Decorated Ceilings Are Looking Up

Whether with a simple coat of paint or intricate molding, ceilings are getting some long-deserved attention in interior designs

Becky HarrisApril 5, 2012

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

I was so saddened to hear of master interior designer Albert Hadley's death this week. In the world of interior design, he was one of the greats. He also never took himself or design too seriously. Rather, he designed for making life enjoyable and comfortable. I was thinking about him this week, and while scrolling through a list of his best quotes I came across this one:

"Ceilings must always be considered. They are the most neglected surface in a room."

Unfortunately, this is true. Like space, ceilings are often the final frontier. So let's take a look at 10 ceiling options that will save yours from neglect.

Lizette Marie Interior Design

Paint. This is the easiest way to draw eyes up. Whether it's just one tone away from the wall color or it's bright raspberry, lime green or black, a painted ceiling will make your room look truly decorated and complete.

Check out more ceiling paint ideas

SB Architects

Wallpaper. Covering the ceiling is a great way to add a large swath of a print that might otherwise overwhelm the space. If you want to add some texture to the ceiling, consider covering it in grass cloth.

Rodriguez Studio Architecture PC

Tin. Tin ceilings were originally created as a more affordable way to add ornament than plaster. They became popular during the Victorian era. Today tin ceilings sweeten a real estate listing. If you want to get the look, you can buy easy-to-install peel-and-stick tiles.

Whitten Architects

Beadboard. Beadboard adds cottage charm to any room. It looks especially great in kitchens and in attic bedrooms with sloped ceilings.

See more beadboard around the house

Hammer Architects

Wood planks. This ceiling is made of decking boards, but you can select any type of boards you like. While these work well in this midcentury-modern home, reclaimed boards are another favorite option of mine.

Check out more wood-plank ceilings

PPDS

Trays. A tray ceiling adds dimension. This one has a second ceiling element in the center, ornate molding work in a geometric pattern. Take note of the special lighting on and around this ceiling.

See 12 ways to dress up a tray ceiling

Dillard Pierce Design Associates

Coffered. A coffered ceiling contains a grid of flat panels between boxed beams.

Exposed beams. This look is especially popular in Spanish colonial architecture, but it works in every type of home, from a rustic cabin to a minimalist, contemporary space.

Echelon Custom Homes

Barrel vaults. A barrel-vault ceiling dates all the way back to Babylonia. While a single vault is a dramatic element for a long hallway, a bathroom or a living room, I love the look of a series of barrel vaults in a kitchen. It reminds me of sitting in my favorite restaurant in Tuscany, complete with cozy candlelight and the best risotto in the world.

See more barrel-vault ceilings

RLH Studio

Fiber optics. Look closely: This ceiling is full of tiny fiber optic lights that recall the night sky when it's dark.

More:
13 Ceiling Treatments to Look Up To

How to Make a Tall Room Feel Right

Great Ideas for Painted Ceilings