or even hand-painted bespoke murals such as celestial star maps. ‘If you have enough ceiling height,’ adds Jane, ‘one can also consider having a vaulted ceiling or barreled ceiling which looks fabulous in areas such as wine rooms.’

Kate Burnett is a journalist and editor who has been writing about residential design and architecture for nearly 20 years. A former acting executive editor of Homes & Gardens and Livingetc, she has written for national newspapers and magazines including the Financial Times, Evening Standard and Sunday Times. A trained designer, she has also worked with leading architecture and design practices including dRMM and Keechdesign.

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Ceiling design ideas: materials, styles, designs

Ceiling design is an important part of a premium renovation. If you want the interior puzzle to fully develop, think over the details even at the stage of creating a project. We will show you how to do it and show you options for stylish designs.

Contents

  1. 1. Criteria for the selection of materials for ceiling design
  2. 2. Top 7 ceiling materials for luxury interiors
  3. 2.1. Bamboo
  4. 2.2. Cork
  5. 2.3. Drywall
  6. 2.4. Tension fabric
  7. 2.5. Wooden beams
  8. 2.6. Mirrors
  9. 2.7. Stained glass
  10. 3. Forms of ceilings: entertaining geometry in a luxury interior
  11. 4. Color solutions for ceiling design: classic and interesting options
  12. 5. Types and patterns for ceilings: from geometry to photo printing
  13. 6. Traditions of style: ceiling decoration in different trends
  14. 7. Aspects of light: what fixtures are suitable for decorating the ceiling
  15. 8. Exclusive ceiling ideas: trendy designs
  16. 8.1. Perforation
  17. 8.2. Arch technique
  18. 8.3. L-shaped structures
  19. 8.4. Curly elements
  20. 8.5. Stucco molding, decorative beams

Criteria for choosing materials for ceiling design

Exclusive interiors are the perfect space for bold ideas. However, everything must be done very carefully, because every little thing will attract attention. Therefore, first of all, you need to decide on the material. What to look for when choosing:

Light classic ceiling in a premium interior

Tip! If you are doing repairs yourself, check with the designers before buying. Professionals will tell you which materials are better to choose for the exclusive design of ceilings.

Top 7 ceiling materials for luxury interiors

Let's move on to the choice. Some options are cheaper, some are more expensive. But this has little effect on the result - all the proposed materials look impressive and original in the interior.

Bamboo

Designers are increasingly using bamboo stems for ceilings. This eco-friendly material is available in rolls, panels or slabs

Bamboo Ceiling Benefits:

Such a design has no objective disadvantages. It's just a matter of personal preference. If you like natural textures and textures in the spirit of eco-style, this material is for you.

Tip! Bamboo is the best choice for finishing dry rooms with a stable microclimate.

Cork

Cork is sometimes used for ceiling design. Products are available in two variations: in the form of plates or rolls. Also on sale are materials in their natural form or dyed with special compounds. The choice of designs is somewhat limited, but there is no doubt about the safety and environmental friendliness of the cork.

Advantages of a cork ceiling:

The downside of cork ceiling finishes is that they are incompatible with many interior styles. This design is preferable for areas where natural materials and a minimum of decor are welcome. For example, loft, chalet, eco.

Tip! If you want to avoid seams, choose roll material. Cork slabs are mounted faster, but you will have to spend more time on finishing.

Drywall

The main advantage of drywall is its versatility. This material is suitable for finishing and at the same time closes surface defects. A few more advantages:

There is also a drawback - the need for careful masking of the seams between the elements. However, for professionals this is not a problem.

Designer false ceiling

Tip! Choose moisture resistant reinforced material for ceiling mounting. Especially when it comes to renovations in the kitchen or bathroom.

Stretch fabric

An interesting ceiling can be easily created with a stretch structure made of textile or special film. You can order canvases with spectacular patterns or an unusual texture. The advantages of such materials:

Stretch fabric for luxury ceiling design is one of the most environmentally friendly materials. It is difficult to name objective design flaws. If you do the installation correctly, the ceiling will delight you with a stunning view for a long time.

