Wallpaper for Ceilings: The Fifth Wall You’re Probably Forgetting
Ceiling wallpaper is a design move that is almost always overlooked when people get bold with interior decorating. But using your ceiling as your “fifth wall” is an impactful design choice—particularly when you opt for Art Deco wallpaper. It can bring a sophisticated surprise, a heightened sense of drama, and a custom-made feel to rooms in ways paint never could.
Powder rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and more can benefit from ceiling wallpaper—literally. Check out these 10 Art Deco wallpapers from Wall Artifacts that are extra dramatic overhead, along with practical tips for where and how to use them.
1. Champagne Starburst Wallpaper
A radiant, metallic starburst pattern in champagne and ivory tones, this wallpaper mimics the shimmer of a vintage chandelier—making it ideal for ceilings.
Perfect for: Dining rooms or formal entryways
💡 Styling tip: Pair with brass lighting, pale neutral walls, and mirror-backed furnishings to bounce light and pattern around the room.
2. Retro Blossom Charm Wallpaper
Playful but sophisticated, this wallpaper is filled with stylized florals in warm Art Deco hues. Applied to a ceiling, the soft curves and repetitive rhythm create a graceful, vintage-inspired elegance.
Perfect for: Powder rooms or dressing rooms
💡 Styling tip: Use with solid color walls and gold or bronze accents. Install a globe pendant light to highlight the soft floral geometry above.
3. Retro Chic Gingko Leaf Wallpaper
The iconic gingko leaf motif gets a Deco update in this refined pattern. Placed overhead, the design reads like a ceiling of stylized foliage—both calming and luxurious.
Perfect for: Bedrooms or reading nooks
💡 Styling tip: Use with warm lighting and minimalist furniture. Pair with muted greens or ivory to maintain a soft, serene palette.
4. Vintage Vault Wallpaper
The graphic scale of this pattern calls to mind iron clad bank vaults from the mid-century. It has a strong modern symmetry balanced with metallic line work. Bold and graphic, this pattern has immediate architectural impact on the ceiling.
Perfect for: Home offices or libraries
💡 Styling tip: Try against dark wall colors or built-ins. Consider adding task lighting underneath the grid to call attention to ceiling geometry
5. Golden Hex Blossoms Wallpaper
Mixing hexagons with blooms, this pattern is part structured, part soft—a winning combination to make the eye travel upward in a small space.
Perfect for: Hallways or entry vestibules
💡 Styling tip: Paint walls a crisp white to keep the ceiling as the focal point. A skinny console or art ledge below is a nice place to layer.
6. Vintage Gold Star Wallpaper
Classic Art Deco style in this sharp starburst print. Metallic highlights glisten overhead in a nod to a night sky of pattern.
Perfect for: Children's rooms or creative studios
💡 Styling tip: Pair with plush materials and rounded furniture for a contrast to the crisp angles of the stars. Warm-toned bulbs will enhance the metallic glimmer.
7. Celestial Peacock Wallpaper
Bold jewel tones and sophisticated peacock designs conjure up a vintage glamour. Try on the ceiling for a hypnotic display of feathered arches, like a shimmery tapestry.
Perfect for: Glam bedrooms or lounge areas
💡 Styling tip: Pair with emerald green accents, gold picture frames, and velvet furniture. For extra drama, add layered lighting (like sconces + chandeliers).
8. Vintage Sunburst Charm Wallpaper
Cheery and energetic thanks to the repeated sunburst motif, this wallpaper drips with Art Deco positivity. It’s even cheerful when you put it on a ceiling. In fact, on a ceiling, it’s affirming. Literally. It makes the overhead part of the room sunny.
Perfect for: Guest bathrooms or artist workrooms
💡 Styling tip: Bold mirrors or sunburst sconces echo the wallpaper motif and help ensure visual symmetry in the room.
9. Honeycomb Bloom Wallpaper
The honeycomb design is softened with florals and gentle curves, adding dimension and a touch of whimsy to ceilings.
Perfect for: Kitchens or transitional hallways
💡 Styling tip: Coordinate with natural woods and woven textures. A mix of pendant and recessed lighting will highlight the ceiling texture beautifully.
10. Vintage Versailles Wallpaper
Inspired by both classical architecture and French Art Deco, this ornate, gilded wallpaper elevates to museum-quality polish when used on a ceiling—no molding needed.
Perfect for: Formal dining rooms or statement entryways
💡 Styling tip: Embrace maximalism—use antique mirrors, moody wall colors, and a crystal chandelier to finish the look.
Why Use Wallpaper on the Ceiling?
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To create depth and dimension in rooms that might otherwise feel flat.
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To draw the eye upward, making small rooms feel taller.
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For an unexpected touch of luxury, especially in powder rooms and transitional spaces.
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To define function in open-concept spaces by setting visual boundaries overhead.
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To amplify lighting effects, especially with metallic or patterned designs.
Installation Tips for Ceiling Wallpaper
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Prep carefully: Make sure your ceiling is clean, smooth, and primed.
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Use a laser level: Especially important for geometric patterns.
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Start from the center: Work outward for symmetrical impact.
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Use proper adhesive: Follow the manufacturer’s guide for paste vs. peel-and-stick.
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Consider professional help: Ceilings are trickier than walls—having an installer ensures clean lines and crisp placement.
FAQs: Wallpapering the Ceiling
Q: Will wallpaper stay up on the ceiling over time?
Yes, if the surface is prepped correctly and you use the right adhesive. Properly installed, ceilings will hold wallpaper just as well as walls.
Q: Is peel-and-stick wallpaper a good option for ceilings?
Yes, especially in rooms with low humidity and smooth ceilings. (Keep in mind repositioning peel-and-stick wallpaper is trickier on ceilings than on walls.).
Q: Do bold patterns make the ceiling feel lower?
Not necessarily. Bold or dark patterns can actually make the ceiling feel higher by visually drawing the eye upward—especially if the walls are a lighter color.
Q: What kind of lighting works best with ceiling wallpaper?
Warm, layered lighting (sconces, chandeliers, cove lighting) will enhance the depth and/or shine of metallics or patterned wallpaper.
Q: Can ceiling wallpaper be removed later?
Yes. Most modern wallpaper is designed to be removed with minimal damage, especially peel-and-stick wallpaper. This makes wallpapering a ceiling a great option for renters or anyone with evolving tastes.
Final Thoughts
Wallpapering the ceiling is one of the most impactful design moves you can make—especially when you lean into Art Deco’s timeless patterns. From starbursts and peacocks to florals and fans, these 10 wallpapers from Wall Artifacts show how the ceiling can become a canvas for creativity, drama, and beauty.
Explore the complete Art Deco Wallpaper Collection at Wall Artifacts and discover your next fifth-wall masterpiece. Your ceiling deserves more than just white paint—it deserves style.
