How To Wallpaper a Ceiling

The thought of wallpapering a ceiling might seem intimidating, but it’s totally doable with the right tools and enough patience. Plus, adding ceiling wallpaper is one of the most dramatic and elegant ways to transform a room. The ceiling is often called the “fifth wall” by designers and architects. It holds incredible design potential, which too often remains untapped.

Whether you want to incorporate subtle texture, add a bold pattern, or highlight architectural interest, wallpapering a ceiling is absolutely achievable for DIYers willing to take the leap.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about installing wallpaper on a ceiling, why it’s worth it, and the exact steps you need to follow for a professional-looking result.

Why Wallpaper Your Ceiling? The Benefits

Wallpapered ceilings are more than a passing design trend. They come with a number of practical and creative advantages.

It Creates Visual Impact

Even the most subtle patterns and motifs can have a big effect on the overall look and feel of a room. Ceiling wallpaper instantly draws the eye up, making your space feel taller and more grand. Patterns, wall murals, and woven materials add depth and personality that a single paint color can’t replicate.

It Defines a Room

If you have an open-floor plan or a space without much architectural detail, adding wallpaper to your ceiling can help define specific areas (like dining nooks or hallways) without adding bulky physical barriers.

It Adds Texture and Warmth

Popcorn ceilings are mostly a thing of the past, but ceiling wallpaper can bring a softer, more elevated type of texture to a room. Woven wallpaper materials like grasscloth can even help minimize echo in large spaces, making them feel warmer and cozier.

It Hides Minor Imperfections

If your ceiling has cracks, uneven surfaces, or old paint flaws, covering them with wallpaper is the ideal solution. A patterned wall covering can disguise imperfections more effectively than a fresh coat of paint. But if you have significant damage, it’s still better to get it fixed before applying your wallpaper.

It Expresses Your Design Style

Ceiling wallpaper lets you express your personality and highlight the character of your home. There are nearly limitless designs, color palettes, and materials to choose from. Love a natural, cozy look? Try a faux wood or woven design. Want to make a bold statement? Opt for an abstract wallpaper. Decorating a kid’s room with a playful vibe? Choose an animal or space motif.

How To Wallpaper a Ceiling: Step-by-Step Instructions

Below you’ll find detailed instructions for wallpapering a ceiling. The application process is a little different for traditional paste vs. peel and stick wallpaper, but the preparation steps are the same.

Wall Preparation Instructions

Before you start prepping, you’ll need to gather some supplies:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Bleach and water (if needed)
• Painter’s tape
• Sandpaper
• Spackle (if needed)

Once you have everything you need, you can get started with the first step.

1. Inspect the wall

Look for any damaged or uneven areas. If your ceiling is in good shape and everything looks smooth, you can skip this step. If not, fill any chips, holes, or cracks in the ceiling. Then sand and prime any repaired sections.

2. Clean the wall

If you’re dealing with a matte ceiling, gently scrape any flakes or chipped paint and wash the surface with an all-purpose cleaner. If your ceiling is glossy, clean it first and then seal it with an acrylic primer. In bathrooms and other high-humidity areas, it’s a good idea to clean the ceiling with a bleach-and-hot-water solution to avoid wallpapering over any areas of mildew.

3. Prime the wall

Apply one coat of acrylic primer to create a seal and prevent moisture from accumulating, then let it cure for at least 48 hours before installing the ceiling wallpaper. Adding a primer also helps make positioning your wallpaper strips easier.

Application Instructions for Traditional Paste Wallpaper

Gather the following supplies for a traditional paste installation:

• Medium wallpaper paste
• Microfiber cloth
• Paint brush or paint roller
• Pencil
• Seam roller/smoother
• Sharp scissors
• Straight-edged level
• Utility knife (and spare blades)
• Wallpaper brush

1. Make a Level Guideline

Start at the corner of the room and use a straight-edged level and a pencil to draw a 25-inch guideline away from the edge of the ceiling. This will help you ensure the first strip is properly positioned. Leave 2-3 extra inches of wallpaper to account for any ceiling slope.

2. Cut and Paste the Wallpaper

Use sharp scissors to trim the wallpaper, leaving a few extra inches to be safe. Then, lay the wallpaper with the design facing down and use a paint roller or brush to apply a thin coat of medium-to-heavy mixed paste.

