Wallpaper Isn’t Just for Walls—Why Ceilings Are Getting the Treatment This Season
- BY THE EDITORS OF HOMEFINDSS
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Elevate your fifth wall with statement ceilings.
by: Our Editors
If you asked an interior designer five years ago where wallpaper “belongs,” the ceiling would almost certainly have been last on the list. But fast-forward to today, and the so-called “fifth wall” is having its moment. More and more homeowners and decorators are looking up—applying wallpaper overhead to lend drama, cohesion, and personality in ways paint alone can’t match. Think of ceilings not as blank space, but as canvases.
In this post, we’ll explore why ceiling wallpaper is trending now, how to do it well, and where to shop for great wallpaper (and yes, overhead-friendly designs) so your ceiling can hold its own in your home’s design story.
Why Ceilings, Too?
1. It adds depth without overwhelming the walls
Wallpapered ceilings allow you to introduce colour, pattern, or texture without competing with furniture, artwork, or wall decor. You can keep the walls calmer and let the ceiling be the surprising accent. As Olivia & Poppy explain, ceiling wallpaper doesn’t just “fill blank space”—it becomes a deliberate, elevated design choice.
2. It highlights architecture & conceals flaws
Ceiling paper can draw attention to crown mouldings, beams, or interesting ceiling planes. And in older homes or those with plaster or drywall imperfections, it can mask minor irregularities that would otherwise show through flat paint.
3. It changes the perceived scale
In rooms with sprawling high ceilings, a patterned or darker print overhead can visually “bring the ceiling down” a bit, making the space feel more intimate. Conversely, lighter-toned, subtle motifs can make lower ceilings feel airier and less oppressive.
4. It’s a fresh way to layer design
Designers are all about layering textures, tones, and visual interest. A wallpapered ceiling is simply another layer. Wallpapering ceilings is more than just “a trend” — it’s a way to inject personality from unexpected angles
5. The trend momentum is real
From “statement ceilings” showing up in luxury interiors to social media feeds full of patterned overheads, the design world is embracing this evolution wholeheartedly
Home Findss - Style Tips for Doing It Right
Pick the right pattern & scale
Avoid extremely directional prints (like big chevrons or vertically obvious motifs) unless you’re deliberate about your layout. Many designers recommend choosing designs without a dominant up-down direction, so the ceiling paper naturally flows across the plane.
Large-scale murals or celestial prints can mimic fresco ceilings and make any space feel more artful. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that mural-style ceiling wallpapers create an illusion of depth and timelessness overhead.
Keep balance with walls and décor
If your ceiling is pattern-forward, opt for more restrained walls so the space doesn’t feel “too busy.” On the flip side, you can subtly echo tones or motifs from the ceiling in your upholstery, rugs, or accent pieces to create cohesion.
Choose the right material
Vinyl wallpapers or high-quality washable papers tend to perform better on ceilings (easier to clean, less prone to sagging). Textured papers—like grasscloth or metallic finishes—also offer depth but should be tested (light can highlight seams).
Plan your lighting
Light direction matters. Shadows can amplify texture or pattern in unexpected ways. Try mock-ups or sample strips to see how overhead lighting will interact with the print.
Use sample strips (always)
Order sample swatches first to test how the pattern reads from below, how seams fall, and whether the scale is right. Most wallpaper sites offer sample programs.
Installation pointers
Start the first strip in a location that’s not dead center (so any misalignment or trimming is discrete).
Use extra adhesive or a wallpaper adhesive formulated for ceilings to reduce sag.
If seams are unavoidable (for directional prints or mural panels), plan their placement in less obvious areas.
Trim carefully around light fixtures, vents, and moulding.
Where to Shop (Links & Resources)
To get your ceiling design dreams off the ground, here are a few wallpaper shops and sources worth browsing (many with ceiling or mural-ready options):
Milton & King — they carry a curated ceiling wallpaper collection.
Wallpaper Direct — wide selection of wallpaper and fabric, delivered direct.
Mahone’s Wallpaper Shop — designer and luxury wallpapers, including many styles.
Wallpapers To Go — long-standing online store with designer collections and free samples.
York Wallcoverings — high-end offerings and classic collections that often include mural and specialty papers.
World of Wallpaper — UK-based, but many designs ship internationally.
Painted Paper — a dedicated ceiling wallpaper (and feature ceiling) collection.
Spoonflower — custom, artist-designed wallpaper (good for unique ceiling ideas).
When browsing, filter or search by “ceiling,” “mural,” or “architectural scale” — many shops designate overhead-friendly designs.
Inspiring Ideas Worth Stealing
Celestial or sky murals overhead, turning any room into a gazing chamber
Botanical canopy motifs — imagine vines, leaves or florals stretching above
Metallic geometrics for a modern, shimmering ceiling
Tone-on-tone textures (grasscloth, linen weaves) to give elegance without overload
Accent ceilings in small zones, such as foyer, powder room, or alcove
Even applying a border band or contrast-trim wallpaper ring around the central ceiling plane can create drama without committing the full span.
At Homefindss, we believe every detail in your home tells a story — and the ceiling is no exception. Wallpapering your ceiling adds depth, elegance, and a layer of personality that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re after something modern, romantic, or whimsical, this design move proves one thing: the best spaces think beyond the walls.
So, the next time you look up, imagine your ceiling as the final brushstroke that completes your home’s masterpiece. Shop our selection of wallpaper here.
Comments