Decorative ceiling ideas: 26 ways to transform your fifth wall

Simply painting your ceiling white just won’t do these days and our decorative ceiling ideas are here to change your mind – and your interior!

Yes, it’s time to rediscover what design experts are dubbing the ‘fifth wall’. Because the ceiling offers another chance to flex your creative muscle – whether it’s with paint, wallpaper, foliage or ad hoc party decorations.

Decorative ceiling ideas

Decorative ceiling ideas are also the perfect way to disguise a shabby or damaged ceiling. Whether you are looking to overhaul a home with low or high ceilings, you can easily upgrade with colour, pattern and texture.

We have plenty of creative ideas for vaulted ceilings too. Plus a few DIY solutions that won’t break the bank.

Read on for decorative ceiling ideas for every style and size of room.

Or, if you can’t wait to discuss your ideas with a professional decorator, find an approved and recommended painter and decorator near you below.

Decorative ceiling beams ideas

You might be lucky enough to have original ceiling beams. Or you might wish to add a new vaulted ceiling.

Either way decorative ceiling beams offer so many design opportunities for your room.

1. Leave the beams bare

Vaulted ceilings create eye-catching and airy rooms thanks to the dramatic architectural shapes and lofty height.

Generally, vaulted ceilings also come with fabulous beams which draw the eye upwards.

In this loft bathroom, the exposed wooden beams are the focal point of the entire space.

Contrast bare wood with white panelling to create a classic look that will never go out fashion.

2. Channel a cabin style

Recreate the mood of a modern day cabin with a gorgeous timber ceiling

Adding wood cladding to a ceiling takes skill and good planning. You’ll need to hire the expertise of an experienced builder or carpenter to create a really professional finish. A skilled joiner or carpenter will need to prepare the existing ceiling before the job starts.

Choose a mid-tone timber to complement any wall colour or décor, should you wish to switch things up in a couple of years.

The same wood has been used for the ceiling cladding and exposed rafters for a modern rustic look. Pair with similar wooden floorboards to embrace the cosy minimalism.

Don’t forget any timber beams will also need to be treated to protect and preserve the wood for many years. Check out our blog on the importance of timber treatment here.

3. Distress your beams

Industrial style kitchens offer so much scope for decorative ceiling ideas.

Raw timber beams look edgy and modern. Or you could overhaul with a distressed paint colour such as white, muted grey or even charcoal. The beauty is, the beams won’t need a perfect paint finish to create the cool, statement look.

Pair with concrete tones and a hanging mirror ball for a glorious clash up disco metallics and urban materials.

4. Draw the eye up upwards

Use slim wooden beams to enhance the proportions of a vaulted ceiling.

Lengths of warm timber add definition to the all-white silhouette of this living room and demonstrate how small, considered details really count.

The full length windows and symmetrically placed sofas elevate the space with sophisticated charm.

5. Paint everything white

Embrace a minimalist look by painting everything white – that’s walls, ceiling and beams.

It’s a fool proof way to add a sculptural quality to the beautiful ceiling beams without adding any colour or pattern.

Head to toe white surfaces will also instil a calm and tranquil mood which is spot on for getting a good night’s sleep. Dreamy stuff!

6. Take a modern retro route

The 1970s retro mood is having a style moment – and the simple wood ceiling panels offer up a cool kitsch element.

If you have a low or suspended ceiling, this idea will cosy up a room by enveloping it in natural materials. It adds warmth and an extra design dimension to a boxy space.

Furnish with low-slung seating, a neutral colour palette and thick pile rug underfoot for a super cool living space.

7. Embrace a spa like mood

Shiplap ceiling boards fixed to the ceiling add texture and warmth for a spa-inspired bathroom.

It’s important that any wood used in the bathroom is treated with a sealant or painted with a waterproof paint. Waterproof mdf panels are another option.

This will allow it to withstand the hot, steamy and wet conditions of the bathroom – although wood panelling is best placed away from a shower enclosure and very wet areas.

Consider painting the panels in a navy, charcoal or even deep aubergine for an update on the white spa-at-home bathroom.

Ceiling decoration ideas: wallpaper & paint

Transforming the ceiling with wallpaper or paint will add unexpected drama to any room in the house. Don’t forget, your ceiling will be as large as the floor area of your room, so why not utilise it creatively.

