• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home Decor
  • Paint Colors
  • DIY Projects
  • Recipes
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Jenna Kate at Home
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home Decor
  • Paint Colors
  • DIY Projects
  • Recipes
  • Contact Me
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Homepage » Home Decor » Decorating Ideas & Trends

    Adding Architectural Interest To The Fifth Wall

    Posted: Mar 6, 2018 · Updated: Oct 7, 2020 ·This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    114 shares
    • Share It
    • Tweet It
    • Email It
    add interest to the ceiling

    Add a wood plank ceiling to any room to add sophistication and character to the space, no matter what your ceiling height!

    Most people don't realize this but there is a fifth wall in your home - and it's one that's often neglected.

    This fifth wall that I speak of is the ceiling! Adding interest in a space where you least expect it can be a show-stopping way to take your decor to the next level.

    I recently wrote a post all about adding architectural interest to a builder basic home and briefly mentioned ceilings. But many of you were intrigued by the idea of accentuating your ceilings to add character to rooms in your home.

    Let's have a look at some beautiful possibilities:

    Vaulted wood planked ceiling in large room with earth tones
    Table of Contents show
    1 Wood Plank Ceiling
    2 Options for Low(er) Height Ceilings
    3 Tall or Vaulted Ceilings
    4 Other Benefits of Ceiling Planks

    Wood Plank Ceiling

    It doesn't matter what you have - low ceilings, high ceilings or vaulted ceilings - there's a style for you.

    And did you know there's actually a solution for covering that nasty popcorn texture you've got going on up there? With products like what I'm about to share, you can skip the messy scraping and get straight to enjoying a beautiful ceiling!

    Options for Low(er) Height Ceilings

    The last thing you want is to feel like your ceiling is looming down on top of you. Adding major details to this overlooked area is great but not at the expense of claustrophobia, right?!

    My favorite options for lower height ceilings are beadboard and white wood planks.

    Normally, we apply white beadboard to walls (see my bathroom) but it's sublime on ceilings! It's visually narrower than wood planks and it works well in smaller spaces as well as bigger spaces.

    The white, slightly reflective, finish helps to bounce light around the room, making it an excellent choice for lower height ceilings.

    Kitchen and dining nook with many floral arrangements, pendant lights and white beadboard ceiling
    Wood planks in between gray-painted wood beams
    Wider, rustic white planks in a farmhouse-style living room with barn door styled entrance

    For more of a farmhouse or rustic design, wider planks in this country cottage are the perfect choice. Each plank has a rustic grain finish that adds a cozy feel to your room.

    White wood planked ceiling in coastal-themed living room

    Tall or Vaulted Ceilings

    If you're lucky enough to have tall ceilings, you have endless design options!

    Use wide planks or beadboard to match your decorating style or completely contrast with what's already happening in your space.

    Stained wood planks in natural brown shade, offsetting a grey stone fireplace wall
    Wide, staggered planks in brown-painted kitchen, with light coming in from bright windows over sink area
    Natural wood stained planks in vaulted ceiling add character to tall stone fireplace wall and paned windows

    Other Benefits of Ceiling Planks

    • Prefinished, natural wood-grain look (needs no sanding, staining or sealing)
    • Great for covering damaged drywall, plaster or popcorn ceilings
    • Beveled tongue and groove edge minimizes the appearance of gaps during normal expansion and contraction
    • Staggered installation means minimal waste

    The planks are beautiful in person and are thick and solid for sure. I'm instantly drawn to the white and gray. Which is your favorite?

    Natural and gray finishes for planked ceilings
    White finishes for a planked ceiling
    Natural wood finishes for a planked ceiling

    Adding character to your home goes beyond what you see in front of you - you should also consider what you see when you look up.

    Many don't consider the "fifth wall" as their first choice when adding interest to a room, but now, YOU have the tools and tips to make an amazing transformation where they least expect it!

    « Easter Table Decor + DIY Napkin Rings
    Traditional Irish Scones »
    114 shares
    • Share It
    • Tweet It
    • Email It

    Reader Interactions

    Unfortunately, I no longer have the time to answer personalized paint color questions. If you leave a comment asking for personalized advice, it will not be answered. Sorry!

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    the author sitting in front of a door

    Hi, I'm Jenna, a busy mom of 3 boys, and the author & photographer here at JennaKateatHome.com. My goal is for you and your family to LOVE the home you live in. I’ll show you how to create a home that looks good, feels good, and functions well!

    More about me →

    Spring Recipes

    • Fresh Fruit Cake
    • How to Make Homemade Lemon Curd
    • Green Goddess Rice Pilaf
    • Salty Dog Grapefruit Cocktail

    Decorating Tips

    • How to Decorate a Large Wall
    • Where To Start When Decorating A New Home From Scratch
    • How to Incorporate Color Trends In Your Home
    • How to Make a Builder Grade Home Look Custom

    Popular

    • My Kitchen Remodel Reveal!
    • Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
    • 10 Stunning Ideas For Built Ins Around a Fireplace
    • 10 Of The Best Kitchen Island Colors

    Get Your Copy Today!

    Footer

    About Jenna Shaughnessy

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Hi, I'm Jenna, a busy mom of 3 boys, and the author & photographer here at JennaKateatHome.com. My goal is for you and your family to LOVE the home you live in. I’ll show you how to create a home that looks good, feels good, and functions well!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    as seen in the new york times, house beautiful. real simple, reader's digest, the pioneer woman and more

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Subscribe

    Other Links

    • Sign up for The Beginner's Guide to Decorating
    • Buy my decorating e-book
    • Watch The Web Stories

    Services

    • Work With Me/ Brand Partnerships

    Jenna Kate at Home LLC is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Jenna Kate at Home LLC