When was the last time you looked up at your ceiling and thought, "Now that's stunning"? If you're like most people, the answer is probably never. Ceilings get the short end of the decorating stick, treated as nothing more than a plain white afterthought hovering above our carefully curated spaces.
But here's the thing- your ceiling is the fifth wall of your room, and it's begging for some attention. The trend of wallpapering ceilings is gaining momentum among interior design enthusiasts who want to create truly unforgettable spaces. From dramatic florals that make you feel like you're sleeping under a garden canopy to bold geometric patterns that energise your morning routine, ceiling wallpaper transforms any room from ordinary to extraordinary.
Don't worry if the thought of wallpapering above your head sounds intimidating. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing and applying ceiling wallpaper, featuring the stunning, sustainable designs from The Curious Department. Our collection of nature-inspired patterns makes it easy to find something that speaks to your style- whether you're after vintage charm, modern sophistication, or something delightfully unexpected.
Ready to give your room the wow factor it deserves? Let's dive in.
Why Wallpaper the Ceiling?
Your ceiling covers the same square footage as your floor, yet it's probably the most neglected surface in your home. What a waste of potential! Wallpapering your ceiling isn't just about following trends- it's about creating atmosphere and personality in ways that traditional wall treatments simply can't match.
Think about the psychological impact of looking up. A beautifully wallpapered ceiling draws the eye upward, making your room feel more spacious and dynamic. For example our botanical patterns bring the outdoors in, creating a cocoon-like feel that's perfect for bedrooms or reading nooks.
Ceiling wallpaper also serves some clever practical purposes. Dark, rich patterns can make high ceilings feel cosier and more intimate—perfect for those grand Victorian homes that can feel a bit cavernous. Conversely, light, airy designs with plenty of white space can give the illusion of height in rooms with lower ceilings.
The best part? Ceiling wallpaper acts as the ultimate conversation starter. Guests might not notice your carefully chosen throw cushions, but they'll definitely comment on that gorgeous Art Deco-inspired ceiling that makes your dining room feel like a 1920s speakeasy.
Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper for Your Ceiling
Selecting ceiling wallpaper requires a slightly different approach than choosing patterns for your walls. Since you'll be looking up at it from various angles and distances, you want something that looks spectacular from every viewpoint.
Start by considering your room's existing colour palette and style. If your space features neutral walls and furniture, your ceiling is the perfect place to introduce a bold pattern. The Curious Department's vibrant geometric prints can add energy to minimalist spaces without overwhelming them. On the flip side, if your room already has plenty going on, opt for something more subdued—perhaps one of their elegant organic patterns in muted tones.
Room function matters too. Bedrooms benefit from calming, dreamy designs. Our delicate floral patterns create a romantic, restful atmosphere that's perfect for winding down. Creative spaces like home offices or art studios can handle more stimulating patterns—think bold stripes or abstract designs that spark inspiration every time you glance up.
Don't overlook texture and finish. Metallic accents can add glamour and reflect light beautifully, making your room feel brighter and more luxurious. The Curious Department offers several designs with subtle shimmering mica details that catch the light without being too flashy.
Scale is crucial when choosing ceiling patterns. Large-scale designs work brilliantly in spacious rooms with high ceilings, whilst smaller, more intricate patterns suit cosier spaces. Remember, you want the pattern to enhance your room's proportions, not fight against them.
How to Wallpaper a Ceiling: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Let's be honest, wallpapering a ceiling is more challenging than doing walls, but it's absolutely doable with the right approach and a bit of patience. Here's how to tackle this project like a pro.
What You'll Need
Before you start, gather these essential supplies:
- Your chosen wallpaper from The Curious Department (order 10-15% extra to account for mistakes and future repairs)
- Wallpaper adhesive (paste the wall type)
- A sturdy stepladder or scaffold platform
- A wallpaper smoothing brush or plastic smoother
- A sharp craft knife with extra blades
- A metal ruler or straight edge
- A sponge and clean cloths
- Measuring tape
- Pencil for marking
- A helper (trust us, you'll want an extra pair of hands)
Step 1: Prep Your Ceiling
Good preparation is the foundation of any successful wallpapering project. Start by removing any existing wallpaper, flaking paint, or debris from your ceiling. Fill any cracks or holes with appropriate filler and sand smooth once dry.
