Don’t look down! Statement ceilings that will catch your eye

Take your ceiling to new heights

You've probably come across statement walls and floors, but have you ever considered a statement ceiling? The fifth wall is a blank canvas, just waiting to be put to good use. Whether you want an easy-to-use 3D vinyl sticker, perfect stripes or a hand-painted mural, this forgotten feature offers a wealth of design opportunities. We've rounded up a selection of the most stunning ceilings to spark your imagination. Click or scroll for more...

Patriotic pattern

A modern alternative to the traditional coffered ceiling, this All-American ceiling was custom-designed and built by Murdock Builders. The slate grey tones add real warmth to an otherwise simplistic home office, resulting in a moody military-inspired space with bags of character. An easy way to add architectural flair to a room, why not experiment with different patterns to liven up your interior?

Metallic magic

These snap-lock tin tiles from American Tin Ceilings are easy to install and the perfect choice for those who want to add an eye-catching flourish to a neutral scheme. Finished in stainless steel, the impressive metallic tiles come in a variety of patterns and shades, including a modern geometric motif and a Gothic floral design.

Geometric playground

If you're seeking something a little more vivid, don't be afraid to run riot with bold hues. This room, designed by interior colourists Brani & Desi, blends rich golds, bright reds and warm browns to dazzling effect, creating a dramatic yet harmonious space. If you're feeling daring, consider placing three or four tonal shades together across your walls and ceiling to create a loud, one-of-a-kind finish!

A galaxy far, far away

The perfect embellishment for a nursery or child's bedroom, these glow-in-the-dark ceiling decals from CreativeMockups completely transform a room into a theatrical galaxy of stars. Perfect when paired with a soft grey or slate blue colour palette, the stick-on stars only appear in the dark, so you can watch them blink awake as night falls.

Bohemian beauty

Created by The Wiseman Group, this characterful hideaway oozes bohemian charm. The exquisite vaulted ceiling features contrasting wood grains arranged in a geometric pattern and framed in recessed panels. While the scheme feels traditional, this daring design, featured at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, offers a fresh new take on a coffered ceiling.

Architectural timber

If traditional is more your scene, then timber is a fantastic option for adding warmth and character to your home. Versatile and attractive, wood can be shaped into intricate patterns for a thoroughly unique ceiling. This scheme has been kept simple with whitewashed walls and a corridor of crisscrossing beams secured beneath a long glass skylight, allowing daylight to flood in.

Wow-factor wallpaper

Usually reserved for our walls, wow-factor wallpaper is a versatile choice for revamping mundane ceilings. This monochrome geometric design from I Want Wallpaper works beautifully against simplistic whitewashed walls and vibrant contrasting furniture. Complete the look with architectural glass lighting that adds drama without detracting from the real star of the show.

Out of this world

This intergalactic mural boldly goes where no ceiling has gone before. Ideal for kids' bedrooms, your little ones can explore the solar system like never before, from tracing the orbits of planets to playing astronaut themselves. Who knows what curiosity it might spark! Easy to install, the mural is made of vinyl adhesive, so you can simply peel and stick in place.

Interior oasis

This intergalactic mural boldly goes where no ceiling has gone before. Ideal for kids' bedrooms, your little ones can explore the solar system like never before, from tracing the orbits of planets to playing astronaut themselves. Who knows what curiosity it might spark! Easy to install, the mural is made of vinyl adhesive, so you can simply peel and stick in place.

Stylish subway tiles

Tiles are commonplace on floors and splashbacks, but they can work equally as well on a ceiling. The kitchen of this East Hampton house in New York is made beautiful thanks to gloss subway tiles, framed by natural timber beams for a contemporary take on a traditional white ceiling. With a wide range of styles, sizes and shades out there, the design options for a chic tiled ceiling are seemingly endless!

Monochrome magic

This striking monochrome ceiling is a testament to the timeless magic of black and white. Styled by Crystal Sinclair, this creative children's room oozes 1920s charm, with a teardrop chandelier and gold-plated mobile completing the vintage-inspired scheme. A few pops of colour balance out the two-tone scheme and add a playful finish.

Gemstone masterpiece

Inspired by the vibrant swirls inside agate gemstones, this incredible ceiling is found in the Fife Arms in the Scottish Highlands. Created by Chinese artist Zhang Enli, soft multicoloured hues steal the show in this traditional tartan-clad drawing room, creating a wow-factor first impression that's sure to win over every visitor.

Pastel perfection

Crisp white walls paired with soft pastel hues is a recipe for interior success in our book. This smart ceiling features peach stripes drawn down to the picture rail – a clever design trick that creates the illusion of an airy vaulted space. Finished with a border of lavender and light blue, this playful feature is a great way to jazz up a neutral scheme. Even the lighting cables have been given the striped treatment!

Dressed to the nines

How's this for a cute unisex nursery idea? One ceiling design option that might not have crossed your mind is fabric. Relatively cheap and highly versatile, textiles such as this free-flowing ruched covering by OPaL can completely transform a room. Ideal for creating a soft, romantic finish, draped materials are a great way to conceal a dreaded popcorn ceiling or simply add a bit of personality to an uninspiring space.

