Ceiling Remodeling Ideas: Victorian, Retro & Minimalistic Ceilings

Ceiling remodels are often overlooked until the plain white or crackled surface starts to weigh on an otherwise fashionable room's décor. Don't wait until then; include a ceiling remodel in your renovation plans or consider using it to update a room when a full-scale remodel isn't in the works. A big practical consideration in your choice of ceiling is the room. Is it a bedroom on the second floor? Is it a living room with a high ceiling? A basement? For most rooms you will likely want drywall or wood, while for a basement you might prefer something that will allow you access to plumbing and wiring, such as panels or tiles. Your high ceiling room might benefit from the warmth of a darker color, while smaller spaces will be more flattered by light colors that help give a larger appearance. Patterns are one bold way to spruce up a ceiling, so long as the prints are proportional to the size of the room and its furnishings. You can get materials and help for wood and drywall ceilings (the prevalent types) at almost any local home improvement store. Here are some other popular ways to redo a ceiling for a do-it-yourselfer with moderate skills.

Ceiling medallion

This is a simple project you can do in under a day. By adding a medallion around a ceiling fan or light fixture, you'll break up the monotony around it, adding visual interest and style. Ceiling medallions are available in a wide variety of styles at places like Lowe's. More experienced DIYers might benefit from the expanded selection and competitive prices at online outlets such as www.architecturaldepot.com.

Pressed-tin panel

If you like a retro look, consider pressed-tin panels, which are coming back in style. They are available in scores of styles and you can even paint them for a custom job. Pressed tin is also convenient: it's durable and the installation only requires furring the strips onto the ceiling. The Chelsea Decorative Metal Company offers a nice selection online along with installation instructions (http://www.thetinman.com) and a photo gallery showcasing several styles of pressed-tin ceiling and even an example of this material used as a backsplash.

Ceiling paper

Embossed, patterned, textured, or plain colored, there are scores of wallpapers for ceiling applications. Although simple wallpaper tends to work best for ceilings, some rooms can benefit from the rich look of embossed leather, plaster or tin-yes, using paper! Generally more affordable than the real thing, you can browse some styles at Graham & Brown (www.grahambrown.com).

Mineral-fiber planks
Though commonly associated with commercial environments, utilitarians may find mineral-fiber planks alluring. The panels can help with acoustic and light-reflection issues, while also providing flexibility and access to pipes or wires (remember our discussion about basements earlier?) The planks don't have to look sterile, you can get them in the appearance of wood, tin or plaster, or even use latex paint to liven them up. Armstrong.com has a great selection of ceiling tiles along with ideas for how to apply them to different rooms. Some tiles installed in suspended ceilings can reduce noise by as much as 50% (www.armstrong.com), and as an added benefit, they are made with recycled content.