High-class ceilings

Plain white plasterboard ceilings are a thing of the past. A well-decorated ceiling alone can completely change the look of a room and give it character and style. What’s more, decorating the ceiling defines this space in a subtle and original way. Coffers, mouldings, beadboard, beams, tiles and paint: the choice of materials is wide, and the possibilities are almost endless. Read on for our suggestions for ceiling decoration.

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Playing with height and shape
Ceiling cladding

Playing with height and shape

You don’t need much in order to give a room personality. Give a different feel, create a different atmosphere around your home simply by varying ceiling height from one room to another. This is a great way of defining zones for different activities and creating a psychological division of areas in an open-plan house, for example.

You can also vary the height of the ceiling within the same room. One of the most common ways of doing this consists in lowering a portion of the ceiling around the perimeter or in one corner, allowing you to create different zones within the room. With a few well-chosen lamps in the right places, you’ll see your room in a whole new light.

If you are embarking on more major renovation work or thinking of having a new home built, you should bear in mind that today’s ceilings come in a variety of forms and with architectural features that are designed to be seen. Vaulted, domed, angled or cathedral ceilings can be used throughout the house, giving extra height and offering a variety of interesting possibilities.

Ceiling cladding

In the past few years, materials have become available that accurately reproduce the charming architectural details seen in older homes and which can be used to great effect to accentuate the up-to-date look of a modern decor. Versatile, lightweight and eye-catching, these materials are designed with a view to making renovating easier for everyone.
  • Textured tiles and panels
    Is it your dream to recreate the opulence of a 19th-century manor house in your own home, with all the benefits of modern materials? Then nothing beats textured tiles. The tiles available today are lightweight, easy to install and so versatile that it takes very little to turn your own ceiling into a true work of art, at very little cost and with no major renovation work involved. Manufacturers generally offer a variety of panels, tiles, mouldings, coves and friezes that can be mixed and matched at will as your inspiration takes you.
    For a one-of-a-kind look, take a look at pressed-metal tiles. As well as being extremely decorative, these tiles add real character to a room – whether modern or classical – and create interesting effects of light. They are made of tin or aluminum in a silver, gold, bronze or copper finish, with or without patina, and are glued or nailed into place. Once installed, they give spectacular and lasting results and will stand up to the test of time with minimal maintenance.
    Some companies make decorative panels in MDF, wood-veneered synthetic materials or styrene, which can be painted to suit your tastes and according to the look you’re aiming to achieve. You can use stains, glazes or faux finishes on these types of material; don’t be afraid to experiment. For example, why not try to reproduce the beauty of metal panels by painting them gold, copper or silver? These same panels can also be used in a number of other ways, such as on walls for a coffered or panelling effect.

    Ceiling tiles or panels in metal or synthetic materials come in 6-, 12- or 24-square inch sizes.
  • Beams
    Beams – heavy and exposed – are very much in vogue. They look good with all types of decor and suit all heights of ceiling. If they are treated or distressed they will blend well with country or rustic style surroundings. If they are smooth or delicately carved, and laid out in a chequered arrangement, beams will make a room look elegant and contemporary.

    Wood remains a sure choice for beams; however, many lighter, more versatile materials are now available on the market, much to the delight of renovators. MDF, polyurethane and other lightweight materials are now being used to create beams for ceiling decoration. They look just like the real thing for a fraction of the price and a minimum amount of work. If you are looking for a more subtle effect, paint them the same colour as the ceiling. Darker colours, on the other hand, give the room a more intimate feel.
  • Moulding, coving and trim
    Colonial, oriental, Victorian, baroque… The many styles of moulding make it possible to create stunning finishes. But in addition to providing the finishing touch to decoration jobs, trims and moulding are also now being used for creating patterns on the ceiling itself.

    The current trend is for bigger, bolder moulding that catches the eye. Moulding is now becoming more visible than ever and, as such, it adds considerable charm, giving a rich, elegant allure to ceilings and walls. Try stacking coving, moulding and batons of wood to give the impression of width and for a more stylish finish.

    Trim can be made of wood, metal, plaster, plastic or fibreglass and can be painted or stained to match any decor. This year, one of the most noticeable trends is to use a white gloss paint for trims, which catches the light and shows them off well.

    Rosettes and ceiling medallions in varying motifs and styles are decorative ways in which to highlight attractive lighting fixtures such as suspended lamps. They can be painted or even given a faux finish treatment, to make them unique features of your decor.
  • Beadboard
    Beadboard has made a strong comeback in the last few years. It’s a great way to recreate the warmth and charm of a country house in your own home. Beadboard is usually made of wood, fibreboard or wood veneer laminate, and it can be painted in the colour of your choice depending on the effect you want to achieve. Good quality wood can be stained and then varnished. Teamed with big solid beams, the effect will be sensational.

    Just like today’s modern wood flooring or the wall panelling available in stores, this type of ceiling is relatively easy to install, requiring only a few tools and a minimal amount of work. Some types of beadboard even have tongue-and-groove systems for inserting the boards into one another easily, which keeps handling and tools to a minimum. Ceiling beadboard comes in strips 5 inches wide by 84 inches long. Wood ceilings are also available as 12-or 24-square inch tiles.

  • Wallpaper
    Wallpaper is an attractive alternative for those wanting something different, original, and quick to install. A rectangle or square piece of wallpaper framed with moulding always looks impressive and is very easy to make. Wallpaper is available in a wide array of patterns and varying textures, plus it’s simple to put up, which means you can achieve great results with little effort and give your ceiling a really personalized look. The beautiful patterns in embossed papers make them especially eye-catching if you paint them in your own colours, or if you prefer, they can be varnished.

  • Paint
    If you don’t want to try any of the above and you don’t have much time to spend decorating your ceiling, remember that paint can also completely change a room’s atmosphere and create striking effects. Bear in mind that pale colours make ceilings look higher, while darker tones create a more intimate atmosphere and make the ceiling appear lower.

    You could also create attractive visual effects and attract attention towards the ceiling by hand painting your own motifs. Children, for instance, will just love gazing at stars, clouds or planets painted on their ceiling. Use your artistic talents and give free rein to your imagination — try stencilling around the ceiling edge, or perhaps in the centre in lieu of a medallion, or so as to highlight a special architectural feature. You’ll have the satisfaction of putting your own unique decorative stamp on your home. Faux finishes, metallic paint and hand-painted features will enhance your decor in no time.
  • Other solutions
    There exist other decorating options for creating unique ceilings, though these may require the help of specialists. Stretched ceilings in polyester fibre reflect the light and hide imperfections. They have a resolutely modern look and go with most of today’s interiors. This is an increasingly popular option for ceilings and is worth watching out for.

    For a softer effect, and to bring colour and texture to the ceiling without embarking on major work, fabric is an excellent choice. The use of fabrics creates a romantic atmosphere and, at the same time, hides imperfections in the ceiling. Fabric can be used to make a bed canopy, for instance, setting the mood for romance.
Finally, don’t be afraid to combine different materials. Well-placed beams and beadboarding make for spectacular effects and create interesting contrasts. Wood and metal always seem to go well together, and by using moulding and tiles you can personalize a ceiling making it a unique work of art.

The way in which you decorate a ceiling can change the entire look of your decor while highlighting the most interesting features of a room. So make the most of this fifth wall and try out one or more of the many original options open to you. With a small amount of planning and a dash of creativity you’ll be on the way to creating some original ceiling decors that match your highest aspirations.


    The pictures shown in this project are for inspirational purposes. Therefore, it is possible that certain products may not be sold at RONA.
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