ELEVATE YOUR SPACE: 10 STRIKING CEILING IDEAS
Creating a statement ceiling can be a great way to add personality and creative interest to your home. There are several approaches you can take, read on for more information and inspiring ideas to get you started.
Photo - Echo & Earl | echoandearl.com | Design @teamwoodnote @citysage
INSPIRATION AND WHERE TO START
I recently visited Wow House at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour in London. It's an annual event where around 20 interior designers are invited to design a room using high-end elements like wallpaper, paint, fabrics, furniture, lighting, and artwork from top showrooms. One interesting detail I noticed was how the designers creatively treated the ceilings, adding an extra touch of uniqueness to each room.
Often overlooked, the ceilings in our homes are deserving of just as much attention as the other surfaces. Consider the ceiling as the often-neglected 5th wall. Today, I want to introduce you to a selection of treatments that will create a statement ceiling. The ideas below have captured my interest and can be implemented in your own living space. From simple solutions requiring nothing more than a tin of paint and a brush, to more specialised techniques, there's something to accommodate every budget. So, without further ado, let's delve into these inspiring ideas and explore the possibilities for transforming your ceilings.
WORKING WITH PAINT
1 - Colour Drench
Lately, there's a popular trend called "colour drenching" that's catching on. I've personally adopted it in my own home and when working with clients. It's simple: you use a single colour of paint on all surfaces. From the ceiling to the walls, skirting boards to architraves, everything gets coated in the same hue. It's particularly handy for attic rooms, where it's hard to differentiate between the walls and ceiling. This approach creates a cosy, cohesive look for the entire room.
Design - Nicola Harding
Design - MKCA.com
2 – Colour Blocking
Add a pop of colour to your space without overwhelming it by painting the ceiling in a bold hue while keeping the walls neutral. It's a budget-friendly DIY project that can be completed in a day, although it may require a steady hand and some masking tape.
Photo - These Four Walls | Design - Ferm Living
Design - Studio Tamat
3 – Gloss Finish
Want to bring more light into your room? Paint your ceiling with a glossy finish instead of matt paint if your space lacks natural daylight. Choosing a coloured paint adds intensity to the scheme and reflects light throughout the room. It's a clever trick, but you'll need confidence in your design to pull it off.
Photo - Michael Sinclair | Design - Rachel Chudley
Photo - Matthew Williams | Design - Studio DB
4 – Stripes
Painting stripes on the ceiling of a child’s bedroom adds excitement. Paint simple stripes running from one side of the room to the other or create extra buzz by painting stripes to look like a circus tent! What child wouldn’t love this?
Photo - James Merrel | Design - Marianne Cotterill
Photo - Bob Gagovski | Design - Gavin Houghton
5 – Ceiling Mural
For those without exceptional talent, it's best to involve a professional or a creative friend for this idea. Instead of using a single colour, why not embellish the ceiling and walls with freehand images that transition between them? Nature-themed elements like trees and leaves work beautifully for this concept. Carry the theme onto the walls and complement it with nature-inspired accessories.
Design - Khara Ledonne
Design - Abel Macias Studio
6 – Architectural Details
Highlight the exquisite architectural details, such as cornicing, in your house by adding a complementary pop of colour.
Photo - Benoit Linero | Design - Luke Edward Hall
Design - Francis Sultana
WORKING WITH PAPER
7 – Wallpaper
Wallpapering the ceiling is a versatile option that can enhance various rooms, from bedrooms and living rooms to downstairs cloakrooms. Whether you prefer intricate floral patterns or bold geometric designs, virtually any style of wallpaper can be suitable. To create a cohesive look, select a colour from the wallpaper and use it to paint the walls and woodwork.
Photo - Paul Massey | Design - Maddux Creative
Design - Gunter & Co
WORKING WITH WOOD
8 – Wooden Cladding
Wood cladding instantly adds warmth to a room. Natural materials promote relaxation and better sleep. Instead of the usual wall cladding, consider cladding the ceiling for a unique touch. Recycled cladding creates a rustic feel, while sleek wooden slats offer a Scandinavian vibe. Both options bring character and warmth, especially to homes lacking architectural details. Seek professional advice before starting this project, as it's more complex than painting. Ensure your ceiling can support the weight and avoid interfering with pipes or cables. Use the right tools for a professional finish.
Design - Leanne Ford
Photo - Derek Swalwell | Design - Kennedy Nolan
9 – Beams
Investigating what lies beneath a plasterboard ceiling in a period property can certainly be worth it. There's always a chance of discovering hidden architectural gems like a vaulted ceiling, rafters, or beams that can add character to your room. If you're building a new property, you may also have the opportunity to leave loadbearing beams exposed rather than covering them up.
When leaving beams exposed, you have a few options for their treatment. You can leave them in their natural state, which can showcase their raw beauty. Another approach is to paint them the same colour as the ceiling, creating a cohesive and seamless look. Alternatively, you can paint coloured sections between the beams, adding a touch of visual interest.
In new properties, more complex patterns and structures can be designed into the ceiling at the architectural stage. This allows for greater freedom in creating unique and customised features.
However, it's important to ensure that any modifications you make to the ceiling are in keeping with the property's style and era. For example, introducing Tudor beams into a 1960s semi-detached home may not be the most suitable choice. It's crucial to maintain a sense of relevance to the overall design and character of the property.
Photo - Paul Massey
Design - Studio Peake
WORKING WITH LIGHT
10 – Lighting Features
Adding a feature to your ceiling using light fittings is something that is more common in commercial projects. This isn’t necessarily a weekend project, but if you are thinking about renovating your house and you are rewiring then it is definitely worth considering adding a lighting feature. It may be as simple as having a couple of oversized pendants in one room rather than just one lonely pendant in the centre. Developers are creating new build houses with large open plan living areas and lighting would be a great way to zone a particular space. With open plan living it is more complicated to zone areas using the ceiling, but by having 2 or 3 pendants over a kitchen island, a low pendant over a dining table and then an interesting feature in the living area you have created three distinct spaces without painting walls or ceilings.
Light Design - Ciara O'Neill
Photo - Alex James | Design - Turner Pocock
CONCLUSION
There are endless possibilities for creating a statement ceiling, and you can find inspiration all around you. Observing the ceilings in cafes, restaurants, bars, museums, and shops can spark ideas and help you envision what might work well in your own space.
Remember that there's a statement ceiling option for every budget and skill level. Starting with something as simple as a fresh coat of paint or exploring the existing architectural features of your space can be a great way to make a noticeable impact.
Good luck with your project!
If you would like to see some of my completed projects have a look here.