Posted on November 13 2018
From residential rooms like kitchens and bedrooms to expansive commercial settings like lobbies, using wallpaper on the ceiling creates a powerful, transformative effect. Not too many people make use of the “5th wall,” a popular term that refers to the ceiling. The next time designers want to put a unique stamp on the space, why not look up?
In our previous article, The 5th Wall: Using Wallpaper on the Ceiling, we talked about the benefits of wallpapering your ceiling as well as why it’s trending with interior designers. In this article, let’s take a closer look at where designers can use ceiling wallpaper and the types of styles that work best on the 5th wall.
Where to use ceiling wallpaper?
Just like with wallpaper and digital murals on traditional walls, designers will want to evaluate the space to determine whether or not using ceiling wallpaper is the right choice for the given space. Ceiling wallpaper can be the perfect choice for those ‘hard to decorate’ type of rooms. Kid’s rooms and playrooms is an example where using wallpaper on the ceiling is not only a stylish choice, but a logical one as well. With the wallpaper firmly on the ceiling, you’ll still achieve a look and feel that’s aesthetically pleasing, but you won’t have to deal with any bumps and scratches.
The kitchen can be a great place to wallpaper the ceiling as well. Kitchens typically see less wall space as most of it is covered up with cabinets or large appliances, like the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher. While wallpaper on traditional walls may be accidentally splashed with water or oil while cooking, ceiling wallpaper is safely out of the way.
For commercial projects, designers should take lighting fixtures into consideration. Some areas, such as corporate working spaces, feature large rectangular light fixtures. These impede on ceiling wallpaper, creating multiple ‘interruptions’ that makes it hard for the displayed wallpaper pattern to breathe. Ceiling wallpaper works best where there is a smooth, uninterrupted surface. The major exception to this rule is coffered ceilings where wallpaper can be fully incorporated into the empty spaces.
Of course, these are just some examples of residential and commercial spaces that would work well with ceiling wallpaper. Just as with traditional wallpaper, ceiling wallpaper is a versatile way to decorate the room.
Choosing the right wallpaper for the ceiling
Unlike with wallpaper on traditional walls, designers can really dig deep into their creativity and go big. Ceiling wallpaper has to stand out. With traditional walls, you can simply walk closer and see the pattern up close. However, ceiling wallpaper will always be viewed at a distance. Therefore, designers should be emphasizing a mid to large-scale design. Stay away from wallpapers featuring small-scale prints or digital murals where the small details are what make the image shine.
Color is more versatile, though again, designers should be wary of using patterns that feature extremely light colors since details may be lost when viewed at a distance. Because ceiling wallpaper is more isolated, using bold or vibrant colors is a great way to add a burst of color.
Using a single pattern on the ceiling
One way to use the 5th wall is to treat it as if it’s a feature wall. Here are our top picks for stylish wallpaper prints that would work best as ceiling wallpaper:
Choosing a traditional pattern in a vibrant or unexpected color is one way designers can blend a classical look with a more contemporary touch. Featured above in a bright orange, the contrast between the darker floral motifs and bold background makes it really stand out.
For a softer look that still adds a burst of color to the room, this Small Talk wallpaper features an array of different pastel colors. Arranged in an eye-catching geometric pattern, the rainbow-theme creates a stunning multi-colored look that is sure to set the tone.
Bohemian Chic Floating Feathers Wallpaper 2001034
For a minimalist, on-trend look, these floating feathers add a light airiness to the room thanks to its plain white background and simple color palette. Using this mural on the ceiling is an example of how designers can be a little tongue-in-cheek about playing with perspective and making it look as if the feathers are actually suspended in the air.
Neo Royal Jeweled Kaleidoscope Wallpaper 218648
While this kaleidoscope pattern features small details, the print is large enough to stand out even at a distance. When used on all walls, this complex pattern may make some spaces feel cluttered. Using “loud” patterns on the ceiling adds a stylish touch to the space without making it seem too busy.
Pairing ceiling wallpaper with the rest of the room
Next up are wallpaper combinations that can be used throughout the entire space. Designers can use a primary wallpaper on the ceiling and pair it with a different pattern on the rest of the walls to create a unifying theme throughout the room.
Choosing two distinct patterns using the same or similar color scheme is one way to help establish a unified look. One way to do this is by exploring wallpaper collections to find pairings that work well together. The one featured above combines a dense leaf wallpaper with a blockier striped pattern to create an interesting juxtaposition or shapes and styles.
The most simplistic way designers can mix and match wallpapers is to use the primary wallpaper on the ceiling and choose a plain or textured wallpaper to accompany it. This tribal print wallpaper mixes geometric and striped designs to create an eclectic yet organic look. It’s paired up with a leather faux effect wallpaper. The light gray is best used for smaller rooms and where designers want to create a lighter color scheme; the dark brown leather wallpaper is best used for mid to larger rooms or where designers want to create a cozy atmosphere.
Last but not least, floral wallpaper is always a stylish and timeless choice for any space. With this last pairing, two floral wallpapers stood out to us. First up is a gorgeous watercolor print that emphasizes a more artistic touch; the second floral pattern takes a more classical or traditional route. Either of these would be an excellent choice as ceiling wallpaper when paired with the minimalist straw basket wallpaper.
Pairing ceiling wallpaper with the rest of the room
Next up are wallpaper combinations that can be used throughout the entire space. Designers can use a primary wallpaper on the ceiling and pair it with a different pattern on the rest of the walls to create a unifying theme throughout the room.
Choosing two distinct patterns using the same or similar color scheme is one way to help establish a unified look. One way to do this is by exploring wallpaper collections to find pairings that work well together. The one featured above combines a dense leaf wallpaper with a blockier striped pattern to create an interesting juxtaposition or shapes and styles.
The most simplistic way designers can mix and match wallpapers is to use the primary wallpaper on the ceiling and choose a plain or textured wallpaper to accompany it. This tribal print wallpaper mixes geometric and striped designs to create an eclectic yet organic look. It’s paired up with a leather faux effect wallpaper. The light gray is best used for smaller rooms and where designers want to create a lighter color scheme; the dark brown leather wallpaper is best used for mid to larger rooms or where designers want to create a cozy atmosphere.
Last but not least, floral wallpaper is always a stylish and timeless choice for any space. With this last pairing, two floral wallpapers stood out to us. First up is a gorgeous watercolor print that emphasizes a more artistic touch; the second floral pattern takes a more classical or traditional route. Either of these would be an excellent choice as ceiling wallpaper when paired with the minimalist straw basket wallpaper.
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