Designer stretch ceiling in the hall

Wooden beams

Wooden beam ceilings are increasingly featured in modern interior styles. It fits perfectly into the trends of such areas as loft, eco, chalet, rustic. The difference in execution is that somewhere the ceiling will turn out to be more brutal, somewhere elegantly concise.

For luxury ceiling design, it is better to use natural wood beams. Such products look amazing due to natural textures and textures. Beams made of oak, beech, ash, birch, alder have the best operational qualities. It is easy to create incredibly stylish compositions from them. To increase moisture resistance and give an aesthetic appearance, the material must be coated with a special varnish before installation.

Benefits of beam ceilings:

Among the shortcomings, there are some inconveniences when finishing the ceiling. If you decide to leave the beams in their original form, this difficulty will not arise. But it will be necessary to paint the tree or cover it with protective compounds after the installation of the structure.

Important! Wood in the interior goes well with many materials. Including stone, metal and glass.

It is possible to place a suspended structure made of natural wood on the ceiling or to mount wooden tiles. Such unusual ceilings are ideal for classic design or pompous Art Deco interiors.

Fashion wood ceiling

Mirrors

Mirrored ceiling patterns are common in premium interiors. This design will allow you to play with the light in the room. Reflecting rays will help visually expand the room, make it brighter and more comfortable.

Mirror ceiling options:

The mirror ceiling design has two main advantages: the possibility of combining different materials and versatility. There is also a minus - difficult care. In order for mirror surfaces to always look attractive, it is necessary to remove dust in time and cover the ceiling with special compounds to maintain an attractive shine.

Colored mirror mosaic on the ceiling

Stained-glass windows

The stained-glass ceiling can safely be called a work of art. It is a colorful mosaic surface with stunning patterns. Such decor diversifies interiors in such styles as classic, baroque, art deco, ethno.

According to the method of creation, stained-glass windows are divided into several types;

The ceiling can be decorated with stained-glass windows in whole or in part. The second option is suitable if the room is small. In this case, the patterned mosaic will play the role of decoration that visually changes the geometry of space.

Stained glass windows on the ceiling in the hall

Tip! Stained glass ceiling can be supplemented with original decorative lighting.

Ceiling shapes: interesting geometry in a luxury interior

The ceiling is not always a flat surface. Designers are actively introducing unusual designs into the interior. Let's discuss all options:

Curved ceilings can visually zone the space. It will be especially effective if you add colors to the design. For example, create a figured ledge in a recreation area. Then visually it will immediately be clear in which area the functional part of the room "flows" into a cozy corner for relaxation.

Light single-level ceiling

Light two-level ceiling in the dining room

White multi-level ceiling in the living room

Do not forget that in our company you can design an apartment. A team of professional designers will fulfill the most exquisite fantasies in your domain!

Color solutions for ceiling design: classic and interesting options

When choosing a color, you need to pay attention to the overall range of the interior. A classic win-win option is light neutral tones. For example:

More bold shades: blue, brown, gray, green, blue, lilac. For modern non-trivial interiors, bright saturated colors are also suitable: purple, turquoise, yellow, orange, red. The black ceiling also looks spectacular, but the other finishes in the room should be lighter. Otherwise, the design will turn out to be too frightening, oppressive. You can use black and white for contrast.

Golden or silver ceilings will look organic in luxurious classic interiors. They look especially attractive in contrast to the dark walls and stone floors.

You can play with colors and combine several shades in the design of the ceiling. For example, create a spectacular gradient. However, this design looks attractive only against the background of laconic wall decoration.

Patterns and patterns for ceilings: from geometry to photo printing

Patterns will easily make any ceiling beautiful. The most popular design options:

How to apply patterns to the ceiling depends on the type of surface. For stretch or hanging canvases, photo printing is relevant. Stained-glass windows are made with patterns, so in this case everything is simple. And if the ceiling is covered with plaster or whitewash, you can make a hand painting.

