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Why we love wallpaper on the ceiling?
As a wallpaper company, we’ve spent a lot of time helping people choose the perfect wallcovering, the matching rug, the lighting that brings everything together. But there’s one surface that still surprises people: the ceiling. Yes – the ceiling.
That big, blank canvas right above your head. Most of us just paint it white and forget about it. But we are here to tell you: wallpapering your ceiling can completely change the feel of a room. And it’s not as wild or complicated as it sounds.
The fifth wall – why it matters
We call the ceiling the “fifth wall”. In the design world, and that’s not just for fun. The ceiling takes up a massive visual area, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time lying down – like the bedroom. Or in small spaces like powder rooms, where the ceiling feels closer and more intimate. Wallpapering the ceiling adds softness, or even whimsy to a space. The best part – without using up your precious wall space or cluttering your furniture arrangement.
Where ceiling wallpaper really works?
Here are our go-to spaces for ceiling wallpaper:
- Bedrooms: A soft ombré wallpaper or sky-inspired mural above the bed brings instant calm. Or soft cloud wallpaper that makes you feel like you’re floating.
- Kids’ rooms: The ceiling is part of the story. A jungle scene, a sky full of birds, or even just a gentle starry pattern makes the room feel magical.
- Entryways and hallways: These are transition spaces that are often forgotten. A bold wallpaper pattern or deep color on the ceiling adds a sense of drama – like stepping into a boutique hotel.
- Powder rooms: This is where we encourage our clients to be fearless. You’re not in there for long, so it’s the perfect place to go bold. Think dark florals or pretty pink cloud wallpapers!
Design tips for ceiling wallpaper
Keep the rest of the room in mind. If you’re using a bold wallpaper pattern overhead, go neutral on the walls or let one tone from the ceiling repeat elsewhere.
- Lighter tones work best for low ceilings, unless you’re after a moody, cocooned feel – which can be stunning in the right context (like a reading nook or small bedroom).
- Custom sizing is a lifesaver. Pre-cut wallpaper panels make ceiling installation so much smoother – no waste, no guesswork, and the design lines up perfectly.
- Use non-woven wallpaper!
- And finally: don’t overthink it. Wallpaper isn’t permanent. If you fall out of love with it in a few years, it’s easy to change. But more often than not, clients end up loving ceiling wallpaper more every time they look up.
