20 Ways to Try the Ceiling Maximalism Trend

Maria Sabella

Mon, October 30, 2023 at 1:51 AM UTC

8 min read

These creative ceiling ideas take maximalist style to new heights.

<p> Annie Schlechter</p> — Annie Schlechter

The ceiling maximalism trend elevates the fifth wall by using wallpaper, bold colors, high-gloss sheens, and decorative molding overhead. For your next room refresh, skip the standard coat of standard flat white paint and opt for a statement ceiling.

This bold ceiling trend can be used in any room in the home and works with any design style. When it comes to choosing where and how to embellish the ceiling, interior designer Amy Youngblood says, "My main tip is to first of all utilize the trend in a room where you really want a bit of 'wow' power or glamour effect, for example, your dining room or an entryway." Once you've pinpointed a space, she suggests balancing the space with neutral walls "Balance it out with calmer, more neutral walls in order to avoid an overly crowded and busy look", she says.

As is the case with most design trends, an adorned ceiling is not an entirely new concept. "I see decorating our ceilings not so much as a new trend but more as stepping back into another period in time," says interior designer Gillian Gillies. "If anyone has visited historic palaces and places of worship in Europe where ceilings are weighed down with painting and artifacts, what we are seeing now is much simpler, less grandiose, and much more attainable."

If you're ready to give your space a dramatic makeover, take inspiration from these maximalist ceiling ideas that make a big impression.

Coffered Ceiling

<p>Stacy Zarin Goldberg </p> — Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Make a timeless statement with a coffered ceiling that instantly infuses a space with historic charm. The classic architectural detail adds a linear pattern in the form of square, rectangular, or other shaped raised panels to create depth, dimension, and the illusion of tall ceilings. For a subtle and elegant effect, stick to a crisp white paint color and elevate it with a high-gloss sheen.

Rustic Wood Beams

<p>Ann VanderWiel Wilde</p> — Ann VanderWiel Wilde

Rustic wood beams mounted on a wood planked ceiling add ample warmth to this heart of the home. The perpendicular layering creates visual interest while maintaining a consistent look, and the woods' warmth is amplified through crisp white cabinetry and cool slate floor tile. A great way to highlight a unique ceiling design is to hang an oversized statement light fixture that draws the eye and stylistically complements the colors and materials used on the fifth wall.

Color-Drenched Ceilings

Go all in with a single saturated paint color on the walls, trim, and ceiling for an immersive experience. Referred to as color-drenching, this design technique turns the ceiling and other architectural details into an integral part of the room. While it may seem like it would feel overwhelming, sticking with one deep hue makes for an extra cozy and comfortable space.

Dark Ceiling

Instead of using a dark paint color on the walls, flip the script and keep the walls white while adorning the ceiling with a moody shade. The crisp contrast between the two adds a sophisticated edge to the space and the dark painted ceiling is an unexpected element that visually helps lower the ceiling for a cozy feel.

Wallpaper Ceiling

Transform a white kitchen with a bold wallpaper pattern on the ceiling. This one moment of surprise immediately takes the space from standard builder-grade to high-end design. To integrate the bold ceiling with the rest of the kitchen, pull colors from the wallpaper and dot them throughout the space, whether in the form of a stovetop kettle or baking dishes displayed on shelves.

Vaulted Ceiling with Wood Beams

<p>Astrid Templier</p> — Astrid Templier

Highlight the grandeur of a vaulted ceiling with wood beams that expose a striking architectural frame while infusing the space with old-world charm. Allow the beams' material and placement to stand out by painting the vaulted ceiling a soft, warm white hue that opens up the room and helps bounce natural light around.

Painted Porch Ceiling

<p>Kritsada Panichgul</p> — Kritsada Panichgul

Create the illusion of blue skies by adding a splash of light blue paint to your porch ceiling. Most commonly seen in the south and sometimes referred to as haint blue, this subtle color choice adds charm and personality while supposedly keeping birds and insects at bay.