Style traditions: ceiling finishes in different trends

Each style has its own finishing trends. With ceilings, the situation is as follows:

Some styles are more experimental. For example, in the directions of country, shabby chic and retro, you can combine materials, play with colors. It is more important not to observe traditions, but to emphasize the atmosphere.

Classic ceiling design

Ethnic style ceiling design

Eco-style ceiling design

Rustic Chateau Ceiling Design

Luxurious art deco ceiling design

Aspects of light: what fixtures are suitable for decorating the ceiling

First of all, lighting fixtures should be chosen based on their tasks. For example, chandeliers and pendant lamps in original shades are suitable for the main ceiling lighting.

Local lighting is provided by spotlights, track lights, overhead lamps. Devices can be combined. Chandeliers go well with spotlights, pendant lamps with track lights. The shapes and sizes of products may vary depending on the dimensions of the room, the style of the interior.

Tip! LED strips can be used for decorative lighting . They are easy to fix in the curves of the curly ceiling or place around the perimeter of the surface.

Exclusive ceiling ideas: trendy designs

The best assistant in ceiling design is the designer's imagination. However, do not ignore fashion trends. Let's talk about them now.

Perforation

Patterns, geometric shapes or simply round holes can be cut into the ceiling stretch fabric. However, this design looks attractive only against a colored background, so the brighter the ceiling, the more opportunities for using the perforation technique.

Arched technology

Arched ceilings are an attribute of luxury and at the same time a functional element of the interior. With the help of a vaulted structure, it is easy to radically change the geometry of the room. However, arched ceilings do not look good in all rooms. This solution is more suitable for decorating a living room, bedroom, hall.

L-shaped structures

The classic light-colored canvas will benefit from the introduction of the L-shaped element. This solution is suitable if you need to encircle a column, niche or other architectural element. The protrusion can be made in the color of the ceiling or, conversely, in contrast. Spectacular lighting on the structure will be the final touch in the design.

Curved elements

Curved elements can be attached to the ceiling and supplemented with lighting. This option is suitable for a stretch or suspended single-level ceiling. You can choose any shape. The main thing is that they fit into the style of the interior and look realistic.

Tip! When installing the structure, make sure that the ceiling sheet does not sag due to the weight of the decorative element.

Stucco, decorative beams

Stucco moldings, skirting boards and beams are timeless design classics. This decor looks great in grandiose majestic interiors. Photos of ceilings with a similar design are the best proof.

Arched wooden ceiling in a private house

Light figured ceiling in the living room

Sloped ceiling under stairs

Spectacular ceiling with decorative lighting

Classic ceiling with plinths

Unusual ceilings: 77 ways to creatively decorate the ceiling in the hall, bedroom, bathroom of a private house or apartment

The ceiling is an important part of any interior. The mood and perception of space largely depend on its design and construction. Therefore, do not rush to whitewash the ceiling - consider other options.

1. Unusual ceiling painting
The easiest way to turn an ordinary ceiling into an unusual one is to paint it in a bright color. For example, in yellow: let yourself refresh the interior and add warmth to daylight. And if you support the color of the ceiling in furnishings, it will no longer look alien.

Plath & Company

2. Depth at height
When designing custom ceilings, look at the design of the entire room. A bright glossy ceiling is a priori an accent. Therefore, it is better to keep the rest of the interior in light achromatic colors, supporting the color of the ceiling with a few spots in the setting or decor.

Elad Gonen

3. Unusual stretch ceiling
The plastic structure of the stretch ceiling allows you to play with the shape of the cover. Beams and other structural elements create a curved surface. And the glossy texture emphasizes the curves thanks to the mirror effect. And no one is looking at modest sofas and a minimalist table anymore. All eyes are on the ceiling.

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Dmytro Aranchii Architects

4. Unearthly ceiling
Another solution with a three-dimensional stretch ceiling fabric. This huge octopus, stretching its tentacles across the hall and living room in a Kyiv apartment, is made using metaspheres (metaball). So called three-dimensional objects that are formed when two spheres merge. With their help, craters-lamps of different diameters and heights are connected to each other, forming a single branched network. The ceiling itself is stretch.

