Covering a ceiling can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. With some planning and the right materials, you can easily transform a basic ceiling into an elegant design focal point. Here are some tips on the easiest ways to cover a ceiling, along with the pros and cons of different ceiling covering options.
Should You Cover Your Ceiling?
The first question many homeowners ask is whether they should even cover their ceiling in the first place. Here are some of the main reasons you may want to add a ceiling covering:
- Hide imperfections like cracks, stains, or texture differences
- Increase visual interest and style
- Make a small room feel larger or higher
- Increase energy efficiency by adding insulation
- Reduce echoes and increase acoustics
If your goal is simply to hide imperfections or increase visual appeal, a simpler plastic or fabric covering may suffice. For insulation or acoustic purposes, materials like wood, drywall or acoustic tiles would be better.
In general, ceilings with basic white paint can benefit from an easy makeover. However, decorative ceilings with detailed moldings, medallions or artwork may need more careful consideration.
Things to Consider Before Covering Your Ceiling
Here are a few important factors to keep in mind before undertaking a ceiling covering project:
- Room use – Consider how the room is used. Bedrooms and dining spaces may benefit from fabric for increased noise reduction. Bathrooms and kitchens need materials that can withstand moisture.
- Ceiling height – Rooms with low ceilings should avoid heavy beams or thick materials that make the space feel closed in. Lighter fabrics or open wood can help maintain the illusion of height.
- Access issues – If there are pipes, wires, ductwork or other items in the ceiling cavity that may need accessed later, the covering will need to be removable. Permanent installations like drywall are not easily accessed.
- Fire safety – In addition to meeting fire codes, be sure to select ceiling materials that are fire-resistant and meet safety standards for your region.
Taking time to think through these factors will ensure your ceiling covering project goes smoothly and the finished space meets your needs.
Easiest DIY Ceiling Covering Options
For DIYers with basic construction skills, these are some of the easiest ceiling treatments to install:
1. Drop Ceiling Tiles
Drop ceiling tiles are likely the simplest ceiling covering option. These 2 x 2 or 2 x 4 foot panels are suspended on a grid system that attaches to your existing ceiling. The tiles easily lift up for access to the plenum space above. Pros include:
- Very easy “lift and drop” installation
- Tiles are lightweight
- Panels can be removed for ceiling access
- Many affordable tile options
- Can install around existing fixtures
- No painting required
However, drop ceilings have some downsides to consider:
- Lowers ceiling height by inches
- Can have an “office” look if not careful about tile choice
- Minimal noise reduction
- Tiles may sag over time
2. Plastic Ceiling Tiles
Plastic ceiling tiles have a similar concept to drop tiles but are more decorative. Made from materials like PVC or polystyrene, they have more distinctive patterns and finishes. Pros of plastic tiles include:
- Easy to install directly to existing ceiling
- Tiles interlock or glue into place
- More decorative than basic drop tiles
- Good acoustical dampening
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Look out for these plastic tile cons:
- Can seem dark in rooms with little natural light
- More limited style choices than other options
- Poor quality tiles may warp
- Seams may be visible from below
3. Fabric Ceiling Coverings
Using fabric is an easy way to transform a basic ceiling. Lightweight cotton, muslin or linen can be applied directly to an existing ceiling with adhesive. Pros of fabric include:
- Softens hard surfaces and rounds out angles
- Helps absorb sound in a room
- Wide range of patterns and colors
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Lower cost than many rigid panels
- Easy DIY installation
Potential cons of fabric ceilings coverings:
- Wrinkles may be visible from below
- Not very effective at hiding imperfections
- Can appear saggy if not pulled taut
- May require professional stretching and attachment
- Vulnerable to water damage and mildew
4. Vinyl Coverings
Vinyl coverings are another easy adhesive option. Available in sheets or tiles, vinyl can mimic patterns like wood, marble or concrete. Vinyl benefits include:
- Durable and resistant to moisture
- Good acoustic properties
- Easy “peel and stick” application
- Wide variety of colors and finishes
- Relatively inexpensive
- Easy to cut to size
Consider these potential vinyl ceiling covering disadvantages:
- Can appear obviously “faux” from below
- Tiles may not align perfectly, showing seams
- Poor quality vinyl may shrink or discolor
- Not designed for high humidity rooms
- Can collect dirt at seams over time
Best Professional Ceiling Covering Options
Some ceiling materials require more skill to install correctly. For these, it’s best to hire a professional contractor familiar with ceiling work.
