Statement Ceilings Are the New Accent Walls

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Move over, accent walls—the ceiling is having its moment. That’s right, the most-neglected part of a room (aka “the fifth wall”) is officially stealing the spotlight. Statement ceilings are shaking up the interior design world, and if you’re an aesthetics enthusiast, you’re going to want to jump on this trend.

Why stop at walls? “The ceiling is the most neglected surface in a room, yet it can have the most impact,” says the iconic designer Albert Hadley. From intricate molding to bold colors and textures, statement ceilings are redefining how spaces are styled. But how did this trend come to life, and more importantly, how can you use it to elevate your own spaces? Keep reading—we’ve got all the answers (with some visual inspo thrown in)!

Image: AI Design by HOUSELIFT DESIGN

From Accent Walls to the Rise of Statement Ceilings

Image: Ho & Lacy

Remember accent walls? Popularized as an easy way to add a dose of drama or color to a room without overwhelming it, they once dominated Pinterest boards and design blogs. But as time marched on, the design world sought something bolder—something that brought a fresh perspective to how we use space.

Enter statement ceilings. Originally an element of classical and Victorian-era design (think pressed tin and elaborate plasterwork), their modern revival takes the concept to new heights (literally). “When thoughtfully designed, ceilings can elevate a space, enhancing its character with added height, texture, or whimsy,” shares Jackie Ho of Ho & Lacy.

Why Statement Ceilings Win Over Accent Walls

Statement ceilings bring a look and feel that’s hard to beat. Here’s why they’re becoming the ultimate design flex:

1. Instant Visual Impact

A painted wall? Lovely. But a ceiling clad in bold, hand-painted wallpaper or caramel-toned beams? That’s a showstopper. Ceilings draw the eye upward, emphasizing the height and grandeur of a space.

2. Space Transformation

Statement ceilings create an entirely new vibe. Take a bathroom or a laundry room, for example—a glossy finish can make it feel more expansive, while a darker ceiling can make a vast area feel warm and cozy.

3. Adds Texture

“It’s a great way to add texture,” says Benjamin Dhong of Benjamin Dhong Interiors. Whether it’s plaster, wood beams, or shiplap, nothing says “elevated design” quite like a ceiling with dimension.

4. Personalization

Images: DIGS DESIGN COMPANY

While accent walls have become ubiquitous, statement ceilings are fresh and unexpected. They offer the perfect opportunity to really showcase your personal style and design creativity.

5. Sets the Tone

Image: Benjamin Dhong Interiors

“In any room, the ceiling sets the tone. A dull ceiling makes for a dull space,” explains Benjamin Dhong. A statement ceiling does the exact opposite.

How to Choose the Perfect Statement Ceiling for Your Space

Feel inspired? Amazing! But how do you decide which style works best for your home? Here are some tried-and-true tips:

1. Pick a Color Palette

Start with hues that complement the rest of your room. Need inspiration? Color drenching is currently on-trend. Rasheeda Gray of Gray Space Interiors nailed it with a dreamy sitting room drenched in Farrow and Ball’s Oval Room Blue—walls, ceiling, trim, everything.

2. Add Texture or Dimension

Interior Design: Starrett Hoyt

Wood Beams add warmth and rustic charm, as seen in a cozy Starrett Ringbom-designed kitchen with white beams.

Paint, like this sweet, whimsical bathroom transformation by Sara Ligorria-Tramp. Whimsical tree wallpaper meets creamy organic tile, and green ceiling while an elegant white oak vanity sits upon a timeless green and white stone flooring.

3. Match the Function

Differentiate spaces with practical yet stylish ceilings. For example:

Tented fabric in a dreamy bathroom creates elegance and softness (hello, de Gournay hand painted and hand embroidered wallcoverings!). “We recently added a little window to our guest loo in London. Dressed in a Marvic Textile stripe, also used for the tented ceiling in another colourway, it lets the sunshine stream in illuminating the ‘Early Views of India’ hand painted wallpaper. One of my all time favourites. The colourful figures and animals look so animated against the monochromatic grey shades of the landscape.”

Decorative molding like a medallion add sophistication, as seen in this stunning West Village townhouse designed by Tamara Magel.

4. Be Playful

Take notes from Brooke Christen of Nesting with Grace, who turned her daughter’s space into a vintage pink-hued wonderland with pink shiplap on the ceiling and bold striped wallpaper on the wall.

Case Studies That Prove Ceilings are Everything

Still not sure if the ceiling revival is for you? These spaces prove how impactful the fifth wall can be:

In the kitchen of this California Dream Home by Amber Lewis, handmade Moroccan Zellige tiles cover the coved ceiling, adding texture and an artisanal touch. The glossy, irregular surface of the tiles reflects light beautifully, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

K Interiors created harmony between a workspace and lounging area by featuring a sleek modern oak ceiling panel paired with Mocha Mousse The Color Of 2025 wall.

DIY or Call a Pro?

Not all statement ceilings are created equal—and neither are their levels of difficulty. Here’s a quick guide:

DIY Statement Ceiling

Images: Gray Space Interiors

Ideal for painting, simple wallpapering, or lightweight peel-and-stick tiles.
Perfect if you’re on a budget or love a hands-on project.
Check out tutorials for shiplap installation or simple stencil painting.

Hire a Professional

Amanda Cutter Brooks collaborated with Degournay to create a custom space using their new wallpaper designed by Michael Smithi. She chose a bespoke version of the ‘Nordic Garden’ to cover the walls of her summer pop-up at Cutter Brooks Shop. The ceiling is beige plaster with reclaimed wood beams.

For structural changes, intricate plasterwork, or heavy materials like wood beams.
Designers often bring an artistic eye to ensure the ceiling complements your space perfectly.

What’s Next for Statement Ceilings?

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The statement ceiling isn’t going anywhere. Expect to see:

Sustainably Sourced Materials, like reclaimed wood and eco-friendly paints.
Interactive Designs, incorporating lighting features and soundproof structures.
Bespoke Options, from hand-painted designs to digitally printed murals that transform a ceiling into a masterpiece.

Elevate Your Space (Literally)

In the Johnny Galecki’s family room ceiling is covered in Woodchip & Magnolia’s Broadhead Forest wallpaper.

Image: AD

Statement ceilings are more than just a trend—they’re a design movement transforming spaces. Whether you lean toward bold colors, intricate plasterwork, or natural textures, the ceiling offers endless opportunities for creativity and personalization.

Feeling inspired? We can’t wait to see what you come up with! Share your ceiling transformations on social media with #decoholic and #MyStatementCeiling so we can feature your gorgeous projects. Don’t forget—your fifth wall deserves some love too!