Turn Your Ceiling Into A Customized Work Of Art With Hand-Painted Murals

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Decorators refer to the ceiling as the "fifth wall" to remind themselves that it is just as important as any other part of a room. Yet the ceiling is often ignored in the design process. There are many ways to show your ceiling some design love. You can bring your wall paint color or wallpaper up to the ceiling, drenching the room from head-to-toe in one color or pattern. Paint it a contrasting color, or wallpaper only the ceiling for a pop of pattern. Add architectural details like molding, paneling, or beams. Heck, you can even tile your ceiling. But an even better way to bring personalization and serious wow factor to a space is with a hand-painted mural.

If you think hand-painted ceiling murals are only for the Vatican, think again. This centuries-old European ceiling paint trend has found its way into boutique hotels and ordinary homes alike with thrilling results. A hand-painted ceiling mural draws the eye up, highlighting cool architectural details, while simultaneously hiding ceiling imperfections with a well-placed pattern. It also allows you to try something bold in a smaller way. If you've been longing to try a wall mural but feel it might be too much for your space, move it to the ceiling! You can still get that show-stopping razzle-dazzle without the huge commitment of four walls.

Before you begin painting, gather your materials and plan out your design completely so you have all the necessary paint colors on-hand. The good news is that most ceilings are white and won't require a primer. The bad news is that unlike painting the walls, you'll need to cover your entire floor with a drop cloth (this Green Lifestyle Canvas Drop Cloth is available in multiple sizes so you can cover everything with one go). You'll also need various size brushes for the details of your mural, painter's tape, a stencil (if using), and a Pro Grade Angle Brush for cutting in between the ceiling and wall. Use a paint roller to quickly and easily paint your ceiling the base color, and, most importantly, get a sturdy ladder. Choose a ladder you are comfortable scaling, and remember you'll need to climb up and down the ladder frequently. 

Remove overhead light fixtures and any vents if possible, or surround them with painter's tape. Use painter's tape between the wall and ceiling (if painting a different color), or around any moldings. Finally, if you plan on painting both the walls and ceiling, paint the ceiling first. That way, you won't have to live in constant fear of paint dripping down onto your freshly-painted walls.

The downside to painting a mural on the ceiling instead of the wall is obvious — it's much harder. The awkward angle makes it difficult to see what you are painting, and looking up all day can strain your neck. Not to mention the constantly dripping paint you'll need to contend with. Dripping paint and neck pain are maybe why it took Michelangelo four years to complete the Sistine Chapel. 

Make painting ceilings easier on yourself by choosing a large-scale pattern you can complete with a stencil or painter's tape. Stencils are great for the art-impaired, as it's easier to execute repeat patterns, and it cuts down on painting time. If you are an accomplished painter and want to paint free-hand, try to keep images on the larger side. Unless your ceiling is very low, small details won't be easily visible. 

You can also make the process quicker by using a roller as much as possible. The entire base coat can be completed with a roller to minimize neck strain and your overall time up the ladder. When hand-painting, keep your subject in front of you at all times to avoid looking directly up or twisting uncomfortably to look behind. Yes, you will have to constantly go down your ladder to move it slightly, but you'll get a good view of your mural from the ground — and your legs will be in tremendous shape when you are done.