The Fifth Wall

Ceilings are getting the attention they deserve

Ceilings have typically been painted white to allow the light to come into the room, bounce off the ceiling and illuminate the space.  But we are missing a great opportunity to decorate another surface.  There are a number of great ways to spruce up this often overlooked space from punched tin tiles, beadboard or just a new paint color.

Pressed tin tiles or Anaglypta wallpaper can give a small bathroom great depth by adding texture to the ceiling.  This paintable wallpaper can be painted copper, silver or faux finished to give the illusion of old tin.  Pressed tin tiles are great for the average DIY person especially in small spaces.  The panels or squares are nailed onto furring strips that have been attached to the ceiling.  Seal with a clear polyurethane or paint with any oil based paint.  Latex will make it rust for sure!

Paint is the cheapest, fastest method to give a WOW factor to that 5th wall.  Decorative, metallics, hand painting, decals or just a great color.  Many master bedrooms have a tray ceiling that can be painted  a contrast color to coordinate with the master bathroom.  Pulls the spaces together and gives punch to an otherwise overlooked space that you spent good money on.  High ceilings also get a cozy feeling if you carry the wall color up and over,  as the lighting will slightly darken the ceiling shade.  Unless its a metallic finish you are going for, stick with a matte or flat paint as sheen enhances imperfections as well as roller marks.

Ceiling medallions, faux beams and paneling will get you attention so use them where they are mostly seen by your guest.  Dining rooms, living and family room and kitchens get lots of traffic so you will get "Ohhs" and "Ahhs" with any of these treatments.  Ceiling medallions look great in a dining room as most people are seating and can enjoy whats above their head.  These can be painted any color to coordinate with the trim or pull out the cobalt blue from the rug.  Faux ceiling beams work with high ceilings as they are usually distressed to give the appearance of old timbers and painted a dark wood tone.  This look is great with a cabin or cottage look but even traditional spaces gets lots of drama with this heavy horizontal detail.  Paneling is a classic cottage look and easy to install.  I like paneling in a bathroom or front porch. In the Southern tradition, I paint porch ceilings the palest shade of blue to repel insects or to keep ghost and evil spirits from entering the house.
Happy Decorating, Ya'll!