Look Up: Ways to Keep Ceilings in Mind When Designing

Most of the time, when we decorate our homes, we focus on what we see right in front of us, such as wall color, cabinets, furniture, accessories, flooring, and so on.

However, if you want to truly complete your property’s design and make it more valuable for sale, don’t forget to look up. It’s critical to keep ceilings in mind when renovating and designing, and integrate the roof into each room’s overall look and feel.

Ceiling Color and Finish

One of the simplest ways to make a ceiling more interesting is through the finish you use and your chosen colors. For example, you might decorate this part of the room by painting it the same color as the walls to help make the space seem larger. Another option is to choose a lighter or darker tint for the ceiling than that selected for the walls.

Alternatively, if you want to add more drama to a room, consider painting the ceiling a contrasting color to the walls or even in stripes of two different hues. You might tie in the ceiling color(s) you select with a shade you’ve pulled from the wallpaper you use elsewhere in the room or from a rug, sofa, artwork, cushions, or other accessories. This ties everything together but keeps it interesting and evocative at the same time.

You can bring more attention to ceilings by choosing glossy finishings, too, although note that gloss paint isn’t generally the best option for popcorn ceilings, unless you want the bumps to stand out for some reason. In rooms with low ceilings, semi-gloss paint tends to make the roof seem higher. Another idea is to continue wallpaper up from the walls onto the ceiling. Or, you might go all out by covering your ceiling in hand-painted silver gilt or silver leaf for a lavish feel or have pretty florals or even a mural etched on by a talented artist.

Plus, you could add fun ceiling tiles or art-deco-style tin to customize the look of your room. Another option is to add wooden planks to the ceiling to make a space feel warm and cozy, or sheath the roof in elegant linen. Whatever you choose, make sure it suits the general style and décor you’ve used throughout your home, so you have a consistent feel everywhere.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a practical addition to any room, but they can also add more visual interest to an area. No matter the size of your room or the level of ceiling height you have to work with, you should be able to find some elegant products to suit.

Start researching online, and you’ll see that you can buy small ceiling fans for compact spaces, low-profile ones for zones with less height, and fans that come in every type of color and finish. If you have a vast space, such as a big living/dining/kitchen area you need to cool down and dress up, you may need two or more ceiling fans rather than a single one.

Light Fixtures

Another practical yet stylish way to add interest to a room when looking up is via light fixtures. You need lighting to see by, but why not make it work harder by choosing designs that add more flair to a space, too? Start by working out the best position for different lighting options. Work in with the direction of illumination you require and any features already on the ceiling to ensure everything flows together nicely. It pays to have some lights going downwards and some upwards to create more visual drama and impact.

Architectural Elements


You can add interest to the ceilings in your home through the addition of architectural elements. For example, incorporate ceiling beams, medallions, or a coffered (recessed panel) ceiling. You might introduce upholstered acoustic panels, floating screens, faux finishes, or a drop ceiling, provided you have enough height in the room to do so.

Tongue and groove beadboard is another popular option, especially in more historical homes, such as those with a cottage style. You might like to install a historical feel by installed moldings on the ceiling, too. On the other hand, if you have one or more rooms in your property that feel too dark and hemmed in, consider adding skylights. These give you natural light and lead to a brighter space with an appealing ceiling component, too.

You don’t have to leave all the design work in your home to the walls, floors, and furnishings. Instead, bring your ceilings to life and let them play their part in creating interest and fun in any room.