Decorating a ceiling with wallpaper can be a gorgeous way to add visual interest and style to a room. Unlike painting a ceiling, which can feel monotonous, wallpaper offers intricate patterns, colors, and textures to take the eye upward. When done right, a wallpapered ceiling can be the crowning jewel of a space.
The History of Wallpapered Ceilings
Wallpapering ceilings dates back centuries and has origins in Europe. In the 17th and 18th centuries, aristocrats and royalty adorned their palaces and manor houses with elaborately designed wallpaper murals on ceilings and walls. Artists were commissioned to hand paint scenic landscapes, trompe l’oeil architectural details, and ornate patterns.
Wallpaper provided a more affordable and achievable way to get the look of fancy, commissioned painting. Through the ages, the popularity of wallpapered ceilings has ebbed and flowed along with wallpaper trends in general. However, it remains a classic look that never fully goes out of style.
Benefits of Using Wallpaper on Ceilings
There are many advantages to choosing wallpaper for ceilings:
- Visual Impact: Wallpaper adds drama, flair and interest to a boring ceiling. It draws the eyes up and makes the space feel taller.
- Hides Imperfections: Wallpaper can conceal cracks, uneven textures, and previous water damage on an existing ceiling surface.
- Easy Application: Wallpaper is simpler to install than painted murals or medallions which require special skills.
- Customizable: From traditional florals to modern geometrics, wallpaper comes in endless colors, prints and textures to match any decor.
- Cost Effective: Wallpapering a ceiling is typically more affordable than installing wood, tiles or other specialty materials.
Things to Consider Before Wallpapering a Ceiling
While beautiful, wallpapering a ceiling requires some careful planning and preparation:
Select the Right Space
Consider the size and proportions of the room. Smaller rooms can feel more intimate with a papered ceiling while larger rooms may feel grand. Adjust pattern scale accordingly.
Review Fire Codes
Check local regulations as codes vary. Some jurisdictions restrict wallpaper use on ceilings, especially in rental units.
Consider Acoustics
Wallpaper will reflect sound differently than an acoustic tile or popcorn ceiling. This may or may not be desirable.
Match with Wallpaper
For a cohesive look, select a ceiling paper that coordinates with the wallpaper pattern but isn’t an exact match.
Calculate the Amount Needed
Measure the ceiling area and purchase 10-15% extra to account for pattern matching and wastage.
Check for Moisture
Repair any leaks and address humidity issues before installing. Moisture can ruin wallpaper adhesive.
Prepare the Surface Properly
Fill cracks, sand rough areas, remove old adhesive and paint. Degloss for maximum adhesion.
Choosing a Wallpaper Style for Ceilings
With thousands of options, it can be daunting to pick out ceiling wallpaper. Keep these tips in mind:
Scale and Density
Medium to large scale patterns work best. Dense, busy prints can feel overwhelming overhead.
Light Reflection
Shiny or metallic finishes magnify light reflections. Matte and textured papers minimize glare.
Print Styles
Distinct patterns like florals, geometrics and damasks are preferable over scenic landscapes, which look awkward upside down.
Color
Neutral palettes give a clean, airy effect. Bold colors make a dramatic statement. But limit intense hues.
Coordination
If wallpapering walls too, make sure your ceiling choice complements but doesn’t compete.
Popular Wallpaper Styles for Ceilings
Here are some of the most popular design styles for wallpapered ceilings:
Traditional Florals
Timeless and romantic, floral patterns like roses, vines and blossoms bring beauty overhead. Sophisticated chintzes look smart.
Geometric Patterns
From hexagons to zigzags, bold geometric prints pack visual energy. Great for modern and eclectic spaces.
Damask Designs
Elegant damasks feature intricate interlaced shapes. Provides an upscale look in a bedroom or dining room.
Nature and Botanical Prints
Stylized leaves, branches and flowers add organic flair. Works for rustic, tropical and boho spaces.
De Gournay Scenes
Hand-painted replicas of these famous French papers depict exotic birds, gardens and pagodas.
Graphic Art Deco
Strong lines, pointy shapes and metallic sheens harken back to the glitzy Jazz Era. Makes a bold statement.
Moroccan Tiles
Ethnic mosaic patterns inspired by zellige tiles in Moroccan architecture ooze exotic appeal.
Minimalist Murals
Understated, textured solid backgrounds create quiet elegance. Provides a palette cleanser effect.
Professional Installation Tips for Wallpapered Ceilings
Installing wallpaper on a ceiling requires expertise to get it properly aligned and keep seams tight. Consider hiring a professional paperhanger for the best results. If DIYing, follow these tips:
- Use a sturdy scaffold or ladder to comfortably work overhead without strain.
