Look up. There’s no shortage of stunning ceiling details that go beyond dressing the home with ceiling beams or a chandelier. Whether your ceiling is high, low, vaulted, or just in need of a revamp, there are looks to suit. Plus, of course, our ceiling design ideas cater to a wide variety of styles, budgets, color preferences, and, as ever, there are quick, simple renovations you can adopt quickly—no scratch constructions needed.
Excited? We are, too. Let’s get to it.
Painted Ceilings
Ceilings are the perfect way to introduce an extra layer of interest, a layer that adds much-needed warmth to a space. All too often, they are left as an afterthought, but coating them in a color that matches the wall is a simple way to maximize their potential.
Here, the designer blended the powder pink walls with a powder pink ceiling. The floor-to-ceiling windows ensure maximum natural light, keeping the small space looking airy.
Modern Minimalism
For those who favor a contemporary aesthetic, minimalist ceilings can be equally luxurious. The secret? Innovative materials and precise execution; elements that give simplicity the ultimate sophisticated vibe.
Uncluttered spaces and clean lines are key, meaning subtle tray ceilings or plastered ceilings are the perfect fit for all the minimalists out there. Look into sleek fixtures and hidden lighting to enhance the look without overwhelming the space.
Vaulted Ceiling Design
Vaulted ceilings not only add an architectural rhythm to the interior, but also amplify the sense of space—and enhance natural light. When working around a vaulted ceiling, think of light, airy hues to highlight the lofty feel. Or, opt for a barrel-vaulted design with a seamless, arch-like structure, mimicking a barrel cut in half lengthwise. You could even try smooth, Venetian plaster for a subtle sheen and to add timeless texture to the ceiling. Finally, anchor the vastness with oversized, sculptural lighting fixtures that double as works of art.
Cathedral Ceiling Design Ideas
Cathedral ceilings, featured by their steep, symmetrical slopes meeting at a central pointer, add an eye-catchy spectacle to any room. Use this ceiling design idea to infuse your space with timelessness and grandeur. Leverage the design fully with stunning light fixtures that draw the eye upward to highlight the ceiling even more. An idea particularly for those who appreciate interiors that feel majestic airy, flaunting grandeur in each detail.
Skylights
One of the best design elements for a stunning ceiling design. It allows in so much natural light and creates the illusion of a bigger space. The darker green accents keep the room grounded, and the wooden coffee table accentuates the overall organic vibe.
Industrial Ceiling
Enjoying the authentic beauty of exposed elements, like ductwork or unfinished surfaces? Then industrial ceilings are the way to go. To complement the aesthetic, bring in minimal light fixtures and metal accents to nod to urban loft living with a blend of style and functionality.
Wooden Ceiling
Tied to the look of an industrial ceiling design, wooden ceilings give the interior a similar feel, but one that appears cleaner, more sleek. The result is an inviting, cozy ambiance. Opt for lighter woods for a brighter aura, or opt for darker woods to enjoy a dramatic, intimate feel. Also, try installing recessed lighting to highlight the wood’s lovely texture without compromising its natural beauty.
Coffered Design
A coffered ceiling design, with its grid of recessed panels, is perfect for introducing a supremely elegant character to your bedroom. Ambient lighting installed within the coffers brings a modern touch, taking this traditional style into timeless. And if you feel overly adventurous, you can paint the coffered sections to enhance the ceiling’s architecture.
Tray Ceiling Design Ideas
Tray ceilings are the secret to enhanced interior design. Paint the inset a shade darker or lighter than the rest of the ceiling to add extra depth. For a glamorous touch, mount indirect lighting around the tray’s boundaries to cast a soft, ambient glow.
Decorative Beams
Decorative beams on the ceiling can bring in contemporary or rustic charm, depending on the material and design. Stained wooden beams, for example, emphasize a room’s organic flair and warmth. Designers also love the idea of painting the beams a darker hue than the ceiling color to introduce better visual interest.
Black Ceiling Paint
Painting the ceiling in the same hue as the rest of the walls is a lovely idea, but creating contrast, especially with a bold hue (like black), is an approach that gives your room a one-of-a-kind look. Great if you’re someone who loves quirky home decor ideas that set apart the interior from all those rooms we see on Pinterest or in magazines.
Regardless, keep in mind that black (or generally any dark color on the 5th wall) only works in rooms with high ceilings—and big windows to ensure considerable natural light.
Modern Ceiling Design
One of those ceiling design ideas that push the envelope of creativity, incorporating geometric shapes and unexpected materials. If you wish to design a home that feels really avant-garde, consider applying statement patterns and sleek materials. Stretch ceilings are also a fantastic option for a fully impactful, customized look.
Traditional Elegance
Traditional interiors pose a great opportunity to introduce vintage ceiling designs. Medallions, decorative mouldings, elaborate chandeliers, you name it! Paneled or coffered ceilings painted in crisp white bring a touch of elegance, while gold leaf accents or intricate plasterwork create a truly classic look.
Contemporary Cool
Like different design styles for home decor, we see dedicated styles for the ceilings, too. A contemporary ceiling design typically focuses on striking a balance between mid-century modern warmth and modern minimalism. We see the 5th wall featuring clean lines with organic shapes. Expect stretch ceilings with backlit panels or geometric shapes integrated into floating ceilings. Either way, a “contemporary cool” aesthetic will give the room a unique, artistic touch.
Feature Wall
We see feature walls on one of the four perimeter walls, but never on the ceiling, except very recently when designers have extended the beauty of statement designs to the 5th wall. Here, the small kitchen benefits greatly from a glass ceiling, allowing maximum light to keep the space airy. Unique yet so functional.
White Planks
A design that blends the charm of rustic style with a bright feel. Opt for wider planks if you want a modern twist, or narrower ones to keep the interior more on the traditional side. Accentuate the overall ceiling texture with hanging fixtures that cast soft shadows.
Bespoke Design
The fifth wall is a great way to add a three-dimensional aspect to a room. It’s like a fun way to layer the decor without overwhelming the space. For this study and occasional living room, the designer chose a completely bespoke plastered paint color. The ecru wall color and cushions beautifully tie the room together.
Whimsical Ceilings
A great idea for kids’ bedrooms. Here, the blue focal wall is extended to the ceiling. The clouds introduce a whimsical touch, and the wood flooring exudes an organic touch.