The ceiling is often overlooked while designing a house, but it holds the potential to change the appearance of a room completely. You don’t have to spend a lot on it, whether you want to transform a small apartment or a large house.
However, it can be confusing to choose the right design for a ceiling that not only hides the structural flaws, but also matches well with the aesthetics of the entire room. This blog brings in 15 unique and affordable ceiling ideas that can transform the look and feel of your space on a budget.
15 Unique Cheap Ceiling Ideas
Tin Ceiling
In the 1920s, people used copper tiles or wood trim to decorate the ceilings for a classy and stylish look. Nowadays, one can easily bring that vintage feel with a modern lightweight metal ceiling without spending excessively. Since they can be easily installed with a normal adhesive, there is no need to get into complicated construction work. Tin ceilings come in diverse design options that match the aesthetics of the entire room; therefore, one can easily transform a plain ceiling into an elegant one.
Surface-Mount Ceiling
Surface-mount ceiling tiles are another budget-friendly option for upgrading the ceiling. It has a grid system which is easy to install, and even tiles get attached to the grid directly. Many tiles can be cut with scissors, making this a great DIY option for homeowners.
PVC Tiles
PVC glue-up tiles are also a great option, as they look similar to tin tiles and cost much less. They are also easy to install as they can be glued over any flat surface. PVC tiles are also lightweight, flexible, water-resistant and resistant to cracking.
Tongue and Groove Ceiling
A tongue-and-groove ceiling is an affordable way of transforming a dull or damaged ceiling into a fresh one. This kind of ceiling uses planks that fit together neatly, concealing all the faults and adding a vibe to the space. This takes time to install, but it can be easily handled by a single person without any professional assistance. There are many affordable faux-wood planks available at local hardware stores in a diverse colour range and finishes such as painted white, bamboo, or rustic pine.
Styrofoam Ceiling
Styrofoam ceilings are one of the most lightweight, easy-to-install and budget-friendly tiles that can be glued directly onto existing ceilings or over old popcorn ceilings. It comes in various designs and patterns; therefore, you can select a style of your choice that blends perfectly with your room’s theme.
Wallpaper Ceiling
Adding an aesthetic wallpaper on a ceiling is a creative way to transform the look of a room. It immediately seeks attention by making the space feel spacious, stylish and unique. One can use a bold or expensive wallpaper design for the ceiling; this way, it will not affect your budget, and less material will be required than covering all the walls. A dark vintage or floral wallpaper pairs well with lighter-colored walls for contrast.
DIY Coffered Ceiling
If you like the idea of a coffered ceiling but consider it expensive, then fortunately, you can create one for yourself. If you like hands-on work and are a pro DIYer, then it is a great project for you. By using wood or MDF strips, you can create a grid-like pattern on your current ceiling to mimic the classic coffered look under your budget. All you need is a fresh coat of paint to do the job and make the ceiling look elegant.
Mural Paint Ceiling
Murals are not limited to walls; they can be applied to ceilings, too. If you enjoy being creative and are well-versed with paint and stencils, then mural paint is an ideal option for you. It is one of the fun and budget-friendly ways to upgrade a room’s appearance. You get the liberty to choose the colour, design and shape pattern of your choice to match your aesthetic requirements.
Fabric Ceiling
To try something different, you can also cover your ceiling with a fabric of your choice that matches the entire room. For example, you can turn a dull popcorn ceiling into a stylish one by using a soft velvet fabric in a colourful bedroom for a cosy feel. This trick saves the extra construction work and the time to hide the faults and imperfections with less effort. You should carefully select the material and colour of fabric, as the choice should be under budget, and also ensure that it adds drama and uniqueness to the space.
Wood Plank Ceiling
If you are planning to add warmth, texture and a cosy rustic feel to your room, a wood plank ceiling is the ideal option you need. There are multiple budget-friendly options like moisture-resistant cedar, pine or reclaimed wood for a more eco-friendly feel. It is advised to apply a water-resistant sealant to avoid warping or mould. You should also use a fire-resistant coating if the wood plank is installed near heat sources like a fireplace or a stove. You can easily install it by just measuring, cutting the planks to fit and then attaching them with either a nail gun or wood glue.
Beadboard Ceiling
If you wish to give your room a stylish and cottage-like feel, then a beadboard ceiling is the way to go. It consists of panels with signature grooves that show texture and add character to the ceiling, making a space look warm and welcoming. Beadboard ceilings are perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, entryways or even dining areas to create a cosy and relaxing feel. Even beginners can use beadboard as it is lightweight and easy to install. All you need is basic equipment, careful measurements, and some patience. It can be either nailed or glued directly to the ceiling, and one can also paint or seal it to match the decor of the room.
Mirror or Reflective Ceiling
One can use mirrors or reflective materials to cover the ceiling, as it is one of the smartest and affordable ways to make a small, dull room look bigger and brighter. A mirror creates an illusion of height with the reflection of light around the room, which is the best option for small rooms with less light. If putting a mirror on the ceiling looks like heavy work to you, then you can use lightweight acrylic panels. They are comparatively cheaper, shatter-resistant and easy to install. Mirrors can be easily secured with mirror adhesive or clips. For a less expensive option, you can also choose reflective wallpaper, metallic paint or adhesive mirror tiles.
Herringbone Ceiling
If you are searching for a fancy and eye-catching ceiling idea, then the unique herringbone ceiling should be your ideal choice. At first glance, it may seem tricky, complicated and hard to install, but once you’re well-versed with cutting and planks arrangement, the installation process becomes way faster and easier. It has a unique pattern that can easily make any room look classy and different. One can easily bring this design to their room despite being on a tight budget. It is one of the common and simplest ways of giving a new feel to any space without spending a lot.
DIY Panelled Plywood
Despite being tight on budget, you can easily give your ceiling a fresh, stylish look with the help of a DIY plywood panelled ceiling. It doesn’t require professional skills to transform the look of a space. All you need is simple plywood panels to create a ceiling similar to the look of expensive wood panelling without actually paying a high cost. One can do the finest makeover of their ceiling under $150, with the right creative skills and availability of basic tools.
Stencil and Decal Designed Ceiling
This option may sound like heavy construction work, but you can easily transform the look of their ceiling under the right budget without any professional help. Stencil and decal design offers diverse possibilities, whether geometric patterns or floral motifs, to customise the space according to ease and requirement. It requires basic minimal tools like painter’s tape, a small roller, a brush and of course a steady hand to create complicated designs quickly and carefully. Good quality decals are removed easily with gentle peeling or a bit of warmth from the hair dryer without affecting the actual ceiling.
Choose Your Ceiling Carefully
Selecting the right ceiling is not just about adding a designer element to a room; it is also about considering the correct size, its purpose and the overall appearance of a room. Whether a diy project or professional help, it is not possible to change the ceiling design every now and then. Make sure to choose a design that will make you feel happy and refreshed for a long time.
