15 Cheap Ceiling Ideas That Look Expensive

There's no need to spend a small fortune or call in the pros to give your ceiling a makeover. Whether you use wallpaper, paint, or wood, it's easy to upgrade your ceiling over the course of a weekend while sticking to a budget. Below are 15 of our favorite ceiling makeover projects that only look expensive.

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Add Molding to the Ceiling

@prettyinthepines / Instagram

If you crave an ornate, regal look at home, consider adding molding to your ceilings. This extra detailing creates a grand result that looks natural and timeless. Here, a cookie-cutter New York City apartment unit received a major makeover — we'd never know that the molding isn't original to the space.

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Don't Forget About Wallpaper

@prettyinthepines / Instagram

Don't forget about a room's fifth wall when working with wallpaper. Adding wallpaper to the ceiling immediately draws the eye upward and adds major personality to any room. Here, a moody floral pattern adds a romantic touch to this apartment's dining room. Wallpapering the ceiling is also a great way to make use of a more expensive pattern that you love—you won't have to purchase as much paper but can still enjoy a beautiful design that speaks to you.

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Drape Some Fabric

Design: Shannon Claire Interiors / Photo: Laura Metzler

A draped fabric ceiling adds major drama to this colorful apartment bedroom. In the case of this specific space, the velvet fabric helps to camouflage unsightly popcorn ceilings while making a major style statement.

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Paint a Mural

@mondaymondaycreative / Instagram

Murals aren't just for the walls; if you're handy with paint and stencils, you can create your own for the ceiling, too. The colors and patterns you choose to use are entirely up to you. Here, a leafy design adds playfulness to this formal dining room.

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Apply Some Decals

House Mix

Shine bright! In this little girl's room, star-shaped decals pop on the ceiling. Decals are a simple way to transform any ceiling in just a short period of time; stick them on in any kind of formation.

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Cozy Up With Wood

Sawdust Girl

If you crave an extra touch of coziness at home, you can always opt to make your own plywood ceiling. Would you believe that these painted beams weren't original to this room?

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Go Glam With Tulle

Addison's Wonderland

Use tulle to create a canopy-like ceiling in a little girl's room (or perhaps even in a walk-in closet!). A setup like this is bound to make anyone feel like royalty.

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Grab Some Cool Tiles

@maisondemings / Instagram

Use ceiling tiles to create a brand-new look in any room of your home. Here, copper tiles liven up this kitchen and transport it back in time. Tiles like these are often present in historic rowhomes and have so much charm. To take things a step further, select furniture and decor that complements your tile color; these barstools look lovely alongside the brass tones.

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Paint a Starry Scene

@little_savage_life / Instagram

Set a starry scene! Little ones will enjoy falling asleep while admiring the night sky from bed. A mural like this one is a showstopper.

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Try Tiles in the Basement

Jen Woodhouse

Ceiling tiles shine in this basement-turned-home theater, too. This homeowner craved a 1920s, art deco style, feel and the detailed tiling certainly helps to achieve this look while drawing the eye upward.

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Design a Farmhouse Chic Space

The Heathered Nest

Talk about rustic chic! This guest room shines with the addition of a barnwood ceiling. A glam chandelier elevates the space even further and demonstrates that this isn't your ordinary farmhouse space.

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Layer on Medallions

The Heathered Nest

Ceiling medallions are a timeless, simple upgrade for any ceiling — they can be an excellent renter-friendly solution, too. Why not layer several medallions for a unique look? Here, three pieces of circular molding are combined to create a grand design, and the pink paint helps to accentuate them further.

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Keep It Cohesive With Paint

@notaperioddrama / Instagram

If you do opt for a single ceiling medallion, don't just leave it white—coat it in whatever paint color you use on the ceiling. This results in a more seamless, built-in look.

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Stick With Something Simple

@aflickofpaint / Instagram

Don't underestimate the power of plain paint on a ceiling. Whether you're looking to add intrigue to a particular room or are hoping to cover up a damaged or non-aesthetically pleasing ceiling, this is an easy, worthwhile solution. If you already have paint left over from another DIY, you can tackle this project free of charge, too!

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DIY a Coffered Ceiling

Charleston Crafted

If you've always longed for a coffered ceiling in your home, note that you can install one all on your own. This project is best for experienced DIYers but will of course make a significant change to your space.