The ceiling is no longer a flat, neutral space that can be ignored. It's an opportunity to add more design and ambiance to your spaces. How can you design your ceiling? From tin ceiling ideas to lighting fixtures and color splashes, here are five ceiling ideas that are right on trend for 2025 and beyond.

1. Architectural Ceiling Elements

A ceiling with architectural elements really makes the fifth wall special. Tray ceilings, coffered ceilings, and crown molding are the most popular, and well-established ways to create interest on the ceiling. It's on trend in 2025 to give architectural elements a little twist: use triangles for a coffered ceiling instead of squares, paint the top of the tray ceiling a different color or cover it with a different material, do some creative lighting.

There's no limit to what you can do on the fifth wall with custom drywall work. Try a circular or star-shaped tray ceiling, create arches or mock flying buttresses, or do something completely unique of your own design.

2. Stretch Ceiling

If you want something a bit more understated for the ceiling, a stretch ceiling is the perfect first step toward ceiling style. A stretch ceiling uses one solid piece of a material (PVC/plastic, textiles, etc.) to cover your entire ceiling seamlessly.

For a softer and warmer look to fit trends in 2025, try a textile. The literal softness of the fabric makes the room warmer. Using warm colors and like cream, beige, sage, or blush is another tactic to enhance warmth.

3. High Gloss

High-gloss or reflective surface on the ceiling is a winner. The sheen draws a bit of attention to the ceiling and enhances lighting with its reflective qualities.

If you want something more bold, try a mirrored finish. You'll be surprised by the effect it creates without being overly flamboyant.

4. Tin Tile

Some texture or pattern on the ceiling draws attention and dresses your fifth wall with style. Tin ceiling is a classic example that's been beloved for over centuries. Elegant patterns in bas relief add interest and depth to the room, no matter what tin ceiling ideas or designs you decide on.

Choose a metallic color to reflect light and add elegance or go with a distressed vintage look with an Artisan finish. American Tin Ceilings artisans hand-finish each tile for a authentic look you'll love.

Add Texture with Ceiling-Height Backsplashes

5. Lighting

When you go to the trouble of creating something worth looking at on the ceiling, be sure there's enough light to enjoy it. If you have architectural elements on your ceiling like a tray, you can have some fun with a little creative lighting.

Add strip LED lights to the vertical part of the tray for a glow around the perimeter of the tray. Hang a series of pendant lights from the tray or place recessed lights in each coffer to further attract attention to your ceiling.

Skylights are a must-have in design today. A skylight functions as a form of lighting but also stands alone as a ceiling feature. It's a great way to invite the great outdoors indoors and bring some nature into your design.

6. Color

A more conservative approach to the ceiling—that has just as much of an impact—can be achieved with color. Paint the ceiling a different color from the walls and you're in business. Neutral colors will make the ceiling different without diverting too much attention from other elements in the space. Bold colors will demand attention and set the tone for the design.

Color can be combined with any of the above elements we've discussed. Add color to a tray or coffered ceiling for a unique effect. Try tin ceiling ideas like a colored tin ceiling tile or a colorful patterned wallpaper. Use programmable LED colored lighting to change up the ceiling design. Use color to bring out the architectural elements you add to the ceiling.

7. Wood Paneling

Another of-the-moment ceiling design is wood paneling or planks. This adds some effortless warmth in a material that doesn't take over the space but adds to the aesthetic. It also adds geometric pattern (another trending element).

Go for classic panels or to add additional interest, try a herringbone or chevron pattern. Leave the wood in a natural state or paint it white to expand the feel of the room.

8. Wallpaper

Consider extending your wallpaper on the ceiling or wallpapering just the ceiling. Choose from everything from florals to geometrics or subtle pattern and color to bold.

The ceiling is a great place to try out large-scale patterns, that can feel overwhelming on the wall. The larger expanse of the ceiling offers a much bigger space that can stand up to big patterns.

The space above your head is just waiting for your attention. That fifth wall can be so much more. It's a blank canvas that enhances, or even sets the stage, for your overall style.

Take a look at more ceiling designs (and tin ceiling ideas) in the link below.

See More Ceilings

Ceiling Design FAQs

What is the new trend for ceilings?

We expect to see more geometric designs up and coming in 2025 and beyond.

What are the designs on ceilings called?

There are many types of ceiling designs. Some of the most popular are coffered ceilings, waffle ceilings, cove ceilings, tray ceilings, and shed ceilings.

How much does it cost to design a ceiling?

The cost of designing a ceiling can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the type of ceiling, materials used, the size of the space, labor costs, and whether you want decorative features like beams, tiles, or custom lighting.

In general, it can cost any where from $1-$3 per square foot for drywall and $10 per square foot for coffered ceilings up to $20+ per square foot for custom designs or specialty ceilings.

Which type of ceiling is best for a home?

Most homes have standard ceilings, that is 8-9 feet high and flat. Some homes add some vaulted ceilings for design drama or to add more light and space. Coffered ceilings are probably the most common ceiling adornment you'll see in a home. These enhance acoustics and bring a more luxurious and formal feel to the home. 

However, any of the ceiling designs mentioned in this blog would make excellent additions to a home.