Ceiling decorating can be done with paint or wallpaper. I have done both, and the result creates a very different look. This page will give you some basic ideas for creating a ceiling that blends into your wall, and compliments your accents and accessories. There are a few things to consider when deciding on what you want to do with your ceiling in any room.







Create a flat or textured look

Wallpaper the entire ceiling

Paint a design or mural

Painting your ceiling flat or textured is really a preference. Some people like the ceiling and walls to be the same, while others like the contrast in the two. Your main goal is properly prime the area before painting. A primer is always a good way to ensure your paint will last for a long time. This area of the room may seem like a challenge. Some rooms are designed with vaulted or higher ceilings, which make it a little tougher to paint.

You can hire a professional to come in and paint, or a simple idea is to purchase an extension pole. You can attach the roller right to the pole. Always put protection of cloth or plastic on your furniture and floors.















Texture painting can be done with a texture roller. There are different style texture brushes available today. Depending on your color will depend on how many coats you may have to apply. Darker colors tend to need two possibly three coats. Remember, you can paint the walls and ceiling the same color or blend darker and lighter shades together. Below is a picture of part of a tray ceiling that is painted in a lighter shade complimenting the walls.

Tray or vaulted spaces can create an openness and warmth in any room. I love painting contrast between the two areas. Whatever color you use, blend in light and dark tones of that same color. Creating a real bright and bold ceiling can be done on along with your walls. Don't over power the room with paint, and that is one reason I tend to recommend painting a lighter tone on the ceiling. It softens the room.



Ah, the art of wallpapering a ceiling. This can be done by the everyday person but to be honest, it takes patience and time. If these are issues, I would hire a professional hanger to wallpaper. If you are going to do this yourself have another person work with you. It is a lot easier to hang the paper working with four hands. I recommend to use a primer or apply a liner. In the page, basic terms when decorating with wallpaper, I give a simple explanation of different types of liners. The key to successfully putting up wallpaper on a ceiling is to work in smaller pieces. You will have more seams, but it is also more manageable when working with your arms above you. The pro of wallpapering a ceiling, is it gives the room a well balanced and complete overall look. Be careful when picking out wall paper for the entire room. You don't have to use the same wallpaper on the walls as the ceiling.

There are many different complimentary and matching patterns available on line and in stores. When you wallpaper a ceiling, start at one end and work length wise to the other end. Continue the next row and work your way across the ceiling. Make sure your seams are butted up well against each other, and the paper is smoothed out.

A specific design or murals are becoming very popular for walls or ceilings. There is stenciling that can be done and also murals that can be painted. In the picture above, the sky can be created for many different themes. If you have a little creativity you can do this, or hire out a professional. A sky mural consists of starting with a blue base foundation paint over the entire ceiling. Once the paint is dried, you begin to create the clouds. If you have some artistic ability draw a couple of birds flying in the sky. A rainbow is another popular feature on a mural.

Another idea is to create a look of a night time sky. An inexpensive way of doing this is to purchase reflecting star stickers and apply them to the ceiling. I did this for one of our daugher's when she was younger. She had a stars, sun, and moon theme, and at night her ceiling turned into a night time sky. The funny part was when we had guests and they slept in her room. They turned off the light and their room turned into a natures night time delight. They were a little taken at first but ended up liking the concept of sleeping under the stars.





Whether you are painting, wallpapering, or doing a mural on the ceiling, your main goal is to find the texture you want, create the colors that will blend together, so that everything in the room balances.