25 Ceiling Design Ideas Bursting with Style & Character

Often called “the fifth wall” by designers, ceilings offer a vast, underused canvas for style.

Designing this surface can add dimension, visual interest, apparent height, bold color, or even thematic murals to your space. It’s crucial to consider your ceilings, whether you’re planning a major remodel or a simple weekend project.

To inspire you, we’ve compiled these expert-approved ceiling treatments. Ranging from paint to intricate molding and suitable for various styles and budgets, these ideas will ensure your fifth wall makes a statement.

Herringbone Wallpaper

PinMalcolm Brown/ Designer: Lizz Caan

If you love a particular wallpaper, use it all over.

Here, a herringbone print covers the ceiling and surrounding walls in a kid’s room, bringing attention to its quirky angles.

Warm Wood

PinKate Charlotte

Rustic and modern unite in this airy living room designed by Cortney Bishop.

The white painted ceiling keeps the eye on the natural wood beams, which add charm to the space.

Scalloped Borders

PinCourtesy of Annie Sloan Walls in Annie Sloan Wall Paint in Piranesi Pink, Scallops in Adelphi

“Painted borders are a cost-effective way of adding flair to rooms lacking period features, especially ceilings,” Sloan says. The mantel and the ceiling’s skirting boards are kept white, while the walls and door are in contrasting colors for eccentricity.

“If you’re decorating on a budget, paint is the very best way to put the personality back,” she says.

All-Wood Ceiling

PinKate Charlotte/ Designer: Courtney Bishop

If a room is lacking texture, an all-wood ceiling is a good idea. It automatically gives a space depth and warmth, and offers an inviting contrast to neutral seating.

Disco Room

PinCostas Andreopoulou

“A wood veneer treatment on the ceiling adds texture and a dose of bling to this groovy space,” says Cindy Rinfret, principal designer of Rinfret, Ltd.

With its chevron-patterned flooring, glossy blue walls and the ceiling’s soft green hue, it’s only fitting her clients deem the space their “disco room.”

Champagne Glaze

PinZach Pontz

The ceiling in the dining room of this Tudor home in Westchester, NY, gets a luxurious refresh with champagne glaze and ornamental plaster work.

Meanwhile, the crystal chandelier introduces drama and the promise of a soft glow when the lights are dimmed.

Elegant High Arch

PinNeil Landino/ Designer: Rinfret Ltd.

A high, arched ceiling defines this pre-war Manhattan pied-à-terre designed by Rinfret, Ltd.

Plus, the space’s charm is only “heightened by the long window drapes and grounded by the pattern in the rug, which ties the room’s color scheme together,” says Rinfret.

Graceful Wall Paneling

PinNgoc Minh Ngo

“In this Southampton home, simple yet elegant wall paneling is continued onto the ceiling and kept in a soft white color,” says designer Young Huh.

“Rich dark woods and a light color palette make the space feel breezy but with soul.” Plus, the-all white palette provides an airy feel despite the sloped ceiling.

Tongue and Groove

PinJessica Klewicki Glynn

For subtle texture and an innately casual feel, consider installing tongue-and-groove paneling on your ceiling.

Because the feature can be painted any hue, it will seamlessly blend into your existing design scheme, allowing you to add a layer of depth to your space without a complete overhaul.

In this Florida bedroom by Tom Scheerer, white tongue-and-groove paneling draws the eye up to the expansive vaulted ceiling.

Wallpaper

PinAndrew Frasz

Any room can benefit from a pop of pattern—but textiles and your walls aren’t your only options for incorporating it in.

Instead, turn heads (up, that is) by papering the ceiling in an eye-catching pattern that ties the scheme together.

For the study in this historical Massachusetts home, Corey Damen Jenkins hung a classic plaid wallpaper from Mulberry Home that plays into the moody hues.

High-Gloss Paint

PinKEVIN J. MIYAZAKI

Drenching an entire room in a single paint color makes a stunning statement.

To ensure the effect isn’t too heavy, opt for a high-gloss finish on the ceiling—it’ll reflect all the natural and artificial light back down and lift the mood.

Wood Beams

PinShade Degges

In some homes, wood beams are a structural necessity; in others, they’re an intentional addition meant to lend character, patina, and architectural detail.

