Dear Madelaine,
I’ve been seeing a lot of images in magazines and social media with wallpaper on the ceiling and I am intrigued but nervous! How do I pull this off for the design and the installation?
I am so excited about this question because I LOVE putting wallpaper on the ceilings!!
The Benefits:
A wallpapered ceiling is inherently unexpected, creating a delightful surprise when executed well. Sometimes a pattern that works with the room’s scheme would be overwhelming if applied to all the walls. Applying it only to the ceiling is less intense and allows the pattern to shine without visual obstruction. Additionally, I believe we are experiencing a return to not just colorful but richly layered spaces, and solid painted ceilings can feel flat. Patterned wallpaper adds depth, drama, and character while making a room feel more considered and cohesive.
Choosing the Right Color and Pattern:
The first step is to define the mood: determine how you want the room to feel—for example, light and airy, bold and graphic, or dark and moody. Next, establish hierarchy: decide if the ceiling will be a primary focal point with a daring print or a secondary supporting player with a more subtle design. The answers to these questions become the filters to guide your search. Also remember to scale up: When in doubt, ceiling patterns should be larger, not smaller, as they are viewed differently than on a wall.
The Installation:
While I have DIY-installed wallpaper on walls, I highly recommend leaving ceilings to the professionals. Dealing with a high ladder, craning your neck, and trying to align the pattern while working out bubbles—the potential savings are not worth the effort or risk.
Want to discuss more specific strategies for your home?
Book a call and we can figure it out together!
Till next time…
Madelaine
PS – Do you have design questions? Send us an email at info@designbyadroit.com and we will answer it as quickly and completely as possible in an upcoming blog post!
