Most of us don’t give our ceilings much thought. They’re usually painted white and forgotten. But they’re also one of the largest design surfaces in any room – and that makes them a perfect place to try something unexpected. A layer of wallpaper overhead can turn an ordinary space into something truly spectacular.
“I love using wallpaper on ceilings because it creates a big design moment without the expense of covering an entire room,” says Marina Case, The Red Shutters’ principal designer. “It’s a way to bring in personality, color, or pattern in a way that feels fresh, fun, and unforgettable.”
The Fifth Wall – Where the Magic Happens
The ceiling is a surface we love to leverage in our designs. Adding wallpaper above instantly draws the eye upward, giving the whole room a new sense of dimension. It doesn’t overwhelm because the pattern is contained to just one plane, but it still packs plenty of punch.
“I’ve found that when clients see a ceiling wallpapered for the first time, their reaction is always the same – surprise, delight, and “why didn’t I think of that?” says Marina.
The Rooms Where a Wallpapered Ceiling Works Best
Wallpaper on the ceiling doesn’t work everywhere, but when it does, it’s design magic.
Bathrooms: These spaces are one of our favorite spots for a wallpapering a ceiling. Today, most bathrooms are required by code to have fans, so wallpaper generally holds up quite well and evokes a jewel box quality. But if you don’t have a fan or your bathroom has a steam shower, we don’t recommend installing wallpaper – on the walls or the ceiling.
Bedrooms: Adding wallpaper to a bedroom ceiling instantly changes the mood of the space, making it feel more intimate and cocoon-like. Soft, organic patterns overhead can create a calming effect that’s perfect for winding down after a long day, while a trellis or floral motif adds subtle elegance.
Living Rooms and Sitting Rooms: Ceilings in these spaces offer a fabulous opportunity to elevate the vibe. When paired with inset moldings or coffered details, wallpaper feels like a natural extension of the architecture rather than an afterthought. It adds depth, texture, and a sense of sophistication, creating a layered environment that feels intentional and inviting.
While ceiling wallpaper can be transformative in many rooms, there are a few spaces where we recommend shying away from this design choice. Not every area benefits from this added pattern – and in some cases, it can make a room feel busier or closed in.
We typically don’t recommend wallpapering kitchen ceilings. With cabinetry, appliances, and lighting already garnering much attention, adding pattern overhead can make the space feel visually just too busy. The same goes for narrow hallways, where wallpaper on the ceiling can feel overwhelming and cramped.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper Pattern for a Ceiling
Picking the right wallpaper is key to a successful design. We tend to gravitate toward organic designs or trellis patterns because they have a sense of movement and flow that feels natural overhead. Very structured or rigid designs can look awkward, and grass cloth (as much as we love it on walls) is generally wasted on ceilings – the impact is lacking.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Papering Your Ceiling
Smooth Finish: Ceilings need to be smooth before wallpaper can be applied. Any bumps or texture will show through and detract from the design.
Moisture Levels: Bathrooms with a fan are fine but avoid wallpaper in spaces with steam units.
Hire a Pro: Wallpapering ceilings is not something you want to DIY. A professional installer with ceiling experience is worth every penny.
Wallpapering a ceiling is a small design move with a big payoff – and it’s one of our favorite ways to add impact in a surprising way.
Ready to Get Started Transforming Your Space?
There are so many ways in addition to pattern to breathe fresh life into a home. View my Portfolio to see more examples of my interior design projects and follow us on Instagram for more interior design inspiration.
