8 Designer-Approved Ways to Try the Wallpaper Ceiling Trend

Statement ceilings are making waves in the interior design world lately—but they aren't just limited to bold paint colors. Wallpapered ceilings are the latest unexpected decor choice designers are loving. "As an element of the room that typically is left plain, wallpapering the ceiling can make a space feel extra special," says Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper.

Instead of defaulting to a can of 'ceiling white' paint, elevate a room by turning the fifth wall into a surprising decorative feature. The trend incorporates the ceiling as an integral part of a room's overall design and instantly transforms the space. "One of the most notable aspects of this trend is its ability to add depth and character to a room," says James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO and creative director at Bobbi Beck. "It offers a fresh perspective on how to infuse personality, style, and creativity into your living spaces," he says.

If you're ready to add a little more personality to your space, give this dramatic design trend a try.

How to Incorporate a Wallpaper Ceiling

The way you incorporate the wallpaper ceiling trend into your home depends on the look you want to achieve. To strike the right balance between dramatic and elegant—especially in the more public spaces within your home such as a living room or dining room—Rees recommends keeping the rest of the space simple.

"For the spaces that you will spend the most time in, I recommend leaving the walls a solid color that coordinates with the wallpaper, allowing the ceiling to become the focal point of the room," she says. On the other hand, if you're ready to fully embrace a 'more is more' maximalist aesthetic, Rees suggests playing with a variety of colors and patterns. "Try mixing bright colors and/or coordinating prints between the walls and the ceiling," she says.

Where to Use Wallpaper Ceilings

You can add wallpaper to any room that has a ceiling (opt for peel-and-stick if you're not quite sold on the trend yet), but there are a few places in the home where this trend works best. Rees and Mellan-Matulewicz share their best decorating advice to help you create the right look.

1. Rooms with High Ceilings

One of the visual benefits of installing wallpaper on a ceiling is the fact that it creates an immediate focal point, and Mellan-Matulewicz explains that it also helps draw the eye upward. "This can be particularly effective in rooms with high ceilings, as it helps to visually lower the ceiling height, making the space feel cozier and more inviting," he says.

2. Small Spaces

As with any bold design trend, Rees suggests starting small. "A great place to try out this trend is in the smaller spaces in your home, such as a powder room or a wet bar nook," she says. Experimenting with trends in small spaces is safer not just because they can easily be closed off, but because you are not investing as much money into materials and installation services as you would be with a larger space such as a formal dining room.

3. Bedrooms

Elevate a bedroom and give it a sophisticated makeover with a wallpapered ceiling. When it comes to ceiling light fixtures, there are two different approaches you can take—either allow the wallpaper pattern to be front and center in the bedroom design and opt for discreet recessed lights around the room's perimeter, or draw attention to a bold print with an equally striking sculptural pendant light.

4. Low-Moisture Areas

Rees points out that there are also practical considerations to keep in mind when selecting where you will be wallpapering a ceiling. She stresses the importance of avoiding spaces that receive a lot of moisture, such as a windowless bathroom with a shower or a tub. She recommends choosing a traditional pasted substrate to ensure that the wallpaper stays put over time.

Types of Wallpaper to Use on a Ceiling

Just as there are thousands of paint colors to choose from, there are just as many wallpaper styles, patterns, and finishes. Here are a few ceiling wallpaper ideas to consider before getting started.

1. Mural-Style Ceiling

A large-scale, mural-style wallpaper print creates the illusion of a fresco ceiling, elevating the space and giving it a timeless quality. A floral print of blossoming branches adorning a utilitarian space such as a kitchen is a beautiful way to infuse it with softness and an artistic touch. To help it feel intentional and not out of place, pull colors from the wallpaper and use them on the walls and cabinetry, creating a mirrored effect.

2. Whimsical Wallpaper Print

Other spaces that Rees says bedrooms and playrooms are another great place to try out this trend. For a more playful approach, opt for a whimsical wallpaper that brightens the space and creates contrast with a deep wall color. Look for a pattern that's fun enough to use in a nursery, but transitional enough to grow with the room's occupant.

3. Sky-Inspired Ceiling Wallpaper

Turn a bedroom ceiling into clear blue skies with a beautiful sky-inspired wallpaper. Similar to a haint blue paint color on a porch ceiling that visually extends the sky, this design trick will open up the space and give it an open and airy feel. Choose a light-colored, bird-adorned print for a touch of whimsy, and juxtapose the organic shapes seen in the print with a more linear design on the walls, whether through shiplap or beadboard.

4. Clashing Patterns

Create visual tension by pairing two clashing patterns and colors together to make a bold statement. Experiment with this design technique in a small kitchen, mudroom, or powder room, using a classic, linear tile such as subway tile on the walls and a bold graphic wallpaper on the ceiling. To prevent the space from feeling cluttered, incorporate solid surfaces that provide a resting spot for the eye, whether that's a solid colored countertop in the kitchen or vanity in the powder room.