Choosing ceiling wallpaper — the overlooked surface that adds real wow

The ceiling is often called the fifth wall, and it is the surface most people forget. Yet wallpapering a ceiling is one of the most striking things you can do in a room — it adds unexpected drama, a sense of intimacy, and a real wow factor that a plain white ceiling never will. From a soft sky that opens the room up to a starry night above the bed, here are the best ways to use ceiling wallpaper and how to choose a design.

The best designs for a ceiling

Sky and clouds are the natural choice — a soft, cloudy sky overhead makes a room feel open and airy, like lying in a meadow watching the clouds go by.

Stars, galaxies and celestial designs turn a ceiling into a night sky, magical above a child's bed and calming at bedtime.

Florals bring a garden overhead — soft blooms that feel romantic and enveloping in a bedroom.

Botanical and foliage designs create the feeling of a leafy canopy above you, fresh and immersive.

Ombre and watercolour washes are soft and subtle, adding gentle colour and depth without a busy pattern.

Bold pattern and colour make a real statement, wrapping the room and drawing the eye up for full drama.

Which rooms suit a wallpapered ceiling

Bedrooms are the most popular — a design above the bed is the first and last thing you see each day, so a soft sky, floral or starry ceiling feels calming and special. Nurseries and children's rooms love a dreamy cloud or galaxy overhead for bedtime. Bathrooms and cloakrooms are a great place to surprise, with a bold or scenic ceiling in a small space. Dining rooms feel intimate and dramatic with a rich, patterned ceiling. And a small room or hallway can carry a bold ceiling beautifully, precisely because it is unexpected.

How to choose a ceiling design

The key is to think about the view looking up. A design you will see lying in bed or gazing up should feel calm and immersive — sky, stars and soft florals all work because they read naturally from below. Because our designs are made to measure, the mural is sized to your exact ceiling so it fits perfectly, with no repeat to line up. Softer, all-over designs are the most forgiving overhead, while a bold pattern makes a stronger statement.

A note on hanging

Wallpapering a ceiling is more involved than a wall — working overhead takes patience and an extra pair of hands, and many people choose to have a decorator hang a ceiling for a flawless finish. The mural itself is made and sized to your ceiling just as it would be for a wall, so all the usual measuring guidance applies. Measure carefully and, if in doubt, get a professional to fit it.

Which material to choose

Every design is a made-to-measure mural, sized to your exact ceiling, on a choice of four materials — two paste-the-wall and two peel-and-stick, including water-resistant and waterproof grades for bathroom ceilings. You choose your material, and see the price for your exact ceiling size, on each product page.