How to wallpaper a ceiling

Ami Wootton created this stunning look in her living room by papering Rebel Walls pink wallpaper on the ceiling, which looked particularly beautiful at Christmas! Here are her top tips for papering a ceiling

How to wallpaper a ceiling

Put up a sample first, as you would with paint. The effect can look different from below, so make sure you’re happy with your choice.

Decided to be bold with your ceiling wallpaper? Keep the walls quite plain, in either white or a colour that picks out a hue from the overhead pattern.

If you’re feeling particularly brave, you could use the same wallpaper on the walls and ceiling. It’s a dramatic look that has a cosy effect and works particularly well in a small space, such as a bathroom or in a room with sloping ceilings.

If your ceiling hasn’t been freshly plastered, fill any holes or cracks. Then apply a coat of 50/50 PVA glue and water to size it. The semi-glossy surface makes it easier to slide wallpaper into place and match the pattern.

After pasting your first piece of wallpaper and folding it into the middle, start along one edge of the ceiling. Make sure it comes down onto the wall by a few inches, so you can trim the excess with a Stanley knife after smoothing with a brush. This ensures a neat edge with no gap.

At the corners, you’ll need to cut a diagonal line before trimming.

Top photo by Katie Lee