3. “Book” the Wallpaper

Book the wallpaper by folding the bottom third section up and then folding the top section down so they overlap slightly. Let the wallpaper sit for about 15-20 minutes. Booking wallpaper helps prevent the paper from shrinking, boosts adhesion, and makes it easier to handle.

4. Hang the First Strip

Slowly unfold the top section of the wallpaper and place it smoothly along the ceiling until the edge reaches the wall, using the guideline you made in step one to keep the paper straight.

5. Smooth the Wallpaper

Using a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool, smooth the wallpaper from side to side and from the center of the ceiling in an outward direction. This removes bubbles and evens out the surface. Then, you can unfold the bottom section of the wallpaper and repeat the process in the same way.

6. Apply additional strips

Use the same process with the remaining strips. Be sure to position each subsequent strip with a roughly 1-inch overlap, ensuring the pattern is completely aligned.

7. “Double-cut” the Seam (Optional)

If you want to ensure there’s no visible overlap, you can use a utility knife and straight-edged level to cut the overlapping paper, leaving about a half-inch on each side of the cut. Then, lift the seam to remove the cut sections and press the seam flat with a seam roller.

8. Trim and Clean up 

Now that your wallpaper is installed, all that’s left is to trim any excess paper along the sides (where the ceiling meets the walls), and wipe any extra paste with a damp cloth.

Application Instructions for Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Gather the following supplies for a peel-and-stick application:

• Microfiber cloth 
• Pencil 
• Seam roller/smoother 
• Sharp scissors
• Straight-edged level 
• Utility knife (and spare blades) 
• Wallpaper brush

1. Make a Level Guideline

Starting at a corner, use a level to draw a line 25 inches away from the edge of your ceiling. You’ll need to leave 2-3 extra inches of wallpaper before sticking the backing to the ceiling. This helps account for any unevenness.

2. Start the Installation

Decide which direction you want your pattern to flow. Then place the roll against the ceiling with the design facing away from the surface. Make sure you align the peel and stick wallpaper to the guideline you drew earlier.

3. Hang the First Strip

Peel back the first 10 inches of backing from the roll, leaving about 3 inches of excess wallpaper at the edge before sticking the wallpaper to the ceiling. Don’t worry — you’ll trim the excess later. 

4. Adhere the Paper

Continue pulling the backing away evenly, about 2 feet at a time as you press the wallpaper in a gentle concave motion against the ceiling. Push any air bubbles toward the edges as you go.

5. Smooth the Paper

Using a wallpaper brush or smoother, press the adhesive firmly against the ceiling. Start from the center of the strip and work your way outward removing all bubbles.

6. Trim Excess Length

Once you’ve finished adhering and smoothing the first strip and you’ve reached the opposite wall, use a straight-edged utility knife to trim the excess length you left earlier.

7. Apply additional strips

Position each strip with a 1-inch overlap to align the pattern perfectly. If it doesn’t line up, gently peel back the edge of the paper just enough to reposition it so it aligns. Take your time with this step to avoid distorting the pattern.

8. Double-Cut the Seam (Optional)

Use your straight-edged blade to cut the overlap, leaving a half-inch of material on either side of the cut. Line up the seam to remove both half-inch strips before pressing the seam flat with a seam roller.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to make your ceiling wallpaper application easier and smoother:

• Work with a partner: Wallpapering a ceiling is much easier with two people.

• Choose the right material: Lightweight wallpaper materials are easier to work with when you have to reach overhead.

• Consider peel and stick for a simpler process: Peel and stick wallpaper usually results in a faster, less messy project.

• Take breaks: Working overhead on a ladder is physically demanding, so pace yourself and rest your arms periodically.

• Don’t be afraid to call a professional: If you’re installing grasscloth or a large-scale wall mural, it’s sometimes best to work with professional installers.

Choose From Stunning Ceiling Wallpaper Designs

Wallpapering a ceiling is a fun, bold project that can completely redefine the look and feel of your room. It takes some extra planning, the right tools, and plenty of patience, but it’s well worth the effort. From delicate florals to bold retro prints, Mitchell Black offers nearly endless design options, all crafted with top-of-the-line materials in the USA. 

Ready to get started? Order samples to see how your favorite designs look in your space and schedule a complementary concierge appointment to get advice from a design expert.