Historically, ceilings were elaborately decorated.
Ceilings are often overlooked by home decorating enthusiasts. Builders paint them basic white, and homeowners leave them that way---focusing instead on walls, floors, cabinetry and furnishings. Historically, this was not the case. Grand residences had ceilings decorated with molding, murals, gilt and carving. Palaces, churches and public buildings had all of those, plus elaborate domes of intricate stained glass. While adding a dome might not be feasible, there are plenty of creative ceiling ideas that don't require major construction.
Kaleidoscope Patterns
Mimic the look of those intricate stained-glass domes with paint. Look through a kaleidoscope for endless unique pattern ideas. When you've settled on a pattern, draw the design on paper. Use an overhead projector to enlarge and project the design onto your ceiling. Trace the pattern with a pencil, and then paint. This isn't a quick project, but it's breathtaking once complete. Consider hanging a chandelier from the center point of your design.
Sunbursts
If you have a chandelier hanging in the center of your room, try painting a sunburst that radiates out from it. Use painter's masking tape to mark your lines. Lines can be thick or thin. Let the paint dry between each color, and use new masking tape over previously painted areas to keep your lines straight. Unless you want the room to look like a circus tent---and in a child's room, you might---limit the number of colors you use and avoid high contrast. Analogous colors, colors next to each other on a color wheel, work best if you aren't using neutrals.
Metallic Finishes
Warm up your room with metallic faux finishes that make your ceiling look like copper, gold, bronze or steel. Paint and home-improvement stores sell kits to make the process easier. If your ceiling is coffered, faux-finish the panels inside the molding. Otherwise, paint your ceiling to look like a single expanse of metal.
Murals
Ceiling murals are classic decoration. Historically, they were painted by the most revered artists of their times. Michelangelo's paintings in the Sistine Chapel are some of the most famous. If mimicking old-master style isn't right for your room, consider more contemporary scenes. Use your imagination. If you aren't gifted with artistic talent, hire a professional artist or a gifted university art student to paint murals.
Geometric Patterns
Use painter's masking tape to create geometric designs. Paint your base coat, tape off your design, and then paint with your second color. Use crisp rectangles to mimic a coffered ceiling, or use a lattice pattern for something more casual. If you like modern design, try a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired geometric pattern. Or, copy patterns from Eastern architecture for an exotic touch.
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