For years, while we said “if these walls could talk,” ceilings have been keeping mum. They’ve been left out of the design conversation, but that’s changing. Designers now recognize that matte white isn’t the only game in town—that a space’s upper surface has many aesthetic possibilities as a kind of “fifth wall.”
“The ceiling has long been overlooked,” says Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs in Holmdel. Under-looked may seem more apt, but the point is that this oft-ignored overhead surface is now having its day. “What began as a growing trend is quickly becoming a design mainstay,” Mannarino explains. “When treated thoughtfully, a ceiling can add depth, dimension, drama and height to a room. Today, leaving it bare feels like a missed opportunity.”
To make sure you don’t miss out, check out advice from nine designers from all over the state:
Bright color. The simplest way to make a ceiling statement is to add a coat of paint. Says Holly Volpe of HV Design Group in Colts Neck: “Painting a ceiling is a great, accessible option. It adds instant drama and warmth, and deep tones can cozy up a room. But beware: darker shades may visually lower the ceiling. My favorite spaces for painted ceilings are powder rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms, where intimacy and mood matter.” Color drenching, notes Jessica Marinelli of White Oak Design House in Englewood, can also be an interesting way to go. “This is when you create an immersive environment in the space by applying the same paint color to the wall, ceiling and trims,” she says. “It makes a space feel larger to the eye, yet also cozy due to lack of contrast. You also can go out of the box by choosing different finishes for the ceiling, such as a high-gloss sheen to have a mirror effect.”
Bold patterns. If you’re looking for something more immediately eye-catching, wallpaper may be for you. “I love using wallpaper on the ceiling as a way to introduce subtle texture and depth, especially when working with a neutral palette,” says Julia Mazzuc of Oggi Design House in Monmouth Beach. “It adds interest without overwhelming the space, and it’s particularly effective in organic, modern homes where simplicity is key.” It can do more than just that. “Wallpaper provides visual interest and can hide imperfections on the ceiling,” says Denise Pough of A-Jay Designs by Dee. “A hand-painted or textured wallpaper adds dimension. You can have a lot of fun in laundry and small bathrooms.” However, professional installation is key to prevent seams and uneven patches.
Delicate designs. For a little more style in your paint, you can also add a stencil effect to a ceiling. “Stencil patterns bring a decorative, artistic feel to a space, and they work well in dining rooms or entryways,” says Maryan Ibrahim of Holmdel’s J-Vera Interiors. But she cautions that “they require careful, precise application.” Mannarino suggests that you reach for this technique when working on your larger spaces. “A decorative painting can transform an uncluttered, open space into a striking canvas,” she says. Popular stencil options include a pattern that travels the perimeter of the room and gathers more dramatically in corners, which adds a distinctively vintage charm to a space, or a design spiraling from the anchor point of a mounted light or pendant light for a starburst effect.
Deep coffers. Another unanimous opinion among our designers: Coffers and other ceiling millwork are elegant and timeless. Says Christina Melendez of Home Sweet Home Design in Manalapan: “They’re stunning—period! Not only can they add depth and luxury to a ceiling, but they also help to reduce sound and echo in spaces such as a two-story family room or foyer.” Adds Marina V. Umali of Marina V Design Studio in Ridgewood, “Millwork adds structure and architectural appeal. It’s an elegant way to define the ceiling as part of the design story.” A more specific, subtle application? Here’s a suggestion from Nancy Mikulich of Asbury Park’s Oasis Home Designs: “In a dramatic dining room, I like to surround the chandelier with molding and paint the interior with the appropriate wall or accent color. This creates drama and dimension.”
Terrific tile. Our designers agree that tile ceilings are best left to bathrooms, where the moisture resistance of the tile can take center state. And the idea of a beautiful tile mosaic on a bathroom ceiling, perhaps with a Moroccan design sensibility, has definite appeal. “Tile on the ceiling, especially in a bathroom, provides a finished look, temperature control and a barrier for moisture, and it can absorb sound as well,” says Pough. Volpe adds that “Tile is durable and moisture-resistant, practical and stylish, but installation must be meticulous. Grout lines and adhesion matter more when gravity’s involved.”
Amazing murals. Here’s a chance to create that coveted “wow” factor—but be sure you love the idea before moving forward. “A mural creates a beautiful and personal touch in a room, and it really adds character,” says Melendez. “However, it’s probably one of the most expensive and challenging installations to a ceiling, and it’s less likely to be changed over time. Once you decide on this route, you are committed.” But if you love a design and feel secure in your choice, there’s no reason not to go for it. Ellisa Gumina, also of Oggi Designs, advises: “I recommend a mural in a library or formal dining room, where the artwork becomes part of the experience of the space.”
Potent Panels. Rustic and warm, wood paneling can add a lot when it’s deployed on a ceiling. Gumina loves “incorporating wood on the ceiling because it brings an immediate sense of warmth, texture and architectural interest to a space. Beyond its visual appeal, wood also enhances the acoustics of a room, helping to soften echoes and create a more inviting atmosphere.” Melendez also sings its praises: “This is one of my favorite options for a ceiling treatment. It’s a classic design. If you get bored with this material, a can of paint or stain can give it an entirely different vibe.”
Want to see more advice from the Garden State’s best designers? Flip through our newest issue of NJ HOME.