In this cavernous Los Angeles abode, Jeremiah Brent and his team used reclaimed wood beams to add dimension to the vaulted ceiling and bring some warmth to the great room.

Treillage

Pinhannah jones

Treillage—also known as trellis or latticework—is a unique treatment that takes what many assume is an outdoor garden structure and places it on the walls or ceiling.

In this room by Cara Fox, panels of white treillage cover the ceilings, armoire, and custom bed frame for a subtle, textural twist that transforms an attic into a sunny escape.

Limewash Paint

PinJenna Peffley

You can never go wrong with adding texture, and that includes bringing a touch of grit to the ceiling.

If molding or wallpaper seem too formal, try coating the surface in a unique finish like limewash paint instead.

In her Florida home’s primary suite, Whitney Leigh Morris used a Color Atelier limewash on the walls and ceiling for a timeworn, velvety look.

Coffered Ceiling

PinKaryn Millet

Beloved for its classic appeal, a coffered ceiling treatment refers to a rectangular, square, or octagonal grid made using molding or recessed panels.

It’s a means of adding visual interest while still keeping your design tailored and timeless, and can be a beautiful way to draw eyes up without monopolizing the design.

Custom Mural

PinKEVIN J. MIYAZAKI

If your design personality has an adventurous side, why not commission a custom mural for your ceiling?

Though a mural is a unique—and often costly—choice, it can bring a huge dose of personality to your space.

Paint It Black

Pin Lucinda Loya Interiors

A black ceiling is always a wow-worthy touch.

If your ceiling is older and has seen some wear, black paint can also help to hide any ultra-visible flaws. It’s a win-win.

Pick Two Fave Patterns

Pin Lucinda Loya Interiors

If you really just can’t choose between two totally different patterns, you can always consider placing one print on the walls and another on the ceiling.

Maximalists, you’ll be all over this powder room! Just look at the too-cool black and white stripes above.

Incorporate a Honeycomb Design

Pin Benjamin Johnston

A honeycomb-style ceiling adds an artful touch to a living room.

Of course, it could always be painted in two or three different colors for a funkier result. Decisions, decisions…

Try a Tray

Pin Creative Tonic

Tray ceilings are quite common, and this one is pretty simple, featuring shades of gray that are carried elsewhere throughout this family-friendly gathering space.

Gray adds so much coziness to any room, making it great for a lounge area.

Let the Light Shine In

Pin Elizabeth Krueger Design

White tray ceilings look right at home in a sunlit living room and allow natural light to be the main focus of the space.

There’s nothing wrong with keeping it classic if that’s the look you prefer.

Think Organic

Pin Elizabeth Krueger Design

Beamed ceilings in a long hallway contribute to this home’s California cool design.

The addition of other organic materials, such as wicker plant pots, keeps the aesthetic going.

Feature Exposed Beams

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Exposed beams are a timeless accent for vaulted ceilings, naturally drawing the eye upward and making the room feel more open and spacious.

To give your beams a unique twist, consider adding details like decorative hinges to elevate the look.

Bring In The Light

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Never underestimate the power of natural light.

If you have the opportunity, adding skylights to your ceiling will breathe life into your space.

This is a great option for vaulted ceilings to bring an indoor/outdoor feel to your room.

Get Creative With Neutrals

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Loving neutral tones doesn’t mean your home has to feel bland. “You can always vary the tone, color, and strength of the pattern to keep things interesting,” says Seifrit.

In this design, the neutral wood stains are anything but ordinary, thanks to the square paneling pattern and crisscrossed beams. These details add dimension and elevate the look.

Utilize Wood

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It’s hard to create a warm, antique look with new construction, but wooden ceilings can help.

When working with wood, Seifrit says she likes it to look as though they took away old plaster and the wood was just what they were lucky enough to find underneath.

Consider A Ceiling Medalian

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Crown molding can make any space feel elegant, but it brings an especially formal or whimsical touch in the form of a ceiling medallion.

These intricate designs can help create a focal point in any room but are often found in living rooms and dining rooms.

Add Geometric Beams

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Embrace the beauty of a vaulted ceiling with white beams.

The simplicity of the white tones creates a bright, open feel while the geometric patterns of the beams add dimension and interest.

Consider adding subtle lighting or unique decor to draw attention to the architectural details and transform your space into a serene, airy retreat.