Making use of ceilings is a great way to add details and layers into an interior, and currently it’s a trend. Who wants a usual ceiling when you can cover it with plywood, wood and even wallpaper? Wallpaper ceilings can bring unique patterns and layers to an interior and realizing such a project won’t take much time. But before going for such a ceiling you need to know some things.
Choosing Wallpaper
Choose the right type of wallpaper. If you think that you may tire of the look you choose, opt for removable wallpaper. Removing traditional wallpaper from the wall is hard enough; on the ceiling, it can be back-breaking work.
Pick color and pattern carefully. Darker tones on the ceiling tend to weigh down a room—desirable if you’re looking to achieve a cozier feel. On the flip side, lighter colors can make smaller rooms feel larger, and metallics can help reflect light in cramped spaces. You’ll also need to choose between a small- or large-scale motif. Larger-scale patterns, with a repeat of 12 inches or more, can be easier on the eye. However, smaller-scale patterns disguise installation misalignments easier, which may be preferable if you’re DIYing wallpaper for the first time.
A beautiful vintage-inspired blue and white bathroom with a printed wallpaper ceiling echoing the colors below.
A blush girl's bedroom accented with printed wallpaper on the ceiling looks more interesting and dreamy.
A boho kid's room with a gold geometric wallpaper ceiling, a graphic rug and pillow to make it bolder and cooler.
A bright double guest bedroom with a bright wallpaper ceiling, the prints of which match the pillows.
A bright entryway made quirky and funny with a whimsy wallpaper ceiling in black and white.
A celestial navy wallpaper wall makes the bedroom dreamy and trendy as everything celestial works.
A chic entryway made bold with a banana leaf print wallpaper ceiling that adds print and color to make the space chic.
A chic entryway with a ceiling done with mauve floral wallpaper that echoes with the door and pillows.
A colorful bathroom made more refined and whimsy with moody floral wallpaper on the ceiling.
A colorful bedroom accented with a moody floral wallpaper ceiling that brings more print and evne more color to the space.
A cool sunroom with a printed wallpaper ceiling that adds pattern to the space and makes it more welcoming and interesting.
Preparations
Make sure your ceiling is conducive to wallpapering. There’s some significant prep work required before putting up wallpaper. First, repair any cracks or imperfections in the ceiling with spackle or joint compound, then sand the area smooth with a fine-grit sandpaper. Remove any light fixtures or air vents (make sure to disconnect the electricity first). Clean the ceiling, using a duster on a long extension pole or a shop vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove all initial dust; go over the ceiling a second time with a rag or tack cloth to touch up. Next, prime the ceiling. Use a specialty primer made specifically for wallpaper application and let it dry for at least 48 hours (follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions). This will help prevent damage to your walls down the line when the wallpaper is eventually removed.
A dark dramatic kitchen with a moody floral wallpaper ceiling that adds charm and makes the space look softer.
A jaw-dropping living room with a graphic wallpaper arched ceiling, the pattern of which echoes with the furniture below.
A kid's room with a navy celestial wallpaper ceiling that makes the space more dreamy and beautiful.
A minimalist bedroom with a map on the ceiling to dream where to go while lying in the bed.
A neutral living room made bolder with a navy chair, a gold sideboard and a wallpaper printed ceiling.
A rather neutral blue and white kid's room made cooler with a printed wallpaper ceiling that adds catchiness to the room.
A refined dining room with a dark floral wallpaper ceiling that echoes with the chairs in color.
A refined dining space made bolder and edgier with graphic wallpaper on the ceiling.
A stylish dining space with a florla wallpaper ceiling that brings pattern and color to the space.
A stylish double guest bedroom with an attic ceiling covered with green bird wallpaper and a matching rug.
A stylish entryway with a printed wallpaper ceiling with wooden beams looks more unusual and more modern.
A stylish mid-century modern home office with a graphic wallpaper ceiling that brings pattern to the room.
A very narrow and laconic corridor made cool with a bright printed wallpaper ceiling doesn't look small or boring.
A vintage mudroom with a floral print wallpaper ceiling that adds print to the space and makes it chic.