For a long time, ceilings have been the underdog of the interiors world.
Though there are, of course, some notable exceptions to this rule - Sistine Chapel, anyone? – your ceilings are all too often an afterthought when it comes to decorating a home.
While we’ll happily spend hours poring over wallpaper samples, fabric swatches and paint testers in an effort to fine-tune the perfect colour scheme for our walls (one that’s Instagram-friendly now but won’t look dated later) and will agonise endlessly over the right tile finish for our bathrooms (terrazzo or marble?), our ceilings get overlooked again and again, fobbed off with a slick of white paint.
But we are the ones missing out - because, when it's done right, a statement ceiling adds instant character to a room. If the early Noughties had feature walls (thank you, Changing Rooms, Property Ladder and a raft of other MDF-obsessed home improvement shows), the statement ceiling is that trend's chicer, more grown-up cousin.
According to interiors site LivingEtc, Pinterest searches for ‘statement ceilings’ and ‘ceiling ideas’ are up by 310 percent, and the photo sharing platform has plenty of proof that your ceiling can be the ultimate blank canvas.
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For those of a more maximalist bent, patterned tiles and vibrant flashes of colour will surely appeal (and if you’re not brave enough to try out those ideas on your walls, a ceiling is surely the perfect starting point); if you are after something a little more simple, subtle marbled effects and complementary colours can be an easy way to tap into this trend and create a unique, memorable effect.
Just think of your ceiling as a fifth wall of sorts - and get inspired by the ideas in the gallery below...
Statement Ceilings - Grazia
pinterest statement ceiling
Flip expectations upside down by switching statement tiles from the floor to the ceiling.
pinterest statement ceiling
Bold blooms make a striking addition to this bedroom ceiling.
pinterest statement ceiling
Add interest to a narrow corridor with a burst of colour on the door and ceiling.
pinterest statement ceiling
A millennial pink ceiling is a calming addition to a nursery.
pinterest statement ceiling
A patterned panel ceiling is the perfect accompaniment to an already eclectic space.
pinterest statement ceiling
A colour-blocked ceiling plus millennial pink walls and a velvet sofa equals Instagram interiors paradise.
pinterest statement ceiling
Statement wall, meet statement ceiling...
pinterest statement ceiling
A dark ceiling paired with stark white walls (and the obligatory house plant) creates a modern feel...
pinterest statement ceiling
... just add an unusual light fitting to break things up...
statement ceilings pinterest
... or use a flash of colour to add interest.
pinterest statement ceiling
Worried hot pink walls might be too... much? Try it on your ceiling instead...
pinterest statement ceiling
A bold striped ceiling is another kid-friendly nursery décor idea.
pinterest statement ceiling
A leopard print ceiling is surely the ultimate in maximalist luxe...
pinterest statement ceilings
Paint isn't the only way to make a statement with your ceiling - as this draped floral effect proves.
pinterest statement ceiling
Consider an unusual colour combination with complementary undertones, like this rust red and slate grey mash-up.
pinterest statement ceiling
Use your wallpaper print to colour match your ceiling, for a tonal effect.
pinterest statement ceiling
Clever use of inverted pattern leaves this room looking just right.
pinterest statement ceiling
A bold royal blue helps add warmth to a room.
pinterest statement ceiling
Short on space but fallen for a statement print? Use wallpaper on the ceiling, rather than the walls.
pinterest statement ceiling
A cool candy stripe off-sets pale pink.
statement ceilings pinterest
A marbled effect is a clever choice for pastel shades.
Want more interiors inspiration? Check out our guides to the best pastel rooms on Pinterest, nursery décor ideas that aren't just blue or pink and staircase ideas to make the ultimate entrance...
READ MORE: The Best Places To Kit Out Your Home On The Cheap That Aren't Ikea
SHOP: The Best Places To Kit Out Your Home On The Cheap
Ian Snow
Behind every Ian Snow piece lies a story. A tradition, a way of doing things, carefully preserved through the generations. Inspired by Ian's travels to India in 1969, his daughters Daisy and India work alongside him and their mother from their farm in Devon.
Anthropologie
If you've ever been into an Anthropologie store you'll know the overwhelming feeling of wanting everything in sight. From soft furnishings to glassware, they stock near enough everything for any room in the house.
Zara Home
Zara Home is about to launch a new online collection, so you no longer have to go in store to get your fix.
Home Sense
With 33 stores all over the UK, stock changes regularly but they claim they are 60% cheaper than other retailers. Although you can't shop online, which is a bit of a pain. Their beautiful rustic tables are seriously sturdy. Also their beautiful blue & white cushion with serious top texture is a stand out accessory for your sofa (£7.99). You can't buy online so a visit to store is essential.
Sainsburys Home
If you've been missing out on Sainsbury's range of homeware then you need to jump on the bandwagon pronto. This beautiful scarf-print bed linen is only £31 and pretty enough to make you ditch plain white bedding for life. They also have some very reasonably priced soft furnishing like this oil paint cushion (£12) to instantly add a unique interior twist without blowing the budget.
ASOS Supply
While you're browsing ASOS looking for an outfit for the last minute boozy brunch you've agreed to attend this weekend, pop some bedding, towels and plant hangers (this one's only £16!) in your basket from the website's homeware range. It's cheap, durable and (most importantly) uniquely stylish.
Dunelm
With over 140 stores in the UK with so much to choose from and is suitable for a range of budgets. Their home accessories are particularly good for those with less cash to splash. From their decor range their blue ribbed glass bud vase at £5 is perfect for stems and their metal and glass lantern is just stunning for £8. Also you may not know it yet, but their Albany gold table lamp is exactly what you need in your life. (£104).
The Range
Offering everything from furniture to wall art, throws, cushions, vases and even a dedicated wedding range. You do have to root around, but you'll find some gems. Check out the hanging chair from their garden essentials, or their Pinterest-worthy ivory arched mirror for £57.99. Their Laos Trail wallpaper is beautiful with a price to match at £14.99 a roll and their Lobster cushion taps into the tapestry trend for just £3.99.
Decorator's Notebook
Decorator's Notebook specialise in handmade home accessories from fair trade groups, social enterprises and artisan co-operatives all over the world. Their ethos is that design quality and ethics can go hand in hand and allow customers to create a beautiful home without compromising their style or their conscience.
Graham & Green
A family-run business with unusual pieces. Their geometric vases are so nice it's hard to know if you'd look at the flowers or the vase and their black distressed whale book ends will make even your crappy old uni books look interesting.
Wilkinsons
Wilko calls itself the 'home of family value' retailer. And although it sounds a bit like a razor, it's actually just an amazing shop that sells just about everything. You could kit out your entire home this way, but highlights right now are a slick bookcase from their Julian Bowen range for £140, or this Anthropologie-esque duvet set for just £14.
Atkin & Thyme
Launched in October 2014, this boutique scours the globe for handmade pieces which means your mates won't automatically have the same wardrobe as you. We're very into this chevron chest of drawers, par example.
H&M Home
Mostly known for their clothes, H&M has recently upped it's game and stepped into the homeware market. And with pieces such as this rattan basket for just £9.99 it's no surprise the new venture is doing well.
Marks & Spencer
Seeing a theme here? Yep, there are plenty of supermarkets offering cheap homeware, including Marks & Spencer. This leaf print cushion is only £12.50!