1. Drywall
Installing drywall over an existing ceiling encapsulates the old surface. Drywall pros include:
- Creates a smooth, seamless look
- Hides all imperfections
- Can be painted any color
- Increases fire rating and insulation
- Reduces echo and increases acoustics
The downsides of drywall include:
- Heavier than other materials, requiring robust attachment
- Professional installation expertise needed
- Accessing ceiling space made much harder
- Existing ceiling height lowered significantly
- Time consuming installation and finishing work
2. Wood Planks or Panels
Real wood ceilings create a warm, inviting look. The benefits of wood include:
- Natural material with distinct beauty
- Many wood species and finishes available
- Can be made into planks, beams, or panels
- Relatively lightweight
- Good acoustical properties
Wood’s drawbacks as a ceiling covering include:
- More expensive than other materials
- Prone to expanding and contracting with humidity
- May require refinishing over time
- Harder to cut around ceiling elements
- Professional installation needed for best results
3. Ceiling Tiles
Tile options likeTravertine, tin, or embossed metal provide distinctive visuals. Benefits include:
- Many styles from modern to old-world
- Tiles can be easily replaced if damaged
- Good acoustical properties
- Allows access to ceiling space
- Can work around vents, lights and pipes
Tile disadvantages:
- Professional installation recommended
- Challenging to cut tiles neatly around fixtures
- Uneven ceiling surfaces require smoothing first
- Seams may be visible from below
- Hanging the tiles is labor intensive
Best Ceiling Coverings by Room
Certain ceiling treatments work better in specific rooms based on use, moisture levels, and the desired aesthetic. Here are top choices by room:
| Room | Best Ceiling Treatment |
|---|---|
| Living Rooms | Wood planks, tin tiles, fabric |
| Bedrooms | Fabric, drywall |
| Bathrooms | Drywall, plastic, vinyl |
| Kitchens | Drywall, plastic |
| Dining Rooms | Travertine, fabric, wallpaper |
| Basements | Drop ceiling tiles, drywall |
| Laundry Rooms | Plastic, vinyl, drywall |
| Offices | Drop tiles, drywall |
Consider the unique needs of the space along with your budget, time, and skill level when selecting ceiling materials. Combining treatments like beams with drywall or a fabric border with plastic tiles can create extra visual interest.
Installation Tips by Material
Proper installation is key to achieving a long-lasting, quality ceiling covering. Here are some best practices by material type:
Drop Ceiling Tiles
- Securely attach ceiling grid wires to the ceiling joists above
- Follow the grid spacing guidelines for the tile size used
- Keep plenum space debris-free during installation
- Wear gloves to avoid smudging tiles
- Double check alignment as you go to avoid sagging
Plastic, Fabric, or Vinyl
- Thoroughly clean the existing ceiling first
- Apply adhesive in a careful grid pattern to prevent lumps
- Smooth materials carefully as you go to minimize air bubbles
- Use a wallpaper seam roller on vinyl sheets to seal seams
- Work slowly on a ladder to avoid falls
Wood Planks or Panels
- Install furring strips perpendicular to ceiling joists
- Stagger end joints and use full width pieces when possible
- Allow 1/4″ gaps between planks for expansion
- Work from the center of a room outward
- Pre-drill panels prior to nailing to prevent splitting
Drywall
- Hang drywall perpendicular to joists for strength
- Lift sheets with help and use a drywall lift
- Stagger seams and keep joints close to joists
- Double screw sheets every 12 inches
- Tape and mud seams for smooth finish
Ceiling Tiles
- Start layout from center of room
- Install furring strips 12″ on center for support
- Use tile spacers for consistent grout lines
- Seal tiles after installing to prevent staining
- Work carefully on scaffolding or ladders
Following best practices tailored to your ceiling material will help the project go smoothly and provide years of enjoyment.
Conclusion
Transforming a basic ceiling into a stunning showpiece is much easier than it seems. With some simple planning to choose the right materials for your space and needs, even DIYers can tackle many ceiling covering projects. And for more complex treatments like drywall or tile, hiring a trained pro to handle installation details will allow you to relax and enjoy the beautiful new ceiling.
The easiest options provide a quick ceiling makeover with adhesive panels or tiles. But consider investing in longer-lasting wood or high-end tiles if your budget allows. And don’t forget to look up occasionally and admire how a new ceiling covering can entirely transform a room’s aesthetic. That gorgeous ceiling will become a favorite detail you appreciate anew every day.