Rustic relief

If you prefer organic materials to paint or wallpaper, this wooden design might be just the ticket. We love the rugged, tactile natural look of this ceiling, bringing character and warmth to this bedroom – not to mention a wow-factor focal point! Formed using small symmetrical blocks of wood, this creative covering was brought to life by Big Sky Design.

Wraparound wood

For when wood floors just aren't enough, this elegant scheme takes wood panelling up onto the walls and right across the ceiling. The stylish herringbone pattern creates a striking architectural feature, while the golden hue warms up this sleek, streamlined space. With leather wing chairs and an antique globe, this old-meets-new design has us thoroughly charmed.

Elevated art

If you have the budget and the right designer, a hand-painted ceiling could be a great way to create a truly one-of-a-kind space. The living room of this striking property in London showcases a blissful cloudy sky, complemented by a large, tactile pendant. From Michelangelo-inspired murals to simple floral motifs, the possibilities here are endless!

Sleek concrete

Offering a tactile, industrial-inspired finish, this stunning polished concrete ceiling from Milieu Property is a sleek and stylish addition to this contemporary space. A brushed or polished concrete ceiling not only oozes modernity, but offers an easy option to paint, paper or tile if you fancy redecorating in the future.

Vaulted centrepiece

Instead of covering your entire ceiling, experiment with stunning centrepieces that can add real architectural interest to your home. From decorative tiles to painted motifs, a centralised ceiling design will draw the attention of all that enter the room! A vaulted or barrel ceiling is an ideal canvas for a dazzling design, but if you have a flat surface to play with, consider other framing options, such as wood, tiles or lighting.

Modern farmhouse

Sometimes the simplest ceiling designs are the most effective. This bright timber-clad covering by Remedy Furniture & Design has plenty of modern appeal thanks to its refined finish. Complementing the timber flooring, this panelled ceiling is the first thing to grab your gaze when you walk into the room. For a final flourish, pair with white and gold accents for a grown-up space with plenty of style.

Into the jungle

Who said wallpaper is strictly for walls? Transform your ceiling into a bold feature with a colourful wallpaper print like this one from Lily Sawyer Interiors. Perfect for a daring scheme, this jungle print wallpaper from Osborne & Little is vibrant and striking, beautifully complementing the dark sultry tones of the room's plasterwork, walls and window frames.

Simple and suspended

A statement ceiling doesn't have to be bright, bold or heavily patterned. In fact, some of the most striking designs are simple and minimalist. This suspended design from Polish firm New Wall shows how beautiful a stripped-back ceiling can be. The tiles are mounted on a bracket and can be moved with ease, allowing you to personalise your 3D feature whenever you like!

All that glitters

Create a truly luxe finish in your interior by incorporating rich metallic tones into your ceiling. Perfect for a glamorous, contemporary look, a block colour ceiling in silver, bronze or gold can really bring a room to life. We love this gold glittering Marburg Lyra Textured wallpaper from I Want Wallpaper – pair with crisp white walls and monochrome furniture to dazzle your guests.

Starry, starry night

A 3D-effect vinyl covering could be the answer for those seeking something with real wow-factor. This vivid design from HomeArtStickers looks as though the ceiling itself is bursting open to reveal a starry night sky. Available in various sizes and elaborate designs, these vinyl stickers can be applied easily to any flat surface and offer you the scope to completely transform your interior space.

Forest retreat

What's more zen than standing in the middle of a peaceful sun-drenched forest? The perfect addition to a spa bathroom, this stunning vinyl ceiling brings the great outdoors inside, creating a tranquil space to relax and unwind. Just imagine lying back in that bath and gazing up into the tree canopy! Complete the look with a 3D feature wall.

Marvellous map mural

One for the globetrotters, what better way to ponder your next travel destination than lying in bed and gazing up at the ceiling? This antique world map by Lovell John at Wallsauce is a quick and affordable way to add personality to a room, while the vintage finish makes it the perfect addition to even the most neutral, minimalist space.

Abstract artwork

A dazzling work of art, this barrel ceiling is completely captivating. Incredibly, the abstract masterpiece, which was part of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, was created using high-quality wallpaper by design house de Gournay. Working within a strictly two-tone palette, this breathtaking feature beautifully frames the exquisite black and gold interior below.

Circus chic

Designed by Lizette Marie, this playful graphic ceiling has us ready to run away with the circus. Evoking childhood nostalgia, the clever design extends down along the border of the wall, drawing the eye up and creating the illusion of a traditional vaulted tent roof. A neon sign and a menagerie of stuffed animals complete the whimsical scheme.

Underwater ripples

Take a dip without leaving your living room with this calming ceiling mural that mimics a beautiful blue swimming pool. It's one shortcut to getting instant holiday vibes!

Reference links to original sources may not appear in this version – to view the piece in full, please see www.loveproperty.com