12 Timeless Ceiling Designs to Give Your Room Character
Incorporating another color or texture is as easy as looking up.
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There's a good reason why designers often refer to ceilings as "the fifth wall." The often-overlooked surface is a blank canvas for design possibilities that can add dimension and visual interest to your space. With the right ceiling designs, you can fake the look of more height, add a bold pop of color, or even transport your room to an entirely different setting with a lifelike mural.
Point being, if you aren't already considering how to dress up the ceilings in your home, now's the time to start. Whether you're undergoing a down-to-the-studs renovation or looking for an impactful weekend DIY project, there's a ceiling design idea for you. Below, we've rounded up 12 designer-approved ceiling treatments that range in scope, style, and price point. From a simple coat of paint to intricate molding, these ceiling designs will ensure your fifth wall is no longer forgotten.
Ceiling Design Considerations
As with any impactful design addition, there are a few important factors to consider when deciding whether to install a ceiling treatment—and what style to opt for. Below, we're detailing a few things to mull over before committing to a ceiling design.
Room Specs
The size and height of your room are some of the biggest considerations when you're deciding on a ceiling treatment. Because ceiling designs can have such an impact on the perceived size of a space, it's important to weigh the dimensions—and your desired effect—when making a design decision. A weighty treatment like raw wood planking can make a room with a sprawling vaulted ceiling cozier and feel more intimate, while molding or even simple paint can visually enlarge a snug space.
Budget
Depending on the materials and labor needed to execute a design, ceiling treatments can range from budget friendly to big investment. Before committing to an idea, consider how much of your design budget you want to allocate to the task. A ceiling design you can DIY, like paint, will run you much less than something that requires a special expertise, like installing wood beams.
Design Style
Good design doesn't exist in a vacuum, so you'll want to make sure there's synergy between your chosen ceiling treatment, the surrounding room, and the rest of your home. You should also consider what overall design style your ceiling treatment evokes. Some ceiling design ideas, like wallpaper, can easily cater to any vibe, while others (like coffered ceilings) tend to read more formal and traditional.
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