Every Designer I Spoke to Warned Against Overlooking the "Fifth Wall"
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You found the perfect mix of furniture, searched high and low for a great rug, added finishing touches like window treatments and light fixtures and finally settled on the right wall paint color. But have you looked up? What about the ceiling? Yes, your ceiling!
If you ask any professional interior designer, they’ll tell you that the ceiling — which they often call the “fifth wall” — shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s a key part of decorating any room — that is, if you’re willing to have some fun with it.
“When you think about it, the ceiling has great design potential because it is not only one of the largest walls in a room, it is often overlooked. It is truly a blank slate with so many design options available to add yet another layer of design customization, interest and richness to a space.” — Debbie Mathews, Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs
“When thoughtfully designed, ceilings can elevate a space, enhancing its character with added height, texture or whimsy.” — Jackie Ho, Ho&Lacy
“Far from being just a blank surface, the ceiling can add depth, drama or even a touch of whimsy to any room. It’s an opportunity to introduce texture, color or pattern in unexpected ways that draw the eye upward and make a room feel complete.” — Jenny Williamson, West Rose Design.
So how exactly do you add personality to a ceiling? What are interior designers' clients requesting and embracing these days? The pros share the latest:
Architectural Elements
Whether you moved into an old home with unique ceilings or take the DIY route to add character to a newer property, architectural elements can make a room shine. Wood details are especially popular right now; it makes sense, since there's recently been a resurgence in wood kitchen cabinets.
“We tend to favor architectural elements that add dimension to a space — think wood paneling, beams, trays or coffers,” says Kevin Kaminski of Kaminski + Pew. Victoria Armour of Stil James agrees: “We are seeing wood beams and wood cladding take on a fresh twist. Clients are increasingly opting for bold, painted beams and even going as far as asking for high-gloss paint on their ceiling treatments. I am also seeing more interesting and intricate tracery ceiling designs, which I love.”
Graphic Wallpaper
If you didn't get the memo, maximalism is back in full force and many people are saying "so long" to minimalism. According to design pros, there's more interest in punchy patterns and arresting colors, and people are fully enjoying the liberty of showing off their personality in the comfort of their homes. That's where wallpaper comes in!
“For more playful spaces, wallpapered ceilings are making a strong comeback. Bedrooms, powder rooms and nurseries are especially popular spaces, where clients request this treatment, turning these ceilings into the focal point of the overall design,” says Armour.
Mathews notes that there's been a shift in the size of prints as well. “Several years ago, people began using small-scale patterned wallpaper or textured wallpaper, like grasscloth, on the ceiling, but now I am seeing much larger-scale patterns. People are making bolder design decisions today with a recent trend toward maximalism and more saturated colors being used.
Color-Drenching
If you've been on Instagram or TikTok lately, you might have spotted an eye-catching room or two filled with one color or multiple shades of one hue. This design approach is known as color-drenching. “It's one of the biggest trends everyone will continue to see in 2025,” says Armour. “Whether it’s a deep, moody hue in a library or a soft, neutral tone in a bedroom, color-drenching makes the ceiling a key part of the overall design.”
While some interior designers say it might be difficult to pull off, if you do it right, it can be amazing.
Non-White Paint
When in doubt, go for a striking paint color, says Mathews. “I almost always recommend a paint color other than ceiling white. A white ceiling feels boring to me and symbolizes little effort or design thoughtfulness. Some rooms, like an entry, dining room or living room, can benefit from more of a "wow" factor.”
If you'd like to take it a step further, Kaminski of says a "stripe can go a long way to make a statement.”
Continuous Color
Another tried-and-true designer trick is taking your wall color up to the ceiling if you really want to make a statement. Designer Andrea DeRosa of Avenue Interior Design likes to try this approach in two different scenarios:
“The first condition is when you are using a bold color like a deep rouge palette we recently used for an interior (pictured above). If the room had a white ceiling, it would look unfinished and negatively impact the overall aesthetic of the space. The second scenario in which I recommend continuing the wall color onto the ceiling is in a small space. Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls can give a space instant warmth and unify the entire design.”
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