Ceilings can be tricky surfaces to reach – you can read our guide to painting a ceiling here.  For a really top notch, professional finish, we would recommend hiring a local painter and decorator.

From bold, daring paint to a pretty wallpaper mural, things are definitely looking up for the ceiling.

Get ready to be filled with inspiration by these ceiling decoration ideas.

Get arty: Consider making the ceiling the focal point in a small bathroom. Stick to plain white sanitaryware and let loose with graphic artwork overhead.

Don’t forget to treat wallpaper in a bathroom with a tough sealant to make it waterproof.

Black beauty: Colour drench walls and ceiling in a rich charcoal hue for a dramatic bathroom setting. Pair with pale wood to lift the mood.

Vintage vibe: Match pretty wallpaper on every surface for a cosy, cocoon-like room. Contrasting woodwork also makes the pattern pop.

Think pink: Bathe a vaulted ceiling and walls in a warm, blush hue for a feel-good rosy glow throughout the day.

Experiment with bold colour: Go for a daring colour palette and add masses of interest overhead. The leaf green and cobalt blue paintwork creates a charming folksy mood in this bedroom.

Fit a decorative mould: If you’re not brave enough for colourful paint or patterned paper overhead, go for a decorative plaster moulding instead. It will still add impact but in a more subtle way. Get advice from a local plasterer.

Statement lighting ideas

Hanging a dramatic light fixture can transform a plain ceiling into a really beautiful one. From modern chandeliers to built-in LEDs, ceiling lights can infuse your room with a gorgeous glow and create good, general lighting for day-to-day use.

You’ll need the expertise of a qualified electrician who can advise on every aspect of lighting design, from installing new ceiling lights or upgrading existing ones. They will help you achieve the right amount of light, how high to hang your pendant and whether integrated spotlights will work for your room.

• Make a statement with a fabulous vintage chandelier

• Go subtle with integrated ceiling lights in the bathroom

• Try a DIY update by fitting a pretty ceiling rose

• Offset skylights with a central statement light fixture for double the impact

Party ceiling decoration ideas

If you’re anything like us, we can’t bear taking down decorations after a party. In fact, we’re big fans of leaving fairy lights up all year – even when the festive season is done and dusted.

Get in the party mood with five fabulous party ceiling decoration ideas and get ready to celebrate in style.

1. Hang up bright paper lanterns

Go for clashing brights like these turquoise, orange and hot pink paper decorations. Mix up with dried flower garlands and create a gorgeous, ceiling display for any party – winter, summer, day or night.

2. Star turn

Is there anything simpler – or more effective – than stringing up lengths of gold, metallic stars. We think not. Just the right hint of glitz and glamour.

3. Flower power

Adorn your ceiling with a mass of beautiful blooms. It’s an idea to copy from restaurant and bar decor up and down the country. Give yourself time with this one or start small with just a corner of a room.

4. String up white lights

Twinkly white lights will cast a magical glow over your party – inside or outside of the house. Check our guide to lighting a gazebo if you plan to stay outdoors for longer.

If you need extra sockets or general help with your electrics, chat to one of our approved and recommended electricians.

5. Dare to go disco

Disco mirror balls are a fashionable accessory for the home these days. Hang one up in your living space for an unexpected dash of cool. Party on!

DIY ceiling decoration ideas

If you’re planning a major overhaul of your ceiling, you’ll want to call in the professionals for sure.

Painting or papering any size of ceiling is best left to the decorating experts – and ceiling lights definitely need a qualified electrician for a professional and safe installation.

But there are definitely some decorative ceiling ideas you can try out yourself.

These four ideas won’t take masses of skill – just a little bit of time, patience and confidence. Have a go!

• Create a global adventure in a children’s bedroom by pasting the ceiling with colourful maps and pages from old atlases.

• Fix up panels of faux greenery for one of the easiest ways to go green overhead – definitely one for those who aren’t blessed with green fingers!

• Fledgling painters can try their hand at a simple paint mural that trails up the wall to the ceiling. A great idea to create a cosy look for rooms with lower ceilings.

• Draping long strings of bare bulbs is probably our favourite way to add just a little hint of magic to any bare ceiling.

Turn your ceiling decoration ideas into reality

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