Simona is a writer specializing in interior design, décor, and home improvement for Homedit. Since 2011, she has been sharing her expertise in interior design, DIY solutions, home architecture, and the latest trends in home design technology.
When redecorating our homes, we often tend to ignore the ceiling design. We usually just paint it white and don’t think twice about any other options. We focus more of the walls and on the floor. But the ceiling is very important and can radically change the whole design in a room. Let’s explore some of the options.
Coffered ceilings.
To emphasize the design of the ceiling, the beams can match the doors and windows
by Brett Mountain Photography
A plain white design is also an elegant option
by David Duncan Livingston
Some people prefer to stain the beams for a more rustic look
by Mueller Nicholls
But even if the beams are white, they still stand out
by Christopher Peacock
You can use the geometry on the ceiling when choosing the lighting fixtures
by Sara Hopkins
You can also opt for an all-wood coffered ceiling for a traditional look
by RJ Gurley
A very cohesive interior design wrapped in wood
by Phillip Mueller
Play with different shades and use the light in your favor
by Gabriel Builders
Try to create strong contrasts for an eye-catching look
by Teri Fotheringham Photography
Coffered ceilings are a nice choice for formal spaces
by Mike Mroz
Coffered ceilings provide you with a way to hide the beams and to integrate them into a more complex design. They have been around for ages. In fact, there is evidence that wooden coffered ceilings were constructed in the Roman times. Nowadays all sorts of shapes and designs are possible and it ahs become a more versatile style.
Striped ceilings.
If you prefer a simple and more neutral color palette, try black
by Mihomes
For a brighter look, use more cheerful colors such as this coral shade
by Tobi Fairley
A girl’s bedroom could use some pink stripes on the ceiling
by Allison Potter
You can also play with colors and contrasts and choose a bold shade for the walls
by Aaron Leitz Fine
Usually, the color of the stripes on the ceiling matches that of the walls
by Adam Zollinger
If you want the ceiling to be the focal point then use a bold color
by ArttHaus
For cohesion, the ceiling can match the floor or the carpet
by Mike Martin
Soft, pastel shades are a good choice for nursery rooms
by Jessica Turf
White doesn’t necessarily has to be one of the colors on the stripes
by Double W Design
The yellow stripes make this space cheerful and bright
by California Home Design
Stripes look great on walls and they’re very popular in general. But have you ever thought of painting stripes on your ceiling? It could be an interesting choice. Leave the walls plain and simple and focus on the ceiling, making it the focal point of the room.
Salvaged wood.
The aged ceiling beams give this open dining room a rustic lookThis look is also popular in contemporary designs and decors
by Dungan Nequette
Pair the wood ceiling beams with rustic or antique chandeliers
by Jack Gardner
The aged wood on the beams can match some of the furniture for cohesion
by Benvenuti and Stein
Salvaged wood features are often seen in country-style homes
by Devon Perkins
You can mix and match different styles and choose your favorite features
by Meghan Beierle
A Mediterranean living room with dark-stained ceiling beams
by Yucca
Even if the beams have a dark stain, they still look charming with that aged finish
by Ken Hayden
Salvaged wood ceiling beams often look wonderful in traditional interior decors
by Eric Piasecki
A traditional bedroom with white walls and contrasting ceiling beamsThe aged finish on the beams matches some of the accent details in the décor
Exposed ceiling beams are often highlighted in interior décor. Salvaged and old wood in particular are very appreciated and people try to get this look by aging the wood using an instant technique. This replicates the effect on naturally aged wood and gives it that charm and uniqueness we seek.
Arched ceilings.
The arched ceiling gives this living room a very classical look
by Richard Mandelkorn
The rustic-traditional décor is elevated by the ceiling and windows
by Stone Wood llc
The beams on the arched ceiling give it a traditional feel
by Pat Sudmeier
More complex design with geometric forms suit modern and contemporary decors
by Pure Design Environments
Simple and smooth designs allow the architecture to become the focal point
by Vernon Wentz
Arched ceilings are quite popular in Mediterranean interior design. They are often paired with arched windows and they have a very elegant and stylish look. The designs can differ from ceilings with exposed beams to minimalist ceilings and ceilings with intricate designs.
