20 Ceiling ideas

By Elise Hodge

Updated: January 8th, 2024

Take your average white ceiling from boring to standout with these design ideas

While your ceiling may not be the first thing you’d think about when designing a room, the truth is that an appealing ceiling can completely transform your space. The options are endless… with ideas ranging from statement ceilings and exposed beams to creative wall panelling and intricate lighting solutions. Or you can go for something completely simple and understated. The good news is that it’s your ceiling, which means you can choose how you want it to look. 

So turn your eyes to the sky and check out these 20 ceiling ideas!

1. Tray ceiling

modern dining room interior with brick wall

Tray ceilings can help frame rooms to give them a taller illusion. This is helpful for small spaces or homes with open plans. It can help define different areas in the home if you’re working with open-plan interiors.

2. Contrasting colours

high contrast ceiling design

Opting for a ceiling colour contrasting your walls can affect your perception of the space. A light ceiling, for example, with darker walls, can brighten a room or evoke a sense of drama.

3. Elegant chandelier

bedroom with black and white interior

You don’t need to do too much to elevate your space. A sleek, modern chandelier can do wonders for the overall look of your space. This would still work if you prefer to keep it simple with solid-coloured furniture and a subdued colour palette.

4. Layered planks

layered planks on sloped ceiling

For a visually interesting approach to a sloped ceiling, layer planks for a striking look. Plus points for incorporating some windows to get a view of the sky!

5. Corner light strips

unique corner light strips

Want something different? Create well-intentioned lighting by adding corner light strips to specific areas in your ceiling that illuminate portions of your room.

6. Ceiling fan

contrasting dark brown fan on white high ceiling

Another simple way to elevate your space is by opting for a unique ceiling fan. If you can, opt for one that contrasts your ceiling colour. This also eliminates adding clutter to your floor space with a stand fan to keep you cool on hot days.

7. Exposed beamscathedral ceiling with exposed beams

Exposed ceiling beams make a stylish statement to interiors easily. They add depth, perspective, and a flair of character.  

8. A touch of light

ceiling skylight window

Create a view of brilliant blue by adding a ceiling skylight. It’s a great way to add a touch of natural light to your space without exposing your home to too much heat.

9. Great grids of blue

grid ceiling window

Open your space by adding a grid-style window for a modern interior style and vibrant, bright lighting.

10. Intricate design 

moroccan style interior ceiling

Bring interest to your interiors with intricately designed lighting. Use this trick in hallways to illuminate your guests throughout your home. It doesn’t have to be too expensive fixtures, either. Opt for affordable pendant lights if you’re tight on a budget.

11. Warm cove lighting 

warm strip lights

Cove lighting is a soft approach to illuminating your space. Opt for a warm-coloured light to set the mood in your home. Additionally, warm light is ideal for relaxing your body to wind down, making this perfect for getting cosy on cold nights.

12. Dark-varnished beams

dark-varnished ceiling beams

Dark varnished ceiling beams have a similar effect to contrasting coloured ceilings. They create a touch of drama in an otherwise calm room.

13. Breathtaking chandeliers

asymmetrical cascading chandelier in dining room

Lighting can make all the difference in a space. Brilliant sparkles of light can speak volumes of elegance in a very simple room. Bring in something that stands out, like an asymmetrical cascading chandelier. 

14. Pendant light 

sphere pendant light in dining room

Pendant lights are a great addition to what might seem like a bare ceiling. Let your lighting stand out by strategically selecting one with a colour that contrasts your ceiling or walls.

15. Textured ceiling

textured popcorn ceiling

A seemingly controversial interior decision, popcorn or acoustic ceilings are still a great option if you want to bring texture to your space. Work with a calm or neutral colour to keep its effect subtle.

16. All wood 

clean all wood ceiling

Create a clean, minimalist interior by pairing your white walls with an all-wood ceiling. If you can, go for wood that matches your door and window frames for a harmonious look.

17. Criss-crossed beams

intricate beam ceiling

Working with exposed beams means there’s an opportunity to lead the eyes with patterns. This can very easily add an intricate design to your interior. A quick consultation with an architect can confirm if this is feasible for your home.

18. Suspended segment

ceiling with suspended section light

There’s an opportunity to create elegance with a simple white ceiling. Think of it as a canvas with endless possibilities. Designing your ceiling with suspended sections of wood where lighting can be plugged will make all the difference.

Chat with your interior designer or architect to see how to make the most of a blank ceiling. 

19. Dark ceiling 

dark ceiling interior

Turn down the lighting with a dark ceiling. Not only can dark-coloured ceilings make your room look infinite, but they can also help create an intimate space.

20. Define space with lighting 

sleek geometric chandelier in dining room

Use lighting to define your space effortlessly. This is especially useful if you’re working with an open-plan layout.

That concludes our ceilings ideas. Hopefully, you’ve gained inspiration from this collection. If you want to design or renovate your ceiling, consult an interior designer near you to ensure you’re on the right path.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elise H

I've recently moved into a new home and I've been having so much fun decorating it with pretty wall prints and Scandinavian-inspired furniture. So as well as being a freelance writer, I'm always on the lookout for new design pieces for my home!

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