How to Utilize Your Fifth Wall
In the design world, it’s common to refer to the ceiling as the fifth wall. Ceilings should be given just as much thought and detail as the other four walls. A well-designed ceiling can bring in warmth, add color, complete your design, or even make your room appear larger or smaller than it actually is. Our ten design ideas below will give you a good start to how to utilize your fifth wall.
1. Beadboard
Beadboard is sold as thin panels of wood with vertical grooves that extend across the entire panel. While initially used in 1880s in the Victorian era, beadboard has persisted through the centuries and remained popular especially in farmhouse, traditional, and classic style homes. However, it’s so versatile, you can really make it work in any design style. It adds the perfect amount of texture and subtle interest to a ceiling.
2. Wood Beams
A classic. And what we usually think of when we think of ceiling decoration. Beams can be done in many ways, and I feel like every time I open Pinterest, I see a new iteration. Thin beams, chunky center beams, sleek white oak beams, rustic walnut beams, there’s so much variety! Check out the wood beams I have planned in my bedroom.
3. Lattice
Lattice work is intricate and beautiful. I love seeing this in whimsical spaces that are wanting to up the charm factor. Lattice is also sold in panels available at your local home improvement store, which makes it more accessible and easier to put up than some of these other options.
4. Patterned Wallpaper
There’s nothing quite like looking up and seeing a wallpapered ceiling. I love seeing little birds, stars, or flowers.
5. Textured Wallpaper
A slightly more subtle option to patterned wallpaper, textured wallpaper in a solid color can add character and a soft finish into the room. Grasscloth wallpaper would be a great option for something like this. It’s natural fibers can help your room feel more organic and cozy.
6. Color Drenching
Color drenching is the concept of painting everything: doors, trim, walls, and ceiling the same color. You might think doing everything in the same color will create monotony, but it actually produces a dramatic space. This technique makes your room feel bigger, which is why this is especially popular in hallways, bathrooms, and other small spaces.
7. Wood Paneling
Why stop at adding a wood floor when you can extend it onto the ceiling? Wood paneling is beautiful and can bring all the good things about wood: warmth, organic texture, and beautiful grain. Depending on the wood you use, you can have a dramatic dark walnut, a lovely light ash or white oak, or something rustic and vintage.
8. Coffers
Coffers are decorative indentations or recesses in a ceiling. They are a classic design feature that originated in ancient Greece to help support the weight of the stone ceilings. Variations of coffers have persisted over the years and have been incorporated in many different design styles throughout the centuries. Painted or left as natural wood, coffers are absolutely beautiful!
9. Dark Painted Ceilings
I know it seems counter-intuitive to paint your ceiling dark, but just hear me out. Black, or dark, ceilings can make your ceiling look further away (not closed in – contrary to popular belief). They add an element of coziness and can accentuate trim and add dramatic contrast.
10. Shiplap or Painted Paneling
Tongue-in-groove shiplap or painted paneling can add the perfect amount of subtle texture to the ceiling. Shiplap comes in a few different widths.
