Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Ceiling Finishing Ideas

Spice up your ceiling


One of the most overlooked areas of any home is the ceiling. Usually painted a flat white, the ceiling in any home is left complete undecorated and under appreciated. Most homeowners believe that if the ceiling isn't noticed, it's doing its job. However, some people see the ceiling as a blank canvas upon which they can express their creativity. Done correctly, decorating your ceiling can add style to your home and turn an unnoticed area into a focal point.


Borders


Adding a border around your ceiling can be a fast and inexpensive way to add some style to a room. Most wallpaper borders are available at your local home store and are applied just like wallpaper. Usually, you will need a wallpaper adhesive, a razor blade and a roller to work out any air pockets. You can also paint a decorative border on the ceiling -- use contrasting colors to add dimension.


Medallions








A medallion is usually applied at the center of your ceiling, especially if there is an existing light fixture located there. The medallion can be made of plaster, plastic or wood. Depending on the type of medallion you choose, you may have to install it with screws, an adhesive or a combination of the two. You can also paint medallions using spray paint or painting them free-hand. A medallion can add a touch of elegance and a focal point for the room.


Stenciling


Stencils can be used in many different ways to add style to a ceiling. One popular method of stenciling includes placing patterns at the four corners of a ceiling. These patterns may be vines, flowers, or other types of natural foliage. Another stencil pattern is a medallion, which is usually painted around a central light fixture. Stenciling supplies can be found at major hardware or home stores as well as craft stores.


Moulding


A very simple and elegant way to add style and sophistication to a room and its ceiling is to install ceiling or crown moulding. These come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Generally, the bigger your room is, the wider and more elaborate the moulding can be. Moulding can be installed using basic finish carpentry techniques. You can leave the moulding as is if it's plaster, or you can paint it. Some people prefer using fine wood such as cherry or mahogany for ceiling mouldings.

Tags: your ceiling, also paint, focal point, light fixture