Don’t forget about the ceilings!

Using the “Fifth Wall” as an additional design opportunity

When thinking about ways to refresh or upgrade a space, most of us focus on furniture, fixtures, or paint colors. But the ceiling, often called the “fifth wall”, is a powerful, and often overlooked, opportunity to bring in character and dimension.

A Simple Start: Paint and Wallpaper

A contrasting paint color or a beautiful wallpaper can make a ceiling feel intentional and special. These treatments are relatively low-commitment and can dramatically shift the mood of a room, making it feel more polished and complete.

Unexpected Texture

Grasscloth or textured wallpaper on the ceiling is an unexpected way to introduce pattern and warmth. Whether you go bold or keep it subtle, these materials bring a sense of sophistication and softness.

Specialty Finishes

For a softer, more layered look, specialty finishes like lime wash or hand-troweled plaster create subtle movement and an artisan quality that feels timeless. These finishes add depth and a hint of old-world charm while still working beautifully in modern spaces.

Specialty finishes like plaster and lime wash create layered texture and a handcrafted touch.

Architectural Layers

If you’re ready to make a bigger impact, consider architectural treatments. Cladding the ceiling with wood planks, V-groove or tongue-and-groove boards, shiplap, or even metal panels can add warmth and a custom feel.

A painted tongue-in-groove ceiling adds subtle character to a modern minimalist kitchen.

Decorative or structural beams instantly draw the eye upward and create visual interest. Tray and coffered ceilings (or box beam designs) add depth and can be enhanced even further with integrated lighting or painted soffits. These details make a room feel more tailored and thoughtfully designed.

Exposed wood beams add architectural rhythm and an organic, grounded feel.

Tray ceilings introduce quiet depth and soften the overall feel.

Vaulted ceilings with expansive windows bring in abundant natural light and airiness.

A detailed wood truss ceiling makes a bold architectural statement.

Sleek linear recesses in the foyer ceiling create a crisp, contemporary feel and connect visually to the tray ceiling in the nearby dining space.

Connecting the interior to the exterior

For a seamless transition from indoors to out, continuing ceiling materials outside can visually connect spaces. Extending wood cladding to exterior soffits or decks invites a natural flow and blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living.

Extending wood cladding from the interior ceiling to the exterior invites a natural flow and blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living.

The Finishing Touch

Whether you choose a dramatic painted ceiling or a quiet, textural treatment, the fifth wall offers a unique way to make any space feel more layered, inviting, and complete.