5. Black ceiling
A good trick to impress guests and at the same time correct the geometry of the well room by visually lowering the ceiling. But even if the ceiling is not very high - go for it! Just choose deep matte or, conversely, glossy paints - then you will not get a dark cramped box. Don't forget to add more lighting to the interior. And also - give up the curtains and choose light colors for the walls.

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Delphine Guyart Design

6. Black ceiling
Particularly interesting is the dark ceiling that flows onto the wall. The contrasting solution actively interferes with the geometry of the narrow corridor: two white walls seem to be suspended in space.

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Erinn V. Design Group

7. Ceiling Stripes
Bright stripes add a dynamic feel to even a small space. But do not forget that the line affects the visual perception of the room - along the stripes it will seem longer. An indispensable way to correct the proportions of the room.

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Design Bureau HomEmotions

. The effect will be stronger if the stripes "creep" a little on the walls. It is not necessary to draw - non-standard stretch ceilings will help.

James Dawson Interior Design

9. Carpet on ceiling
Most often you can find unusual ceilings in the living room. But there is a caveat: in large spaces, bright decor is frankly redundant.

The straight stripe pattern is a good solution in this situation. First, you don't have to be an artist to line the surface and paint over the areas limited by masking tape. Secondly, the pattern can be presented in fragments - such a “carpet” on the ceiling will help zone the room.

Julia Karagodina

10. Warm ceiling
A creative stretch ceiling can imitate fabric (tablecloth, curtains, plaid), creating coziness - like in this kitchen in Sestroretsk.

Casaplex, LLC

Fireside Design Build Inc.

12. Stream above your head
Suspended structures allow you to play with geometry - for example, make waves on the ceiling. To emphasize this detail, you need to choose materials that contrast with the main background. The project in the photo used a tree.

Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.

13. Contrasting caissons
Coffered ceilings are a technique from the past. Color will help muffle the pathos of a classic interior. For example, black.

Designer Alexander Voronov

14. Stucco in contrast
The same idea, but in reverse: powerful stucco in contrast with minimalist furniture and furnishings.

Elvira Stankevich

15. Lots of rosettes
A stucco rosette around a chandelier is an element of a classic interior. And if there are several of them and in different places? Suitable for any room.

FRUKTOV INTERIORS

16. Stucco molding in the color of the wall
This photo shows a living room in a modern style, but with rich stucco molding and stacked parquet. Stucco did not become an accent, as it is painted in a dark color, like the walls.

Fusion D

17. Modern stucco
Stucco can follow a pattern on wallpaper or a pretty geometric print. Polyurethane allows you to lay out at least the alphabet on the ceiling. It will look especially good in wet areas.

Fabrice Ausset - Architecte DPLG

18 . Modern stucco
Stucco in modern interiors is usually very dynamic. It could be a rushing stream…

PROjECT interiors + Aimee Wertepny

19. Modern stucco
…or maybe a web of triangles.

Stasovy Design Interior Solutions Studio

20. Modern stucco molding
Stucco molding can occupy part of the ceiling - and it doesn't have to be symmetrical, the main thing is the general concept.

Lazareva Viktoria design studio Strekoza

21 . Contemporary stucco
New materials opened up bathrooms to stucco a decade ago, but these bathroom ceilings still look unusual.

Andrei Belimov-Gushchin

22. Classic
Skillful stucco molding, inscribed in the overall design of the room both in form and color, is high art. The photo shows the interior of a historic building, Paskevich's mansion in St. Petersburg. An illustrative example of ironic eclecticism.

Andrei Belimov-Gushchin

23. All at once
Stucco molding can be combined with painting, gilding, mosaics – as, for example, in the famous Stieglitz Academy. Another telling example.

DECO-RUM.COM "Decorum Stucco Workshop"

24. All at once
Here is an example of painted stucco molding from a Moscow apartment.

DECO-RUM.COM "Decorum-Stucco Workshop"

25. Architectural ceiling with stucco molding
Unusual plasterboard ceilings often hide communications - for this it is not necessary to sheathe the entire plane. The center can be left under a chandelier with stucco.

sporadicSPACE

26. Lace on the ceiling
Creative ceilings are often created using form and light. In this suspended ceiling, the laces "light up" along with the hidden lighting.