Lacquered Ceiling

For the ultimate "wow" factor, use a shiny, high-gloss finish on your ceiling. "A lacquered ceiling—either using paint or wallpaper—can visually double the height of the room and it helps to bounce what light there is around", says Gillies, adding that it's a great trick for darker spaces or those with lower than desired ceiling heights.

Painted Wood Beams

Maintain the structural and linear effect of a wood beamed ceiling but lighten it up by painting it white. This is a relatively inexpensive way to completely transform the room and give it a modern coastal look, while preserving its original architectural features.

Ornamental Ceiling Pattern

Take a coffered ceiling to the next level and highlight its raised pattern with a bold paint color such as this cobalt blue. It creates a dramatic effect, especially if you use a high-gloss sheen for an extra glamorous feel. Use this technique in a more formal setting such as a dining room and a space that's large enough where the ornamental ceiling has room to breathe.

Wood Panel Ceiling

A natural wood panel ceiling warms up this modern farmhouse-style entryway. In a space where the same material, such as wood paneling, covers the walls and the ceiling, create differentiation by painting one of the elements and leaving the other as it is. In this case, the wood paneling on the walls is painted white for an modern update, while the natural wood on the ceiling mirrors the hardwood floors and ties in other natural materials around the room, such as a wicker armchair and woven wood window shades.

Tongue and Groove Ceiling

<p>Carmel Brantley</p> — Carmel Brantley

A blue tongue and groove design adorns a vaulted ceiling on this elegant blue and white patio. The ceiling's straight lines and light blue paint color echo the striped seat cushions on the comfy outdoor seating and a modern ceiling fan adds a practical and decorative feature to this traditional space.

Greenery-Covered Ceiling

Take inspiration from the living wall trend and bring nature indoors with a greenery covered ceiling. Make a small attic ceiling nook look extra special by covering it with the textured live or faux material, and surround it with potted plants to enhance the nature-inspired theme. To continue the organic look, pair your green ceiling with neutral tones, light woods, and worn-in leather accents.

Unexpected Ceiling Paint Color

Part of what makes a space memorable is an unexpected design moment, which in this charming entryway is a cheery yellow painted ceiling. The vertical wallpaper pattern points to the ceiling for emphasis and crisp white trim and molding details add a classic touch to balance out the more playful elements.

Shiplap Cathedral Ceiling

Use white shiplap on a cathedral ceiling to add subtle detail while sticking with the classic ceiling color. To break up the horizontal lines and delicate aesthetic of the shiplap, juxtapose it with the rugged nature of wood beams that create an upside down V-shape to draw the eye up.

Starry Ceiling

Add a magical touch to a kids' bedroom with a star-covered ceiling. There are several ways to achieve this look—gold star-shaped decals, a starry wallpaper, stenciled star shapes, or a painted Van Gogh-inspired starry night design on the ceiling.

Vertical and Horizontal Beams

A mix of vertical and horizontal wood beams make a stunning statement in this modern rustic space. Exposed structural beams add a sculptural element and help fill the open space created by the vaulted ceiling, while the round shape of a wagon wheel-style chandelier breaks up the ceiling's linear features and ties in the beams' black metal hardware.

Wood Slatted Ceiling

A statement ceiling isn't just for interiors. Boost curb appeal and give a front porch added visual interest with a wood slatted ceiling. Pair the natural accent with green siding and off-white trim for a nature-inspired exterior that extends a warm welcome.

Painted Beams

Create a layered effect and update a wood planked ceiling by painting the beams black. In this modern industrial living room, the black paint color extends to the exposed pillars surrounding the seating arrangement, while oversized windows and crisp white walls balance out the dark ceiling.

Dark Wood Ceiling

<p>ï»¿John Bessler</p> — ???John Bessler

Dark wood panels and beams on a ceiling pack a punch in this cozy midcentury modern living room. To prevent the space from looking overly dark or formal, a round paper light fixture lightens up the aesthetic, introduces a new shape, and fills the vertical space.

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