Are Statement Ceilings the Next Big Design Trend?

Do us a favor and look up at your ceiling. What do you see? Nothing? Yeah, we kind of figured.

For years, the ceiling has been the most overlooked, and under-appreciated, part of every room. Sure, you might’ve used some adhesive, glow-in-the-dark stars when you were a kid or added a statement light fixture to the mix, but that’s probably the extent of your ceiling design chops.

Or so you thought.

Recently, it seems like the design tides are changing. Bright colors and decorating techniques once reserved for accent walls are now inching their way up toward the ceiling. So we couldn’t help but wonder, are statement ceilings the next big thing?

According to interior designer Emilie Munroe, the answer’s yes.

“At our studio, we almost avoid statement walls as a rule and instead steer clients toward investing in the ceiling,” Munroe says. “Statement walls feel like you were afraid to fully commit to a look, whereas the same fun color or wallpaper [looks like] a fully executed design element when it’s on the ceiling.”

She has a point. Today, statement walls are just as predictable as a mid-century modern-inspired couch or millennial pink. Turning the spotlight on your ceiling instead is a fun way to shake things up and create a cool design moment.

But like any trend, there are some ground rules for creating a showstopping statement ceiling. First thing’s first: Consider the color with care. When choosing the right hue for your ceiling, it’s important to think of the use of the room.

“Warm oranges, reds, and pinks make skin tones bright, so they’re great for powder rooms and social spaces,” Munroe says. “Blue works almost anywhere, but greens can make the skin appear cool so they’re best avoided in powder rooms and dressing areas.”

Of course, statement walls run the risk of being too jarring. Selecting a super-bright color in an otherwise neutral space can take too much attention away from the rest of your room. Create some cohesion by anchoring the rest of your room with equally impressive accessories.

“Once you have selected your accent, balance the graphic weight with the area rug or upholstery fabrics below,” Munroe explains. “You want the room to feel equally weighted at top and bottom, not off-kilter.”

But no matter which color you choose, it’s important your pigment packs a punch. It’s a statement wall, after all, so there’s no room for a matchy-matchy space.

“Pick a pattern or texture that inspires you,” Munroe recommends. “Make it a conversation you want to have over and over.”

Would you add a statement ceiling to your home? Sound off in the comments below!