The Interior Edge

27. Metallic ceiling
The texture of old metal is, first of all, a characteristic shine. Covering the ceiling with silver or gold leaf is a technique for self-confident people. But it looks weird.

Beard + Riser Architects

28. Rust
Another trick for those who are looking for how to paint the ceiling outside the box. The paint in the photo imitates rust. You never know, maybe you have dreamed all your life to live in a boat shed.

ICA paints

29. Mirror
An unusual design of the ceiling will help to make mirror tiles, an old ally of the owners of apartments with low ceilings. A large window will make the game of reflections more interesting.

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Ippolito Fleitz Group – Identity Architects

30. Mirror
It is even more interesting if the mirror “drains” from the ceiling like Dali's famous clock. The color contrast of the wall and ceiling will distract from the junction of the mirror parts.

VOX Architects

31. Space Lanterns
This two-story apartment on the Arbat has a real glass ceiling - you can admire the stars on the sofa. But the rest of the ceilings are amazing. For example, in the library, the architects made large round caissons with built-in lamps. Thus, numerous beams were removed from the eyes.

liturinsky&leost

32. Carved decor
Carved wooden ceilings in classic style are rarely seen in modern interiors. It is very expensive.

ALLARTSDESIGN

33. Wood. Recycling
And this is just a trend that is gaining momentum. What modern unusual wooden ceilings can be like, this kitchen in Perm demonstrates. The top is trimmed with used boards - all different, with their own characteristics. You can look at them endlessly.

Taylor Design Studio

34. Wood. Recycling
Vintage crate walls are another unusual ceiling material. It is difficult to find such ones, so it will be easier to apply decorative stamps to ordinary boxes, for example, from Henri IV Dudognon Heritage Cognac Grande Champagne (the most expensive cognac in the world). Then you will say that the boxes remained after the New Year.

Ilya Stolyarov | Photography

35. Reiki on the ceiling
Wooden slats are another multi-purpose decorator tool. They can lay out a picture, adjust the dimensions of the room, give it dynamics. Finally, between them you can hide the lamps. An example is this unusual ceiling in the kitchen.

Architectural design bureau "5idei"

36. Tropics
The unusual ceiling in the photo is decorated with bamboo stems.

Kiseleva Anna

37. Pattern made of slats
Using slats painted in a contrasting color, you can lay out a pattern on the ceiling. Even on wood.

Olga Arapova

38. Wooden lattice
If a part of a hemmed or false ceiling is made different from the main canvas, the whole structure will look more interesting and more voluminous.

Jay Vanos Architects

39. Well
A slatted grid built into the false ceiling can be used to define the sofa area in the living room.

40. Glass
Non-standard plasterboard ceilings can also be complemented with large-scale geometric glass inserts. The light behind them will make the ceilings higher.

Jeff Karskens Designer

41. Diverging Circles
Suspended wood ceilings, like plasterboard ceilings, can be multi-level. In this case, the direction of the rail will set the dynamics of the structure. Add an unusual color - and such a ceiling will attract the eye no worse than a TV.

Inblum

42. Beams
The metal beams in this project were not hidden, but painted to match the ceiling. It turned out that they seem to pierce the vaults. The illuminated frame became the original accent of the room.

Highline Partners, Ltd

43. Timber felling
Unusual ceiling in a private house - sometimes not like in an apartment. Arrange a woodpile on the ceiling in the "Stalin" - the move is too extravagant. And for a bathroom in a guest house outside the city, it will do. The main thing is to treat the tree well with an antiseptic.

44. Volumetric wooden ceiling
Decor from different wooden bars is a fashionable technique in interior design and urban spaces.

Bull O'Sullivan Architecture Limited

45. Floor on the ceiling
The unusual ceiling in the wooden house shown in the photo is made of parquet, which is laid in a herringbone pattern, but "overlapped".

