Decorating a tall ceiling involves leveraging the vertical space to enhance the room's aesthetic and scale.
Tall ceilings offer a unique opportunity to create a sense of grandeur and drama in a space. By strategically utilizing the vertical dimension, you can make the room feel both spacious and inviting.
Here are some effective ways to decorate a tall ceiling, incorporating key strategies:
| Technique | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Hang Artwork Up High | Place art and decorative items on the upper parts of walls. | Utilizes empty vertical space. |
| Window Treatments | Extend curtains/drapes from ceiling to floor. | Enhances height perception, adds luxury. |
| Architectural Details | Incorporate molding, beams, or paneling. | Adds character, defines space. |
| Create a Feature Wall | Design one wall with distinct color, texture, or material. | Draws the eye upward, creates focal point. |
| Use Shelving Creatively | Install tall or built-in shelving units. | Provides storage, displays items, adds scale. |
Utilizing Vertical Space Effectively
Making the most of the height involves drawing the eye upwards and adding interest to the previously bare expanses of wall and ceiling.
Hang Artwork Up High
- Make use of the empty space on the high parts of the wall by hanging art and other decorative items there. This strategy fills the often-neglected upper walls.
- Consider using large-scale pieces or creating a gallery wall that extends towards the ceiling.
- Ensure the art is scaled appropriately for the large wall space; small pieces can get lost.
- Think about lighting to illuminate high artwork and make it stand out.
Take Window Treatments to the Ceiling
- Instead of hanging curtains just above the window frame, take window treatments to the ceiling.
- Install curtain rods as close to the ceiling line as possible and use floor-length drapes.
- This technique visually elongates the windows and emphasizes the height of the room.
- It adds a touch of elegance and softness to the space.
Use Architectural Details
- Use Architectural Details to add character and define the scale of the room.
- Consider adding crown molding near the ceiling line.
- Exposed beams, coffered ceilings, or decorative paneling can introduce visual interest and break up large surfaces.
- These details provide texture and depth, making the tall ceiling feel more integrated into the room's design.
Create a Feature Wall
- Create a Feature Wall that extends from floor to ceiling.
- This can be done using bold paint colors, striking wallpaper, textured finishes, or even brick or stone cladding.
- A feature wall naturally draws the eye upwards, highlighting the height of the room and serving as a strong focal point.
- It adds personality and can anchor the overall design scheme.
Use Shelving Creatively
- Use Shelving Creatively to add vertical elements and display opportunities.
- Install tall, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves or built-in units.
- Open shelving allows for the display of decorative items, books, and plants, adding layers of interest.
- This not only provides functional storage but also helps to fill the vertical space and make the room feel more lived-in and proportionate.
By implementing these techniques, you can successfully decorate a tall ceiling, transforming it from a potentially overwhelming feature into a key asset of your room's design.