- A pasting machine will make applying adhesive much neater and easier than manually pasting sheets.
- Always start papering in the center and work your way towards the edges to keep everything straight.
- Overlap strips slightly and use a seam roller to gently fuse together without trapping air bubbles.
- Take time smoothing out each sheet before moving on. Don’t stretch or tug paper once pasted.
- Use a wallpaper smoother tool to flatten seams. Apply heat with a hair dryer for stubborn wrinkles.
- At edges and corners, wrap paper neatly and cleanly trim off excess with a sharp utility knife.
- Once installed, lightly coat wallpaper with a protective varnish like polyurethane for durability.
Decorating with a Wallpapered Ceiling
A statement-making ceiling deserves the right interior treatment to balance out the room. Here are some decor ideas:
Furniture Placement
Position beds, sofas and desks so people can admire the ceiling without straining. Angle lighting up too.
Crown Molding
Adding crown molding provides a graceful transition between walls and a papered ceiling.
Ceiling Medallion
For traditional and romantic spaces, anchor a chandelier with a crystal or carved medallion in the center.
Wallpaper Accents
Echo the ceiling’s colors and patterns subtly onto the walls with coordinating print curtains, upholstery or frames.
Dramatic Lighting
Crystal chandeliers, pendant clusters or neon sculpture lights make that bold ceiling the star attraction.
Neutral Walls
Tone down busy ceilings with neutral painted walls or panels of plain grasscloth. Provides quiet balance.
Gallery Wall
Draw the eye down sometimes with framed groupings of artwork hung vertically on one wall.
Unique Uses of Wallpaper Beyond Bedroom Ceilings
While most people first think of canopied beds and formal dining rooms when considering a papered ceiling, don’t limit yourself. Here are some creative ways to use wallpaper ceilings in any room:
Powder Room Surprise
Make small powder baths feel like a jewel box with metallic floral ceiling wallpaper inside.
Kitchen Island Accent
Use removable peel-and-stick wallpaper just on the ceiling over your kitchen island.
Home Office Inspiration
Encourage creativity with artsy decoupaged newsprint or dictionary page clippings overhead.
Nursery Whimsy
Line a baby’s ceiling with cute animal prints, hot air balloons or clouds.
Ceiling Bookcase
Adhere book-themed ceiling wallpaper above built-in shelving stuffed with novels.
Entryway Greeting
Wallpaper the ceiling of a foyer or hallway to make a unique first impression.
Laundry Room Fun
Add retro costume prints for playful irony while folding clothes.
Bold Cabinetry Backdrop
Emphasize a stunning kitchen cabinet display with tropical or geometric papers above.
Dressing Room Selfies
becomes the perfect backdrop for modeling outfit selfies.
8 Key Questions About Wallpapering Ceilings
- Is wallpaper difficult to install on a ceiling? Yes, wallpapering overhead takes skill. Hire a professional for an immaculate look. DIY is possible but challenging.
- Should you wallpaper the ceiling before or after installing crown molding? Generally install molding first since wallpaper goes partially over it for a clean edge.
- What surface prep is needed before installing ceiling wallpaper? Fill any cracks, sand rough patches, wash off dirt and oil. Degloss for max adhesion.
- Can you apply wallpaper border trim where the ceiling meets the walls? Yes, delicate borders frame a papered ceiling nicely. Select coordinating colors.
- Is wallpapered ceiling height limited to standard 8 foot rooms? No, wallpaper works in high or vaulted ceilings too. Use a style that matches the ceiling height.
- How is ceiling wallpaper different than standard wallpaper? It is typically thicker and made of more durable materials since gravity affects adhesion overtime.
- Is special adhesive required for ceiling installation? Yes, heavy duty wallpaper adhesives are formulated to prevent sagging and peeling issues.
- Does the wallpapered ceiling need to be sealed or protected? Polycrylic or polyurethane coatings help withstand humidity and protect ink from fading.
Achieving an Eye-Catching Ceiling with Wallpaper
Wallpaper offers seemingly endless possibilities for creating a gorgeous ceiling focal point using color, texture, shape and pattern. While it requires careful prep and installation, the dazzling result is well worth the effort. A papered ceiling done right has unmatched style and visual impact compared to basic painted drywall.
Rather than just a functional surface overhead, your ceiling becomes an integral part of the overall room design with wallpaper. It sets the tone, inspires the decor and delights the eye. Don’t be afraid to take the eye upward with this fresh approach to interior design! With the right style, preparation and professional technique, wallpaper can transform any basic ceiling into a true masterpiece.