Roman Spiridonov

46. Carved panels
Perforated panels made of plywood or MDF are more often seen on accent walls, but they also look great upstairs. And most importantly, due to the volume, they do not lower the ceiling.

Applegate Tran Interiors

47. Maps
Not only geometry, but also geography will help to make the ceiling unusual. The main thing is to highlight the map of the area well.

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Staprans Design

48. Drawings
Thematic drawings can also be used instead of a map. Ships, planes, woodworking machines - there's something that anyone likes.

Space Coast Construction

49. The sky above your head
Stars are one of the most common subjects for the ceiling in the nursery. The sky above your head can be obtained by pasting wallpaper with a pattern or by making a hand-painted.

50. The sky above your head
Unusual stretch ceilings are another way to make a bright plot design. It can be not only stars and planets, but also birds, clouds, spiders, toads.

Platinum Poolcare

51. Glow in the dark
The painting can be completed with star stickers made of luminous film. Or paint stars with phosphor-based paint.

Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel

52. Three-dimensional paintings
Vaulted ceilings are the best option for painting, as they represent three-dimensional space - a chance to get a picture with a 3D effect. True, Vasnetsov on the ceiling is a move on the verge of kitsch, so many simply stylize the ceiling as a tapestry.

Studio of Anastasia Nemolyaeva

53. Art painting
Using the ceiling as a canvas is an eternal idea. The painting can be done with oil, acrylic, luminescent (the pattern appears in the dark) and tempera paints. You can apply a drawing on wet plaster - you get a fresco. Or you can use an airbrush - this is today one of the most popular techniques.

The interior in the photo is painted in the style of ancient Rome, the elements of the painting repeat the frescoes from the National Roman Museum.

Designer Alexander Voronov

54. Pattern zoning
On the ceiling of this kitchen is a drawing from a Spanish designer's notebook. The sketch not only decorates the space, but also zones it.

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

55. Stencil Drawing
Stenciling is the easiest and cheapest way to get a hand painted ceiling. Especially if you are not an artist. And this is not about abstract painting.

Solomon & Wu

56. Ceiling plinth
A bright decorative element may not be the ceiling itself, but the ceiling cornice.

Studio of Anastasia Nemolyaeva

57. Antique ceiling
Paintings in European style are specially aged. An example in the photo is a modern painting under old Italy.

michele volpi - studio interior design

58. Fresco
Wondering how to paint an unusual ceiling? Or still decide on stucco and caissons? You can combine: the fresco, as in the photo, creates a three-dimensional view of a classic ceiling.

Le Atelier

59. Abstraction
Such creative ceilings, as in the photo, can be made not only with paint, but also with ordinary or liquid wallpaper, textured plaster.

anna1303

60. Stickers
Unusual ceilings in the interior are not necessarily a difficult task. To make a picture above your head, you don’t even need to take up paint. Pattern details can be cut out of self-adhesive film.

KuDa Photography

61. Reflections of fire
The fact that you are walking on this ceiling is, of course, not a reflection of the fiery flashes of the fireplace, but an artistic painting. The fresco is like a reflection of fire.

Interior designer, decorator

62. Letters
The ceiling can be decorated not only with drawings, but also with quotes: life credo, family motto, hodgepodge recipe.

Eduard Grigoriev & Alla Grigorieva

63. Painting on wood
Hand-painted on the wooden ceiling looks interesting - the room immediately acquires a historical look. Pay attention to how the beam has changed in this rest room of the guest house with a bath.

Echelon Custom Homes

64. No Ceiling
The two-level space allows you to make part of the ceiling without a ceiling. The highlight of the interior is a huge light window. You can hang lamps on the beams.

Tatyana Savelyeva

65. Glass canopy
Unusual ceilings in the bedroom are often designed according to the alcove principle: a kind of canopy over the bed highlights the sleeping area. Using illuminated glass for this purpose is a non-standard solution. In this case, it is better to make false ceiling slabs with acrylic rather than silicate - less weight.

