People don’t often pay attention to what’s going on above them. Our line of vision is usually focused directly ahead of us (or looking down at our phones), such that we give little thought to what is above our heads. We even say “that went over my head” to express that we didn’t notice or understand something.
For these reasons, the ceiling is often one of the most underutilized spaces in interior design. But incorporating a ceiling mural, ceiling decal, or ceiling sticker into a room design can truly transform a space. For one thing, decals, stickers or murals on the ceiling can make a space feel larger, brighter, and more open. For another, ceiling decorations don’t take up any valuable floor or wall space.
Wondering if a ceiling mural may be right for your space? Here are nine creative and expertly executed ceiling mural ideas to inspire your next project:
1. Renaissance ceiling murals
Let yourself be inspired by some of the most famous paintings and architectural feats of all time. Renaissance-inspired art is a classic choice for a ceiling mural, drawing most notably from Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. This type of ceiling mural instantly elevates the sophistication of a space. A ceiling mural like this one could be especially fitting for a fine dining restaurant, high-end salon, or artisan boutique.
2. White walls and swirling ceiling
Many people appreciate the simplicity of white walls, but still long for a pop of dynamic color in their space. Ceiling murals allow you to have the best of both worlds. By leaving the walls bare, you won’t need to worry about whether your furniture arrangement or shelving will obscure any wall art.
3. Strategic placement
In some healthcare professions, clients will actually spend a significant portion of their visit looking at the ceiling. Strategic ceiling murals can be a wonderful gesture that shows you’ve truly thought about their comfort. In the case of a spa, a ceiling mural over the massage table can further help a client to completely relax. At a doctor’s or dentist office, a mural or ceiling decal over the chair can help distract them from any discomfort they may feel while being examined.
4. Perfect panels
Ceiling murals don’t have to encompass the entire ceiling. Paneling, for instance, is a dynamic and eye-catching way to incorporate ceiling decals into a space without taking over the entire ceiling. Designs like the one pictured above can be great for delineating open space and accommodating for hardware like lighting or fire safety equipment.
5. Never-ending walls
Combining a wall mural and ceiling mural is a fantastic way to play with perspective and make your space feel larger. By extending elements from the wall mural onto the ceiling, you’ve eliminated a visual barrier and extended the dimensions of your space. This technique looks especially good with simple, monochrome illustrations.
6. Ceiling wallpaper as a window
What if you could rip the roof off your space? While it may not be possible to install skylights in every space, ceiling murals can do the next best thing. Sky and nature themed wallpaper applied to the ceiling can give your space a bright, serene, and open feeling.
7. Immersive ceiling murals
Ceiling murals make for excellent experiential graphics because of the immersive feel that they impart. Especially when the rest of the space utilizes colors and designs that reflect the ceiling mural, entering the space can truly feel like stepping into another world. Especially clever in the ceiling mural above is that sea creatures are painted so that viewers see their undersides, giving them the appearance of swimming overhead.
8. Industrial chic
Love the exposed brick walls and stripped wood floors in your space, but are still itching to incorporate a mural into the design? Ceiling murals look great in warehouse-like spaces and can help introduce some warmth to the design scheme. Bold, colorful patterns look especially striking when framed by industrial materials like metal and brick.
9. Mixing mediums
Who says a ceiling mural needs to be two dimensional? Enhance your overhead graphics with lights, mirrors, fixtures, or hangings that play directly off of the images. Combining materials and textures can help to boost the immersive feel of a space, and furthermore will impress the socks off your guests.
Sky’s the limit!
Wall murals may be a tried and true classic and floor graphics may lay right in our line of vision, but a well executed ceiling mural is nothing short of impressive. Thinking outside of your four-walled space and incorporating a ceiling mural into your design scheme can go a long way in making a room memorable and comfortable. If you need help planning, designing, and installing the perfect ceiling mural for your space, give us a call or leave us a comment below! Our team of experts would be happy to help you create the ceiling mural of your dreams.