Warm wood.
A wooden ceiling is a wonderful feature for the bedroom
by CJ Berg Photography
It can also look charming in the living room, especially with exposed beams
by J. Grant Design Studio
Allow the ceiling to stand out by choosing contrasting colors for the rest of the décor
by Refined llc
Create some symmetry with wooden furniture and matching colors
by AWH Photo & Design.
Try combining wood with stone for an organic interior design
by Jenkins Custom Homes
It’s no secret that wood makes a room feel warm and welcoming. But there are many ways in which you can integrate this material in your home’s interior design. Wooden floors are the most common but they’re not the only option. Wooden ceilings can be even more charming and eye-catching.
Modern ceilings.
Sculptural ceiling designs are wuite popular in modern homes
by Pepe Calderin Design
Usually, the designs are inspired from the classics but with a minimalist twist
by Markeng Lish Architects
Simplicity is the key in most cases and you can see that clearly hereThis drop down ceiling design is popular because it’s both simple and intriguing
by The design mill
The lighting fixtures are often the detail that makes the ceiling stand out
by Scott Pease Photography
As we’ve mentioned before, wooden ceilings are perfect for the bedroom
by Bosworth Hoedemaker and Garret Cord Werner
Cove lighting can really make the ceiling pop, especially with such a sculptural design
by Barry Grossman
This contemporary kitchen takes the idea of exposed ceiling beams to a whole new level
by Alexandre Parent
The simple, geometric lines of the ceiling are recurrent throughout the décorAn ornate ceiling can beautifully complement a minimalist décor
by Sabaxter Builders
The styles and designs we’ve described so far don’t exactly fit in most modern homes. Here, the designers try to come up with all sorts of unusual and interesting designs and ways to give character to the ceiling and to make an important part of the whole interior décor.
Black and white ceilings.
The dark ceiling complements the wallpaper and color palette perfectly
by Susan Gilmore
A black ceiling is quite unusual but it can be a nice choice in an industrial décor
by Brunelleschi
Pick black and white as the main color palette for a room and create eye-catching contrasts
by Hans Fonk
Black ceilings seem to suit well basement spaces like this oneThis industrial open space features a dark gray ceiling, still very interesting
by Angela Todd Designs
Of course, white is the most common color for ceiling regardless of the style
by Andrew Snow
White ceilings are especially charming when they also have exposed wooden beams
by Jan Skacelik(etsy)
A white ceiling can also be a nice way to emphasize the design and the architecturePaint a wooden ceiling white for a more modern look while preserving the warmth
by Adrian Gregorutti
It’s often the shape of the ceiling that makes it stand out and not the color
by Becki Peckham
Both white and black are very complex colors, despite their simplicity. When combined, they gain a timeless and classical beauty, so versatile that it can be seen in all styles and all domains and fields. In interior design, white is the go-to color for the ceiling but it’s not always the case.
Bold ceilings.
The color of the ceiling often matches the accent color chosen for the entire room
by Tineke Triggs
In this case, the ceiling matches the bedding and a very nice balance is created
by Greg Riegler
If the ceiling is painted a bold color, then the walls should remain whiteFor the bedroom ceiling, pick a color that you really like
by Fuller Interiors
Orange is a very cheerful and dynamic color, suitable for entertainment areas
by by Julie Soefer
It’s quite unusual to encounter ceilings that feature bold colors. Usually, we choose neutral colors or pastel shades. But vibrant colors can really make the ceiling stand out and this can be an interesting option to explore. Let’s take a look at some examples and see how this would work out.
Concrete ceilings
Modern living room featuring a concrete ceiling and large columns
by Rad Design Inc
An industrial living room with concrete ceiling and matching walls
by Chipper Hatter
Concrete ceilings can also look sleek and chic in modern kitchens for example
by Ivan Hunter
The gray tiled floor has a mate finish to match the ceiling
by Leicht
Concrete ceilings and concrete floors in general are used mostly in industrial interior designs and decors. But they can also be an interesting choice for modern and contemporary as well as for Mediterranean designs. They usually have a rough, unfinished look which makes them stand out.