Arseniy Karinsky Architectural Studio

66. Stained-glass ceiling
The glass floor of the second floor is also the transparent ceiling of the first. Do you have a duplex apartment? A mirrored ceiling with stained glass will create the illusion of a light window.

Harrell Design + Build

67. Ceiling Stained Glass
Stained glass inserts not only look attractive, but also raise ceilings with the help of lighting.

Anthony Lindsey Photography

68. Mosaic
Small multi-colored mosaic allows you to paint pictures where colors are not suitable. An example of this is an unusual ceiling in this bathroom.

The Lykos Group, Inc.

69. Artistic forging
Forged pattern rarely decorates even non-standard ceilings - a beautiful thing, but expensive and heavy.

Ponizovkin Architectural Studio

70. Unusual beams on the ceiling
In an apartment, these are usually false beams that create an atmosphere of a country house in the style of a chalet or Provence. And if you place another beautiful lamp in each square, the ceiling will become an interior decoration.

Griffin Enright Architects

71. Rivers of Light
Hidden behind metalized panels with embossed texture, the backlight will send rivers of fire across the ceiling. Well, or gold - depending on the shade of light and color.

TKP Architects

72. Luminous Gardens
The vaulted ceiling in the photo is made from curved steel sheet to hide the lighting system. The pattern on the metal is applied using laser cutting.

Design studio Lavrik Irina

73. Light painting
Light stripes are a technological alternative to painting on the ceiling.

Ira Frazin Architect

74. Significant lamp
Another way to transform the ceiling without touching the ceiling is to choose an unusual lamp. The diameter of what is in the photo, for example, is about 2 m. The scale and color make it the highlight of an otherwise neutral interior.

75. Significant luminaire
Large decorative luminaire can be both flat and three-dimensional.

Dembowski & Tikhonova Architects

76. Scene lamp
This unusual chandelier for a nursery in the form of an airship was made by Russian craftsmen especially for the project.

Designer Alexander Voronov

77. Volumetric decor
There are a lot of graphics on the ceiling and walls in this project, and the lamps are specially recessed into the ceiling.

Zakalata Maria / Design Rise

78. Top and bottom
An interesting design technique - the decor on the ceiling and floor is an accent pair. The lamp seems to cast a colored shadow.

OPaL Design Build

79. Sails on the ceiling
If you drape a sloping attic ceiling with fabric, you will get nice "sails".

Kurtz Homes Naples

80. Bamboo rugs
Bamboo rugs hung from the ceiling create a tropical hut atmosphere.

Georgy Shablovsky

81. Flowing panels
Another way to make an unusual ceiling design is on the photo. Flexing plastic panels create a dynamic, completely unusual look.

estudio gutman lehrer

82. Gallery on the ceiling
Since the ceiling is the fifth wall, why not hang frames on it, whether with a photo or empty ones.

Susan Diana Harris Interior Design

83. Gallery on the ceiling
Art reproductions, posters - all this can be placed on the ceiling in the same way as on the wall, using adhesive or special fasteners.

Hage Creative

84. Tent
Gathered towards the center, it will help to imitate the dome of the tent and hide the corners. The space will immediately become “softer”.

Cynthia Mason Interiors

85. Tent
Draped ceiling fabric and leather fasteners give the impression that this is not a child's boy, but a real tent. Hike with all the comforts.

Elena Bolshakova

86. Stone on the ceiling
The ceiling, decorated with stone slabs, cannot be called ordinary. Especially if thin plates let light through - then they can be used as stained glass. Onyx slabs are usually suitable for these purposes.

Northern Sky Developments

87. Large Objects
Add visual accent to the ceiling by hanging objects from the ceiling, such as an overturned boat. She will not only soar serenely in the air, but also zone the room, highlighting the compositional center.

Susan Corry Design

88. Small items
These can be umbrellas, masks, oars, airplane models and anything else.

Adeeni Design Group

89. Paper flowers
Appliqués are another way to create a "sculptural" ceiling.

Francis Amiand Photographe

90. A bit of humor
You can just joke, without much finesse.


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