Designers often refer to ceilings as the “fifth wall” of a room, and it's easy to see why. Why should the four walls that surround you draw all the attention when there is an equally eye-catching space above you, just as well prepared for decoration? If you're looking to spice up your own fifth wall but aren't sure how to go about it, you've come to the right place. Here we take a look at some of the quirkier ceiling design ideas that you may not have considered
Before you start, however, it is important to check the condition of your blanket and see if it needs to be replaced or not. This can involve either wet plastering or dry lining, and you need to be sure you are using the correct plasterboard from the jump on. As Building Materials Nationwide Ltd notes, "Square-edged plasterboard is less flexible as it is more commonly used for plastering, while conical-edged plasterboard is ideal for dry-lining projects." So there are three unique ceiling design ideas to consider here.
1. Coffered ceiling
The coffered ceilings are made up of a series of sunken panels and are inspired by Baroque and early Renaissance architectural designs, in which a roof frame contained exposed ceiling beams that intersect at different angles. This look has been tried and tested over time and can create a unique, dramatic visual interest while giving an illusion of spaciousness and helping to improve room acoustics. Although the most common type of coffered ceiling pattern is a series of square grids, they can be any type of polygonal shape and come in many styles, colors, and sizes. For example, you can set both the panels and the boxes to be the same color, or paint them in separate hues for a striking contrast. And while most people opt for simply plastered panels, choosing wood can add a real rustic charm to the room. The choice of decorative shapes is endless as well, including covers, dado rails, and picture rails.
2. Chandelier
Why not add a majestic feel to your room by hanging a chandelier instead of putting up some standard ceiling lights? However, this is only recommended for rooms with ceiling heights greater than three meters, while you should change the size of your lighting according to the ceiling height. Which style you choose also depends on what room you put it in and what it looks like. For more rustic parts of the home, a candlestick is the way forward, while futuristic chandeliers are great in modern homes.
For sleek looking rooms, opt for a crystal chandelier, which can look a bit gaudy in smaller areas like a bedroom. Other things to consider are the finish and the color. For example, you can choose a classic brass finish or a polished nickel style, while surfaces like acrylic also give you the option of choosing striking chandeliers in colors like red or black.
3. Sheet metal plates
Another great way to bring your fifth wall to life is with sheet metal ceiling panels. These are essentially square metal tiles that you can attach to your ceiling and that can be purchased in either authentic or man-made metal materials. Tin panels tend to create a shimmering mirror effect that gives a room a regal feel. They come in a variety of styles with almost every pattern imaginable, giving you numerous options to suit your tastes. The most popular way to decorate ceilings with pewter tile is to use the same style over and over for a consistent look. However, many people choose to mix and match different styles instead, using different patterns, colors, and textures.