Clean the entire ceiling surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease. This step is crucial- wallpaper won't adhere properly to dirty surfaces, and you'll end up with bubbles and peeling edges.
If you're using a darker wallpaper design, consider priming your ceiling with a light grey or off-white paint. This prevents the original ceiling colour from showing through and ensures your The Curious Department pattern looks exactly as intended.
Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Wallpaper
Measure your ceiling carefully, noting any obstacles like light fittings or ceiling roses. When cutting your wallpaper pieces, add an extra 10cm to each strip for trimming—you can always cut off excess, but you can't add it back on.
Our intricate patterns often have specific repeat measurements, so pay attention to pattern matching. Number each strip in the order you'll hang them, and mark which end goes where. This organisation will save you considerable frustration later.
If your chosen pattern has a large repeat, you might need to start with a partial strip to ensure the pattern is centred on your ceiling. Take time to plan this out- it makes all the difference to the final result.
Step 3: Apply Adhesive and Position the Wallpaper
This is where having a helper becomes invaluable. One person can support the wallpaper whilst the other positions and smooths it.
Apply adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some wallpapers require paste on the back, others need paste-the-wall adhesive applied directly to the ceiling. Work in manageable sections, trying to handle an entire strip of pasted wallpaper above your head is a recipe for disaster.
Start from the centre of your ceiling and work outwards. This approach ensures your pattern remains balanced even if your room isn't perfectly square (and let's face it, few rooms are). Position your first strip carefully; everything else aligns from this reference point.
Step 4: Smooth Out Air Bubbles and Wrinkles
Work methodically with your smoothing brush, moving from the centre of each strip outwards. This technique pushes air bubbles towards the edges where they can escape. Don't panic if you get a few small bubbles, most will disappear as the wallpaper dries and settles.
For stubborn bubbles, gently lift the edge of the wallpaper and smooth it down again. The Curious Department's high-quality materials are forgiving and can handle gentle repositioning whilst the adhesive is still wet.
Pay special attention to the edges where strips meet. These seams need to be perfectly aligned and securely adhered to prevent future peeling.
Step 5: Trim and Add Finishing Touches
Once your wallpaper is positioned and smooth, trim the excess around the edges using a sharp craft knife and straight edge. Change your blade frequently, dull blades tear wallpaper rather than cutting cleanly.
Work around light fittings carefully. You might need to make relief cuts to navigate around ceiling roses or other architectural features. Take your time with these details, they're what separate a professional-looking job from an obviously DIY effort.
Clean any adhesive residue from your wallpaper surface with a barely damp sponge. Be gentle- you don't want to damage the pattern or lift the edges.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Ceiling Design
Now that your ceiling wallpaper is installed, consider these finishing touches to create a truly cohesive look.
Complement your ceiling pattern with coordinating elements elsewhere in the room. This doesn't mean matching everything exactly—that can look overdone. Instead, pick up accent colours from your design and incorporate them into soft furnishings, artwork, or accessories.
Statement lighting becomes even more important with patterned ceilings. The interplay between light and pattern creates depth and movement that changes throughout the day. Consider installing dimmer switches so you can adjust the mood lighting to showcase your ceiling at its best.
Architectural details like decorative moulding or coving can frame your wallpapered ceiling beautifully. Paint these features in a complementary colour to create definition between your walls and ceiling treatment.
Transform Your Space from Above
Wallpapering your ceiling might seem like a bold move, but the impact it creates is absolutely worth the effort. Your once-forgotten fifth wall becomes a design feature that transforms the entire character of your room. Whether you choose a subtle pattern that adds texture and interest or a show-stopping design that becomes the room's focal point, ceiling wallpaper offers endless possibilities for creative expression.
The key to success lies in careful planning, quality materials, and patience during installation. The Curious Department's expertly crafted patterns make the selection process easier, offering designs that work beautifully on ceilings whilst maintaining their artistic integrity and sustainable credentials.
Ready to look up in style? Explore our full collection of wallpaper designs and discover the perfect pattern to transform your ceiling from overlooked to unforgettable. Your guests (and you!) will never see your room the same way again