Often referred to as the ‘fifth wall’, the ceiling is a great place to add colour, pattern, and personality to a room.
Getting the job done yourself is a little trickier than wallpapering a wall, but with the right preparation and technique, it’s completely achievable.
In this guide, we’ll take you through how to wallpaper a ceiling step by step, with expert tips from Helen, Head of Product Design at I Love Wallpaper, to help you achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish.
Contents
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Can you wallpaper a ceiling?
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What you’ll need to wallpaper a ceiling
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How to prepare a ceiling for wallpaper
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How to wallpaper a ceiling step by step
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Tips for wallpapering a ceiling
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Frequently asked questions
Can you wallpaper a ceiling?
Yes, you can wallpaper a ceiling, as long as the surface is smooth, clean, dry, and in good condition.
Before you start, check for any cracks, flaking paint, damp, or uneven areas that could affect the finish. These should be repaired first, and particularly uneven ceilings may benefit from lining paper to help create a smoother surface.
Helen adds: “It’s also worth keeping in mind that papering a ceiling takes a little more patience and attention to detail than decorating a wall, especially when it comes to keeping each length straight and smoothing the paper into place overhead. Taking your time will help you achieve a much neater finish.”
Wallpapering a ceiling is a great way to add an unexpected design feature and make the whole room feel more considered. Carrying colour or pattern overhead can create a more seamless look, helping the space feel larger and more cohesive rather than breaking it up at the top of the walls.
Whether you want to create a subtle feature or a bold statement, our collection of ceiling wallpaper makes it easy to take your decor beyond the walls.
What you’ll need to wallpaper a ceiling
Having your decorating tools ready before you start will make wallpapering a ceiling much easier. You’ll need:
For hanging the wallpaper:
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Your chosen wallpaper
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Seam roller for pressing joins flat
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Scissors for cutting each length from the roll
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Sharp trimming knife
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Tape measure
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Pencil
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Spirit level or chalk line
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Step ladder or secure platform
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Bucket
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Wallpapering table
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Clean sponge or cloth
For preparing the ceiling:
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Wallpaper scraper
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Filler
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Sandpaper
Optional extras:
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Primer or sizing solution
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Wallpaper steamer or removal solution
Before you begin, always check the hanging instructions for your chosen design. Some wallpapers are paste-the-paper, while others are paste-the-wall, so the exact tools and method you’ll need can vary slightly.
How to prepare a ceiling for wallpaper
A smooth, well-prepared surface will make a big difference to the final result, helping the wallpaper adhere properly and sit neatly across the ceiling.
Before you start, move or cover any furniture and lay down dust sheets to protect your floors from old wallpaper, dust, and debris.
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Remove old wallpaper or loose paint
Begin by removing any existing wallpaper, flaking paint, or loose material from the ceiling. The surface needs to be smooth before you apply anything new; otherwise, your wallpaper might struggle to adhere properly.
If there’s old wallpaper in place, gently lift a corner with a wallpaper scraper to see how easily it comes away. Strippable wallpaper may peel off in larger sections, while more stubborn paper may need to be lightly scored before using warm water, a wallpaper-removal solution, or a steamer to loosen the adhesive. Take care not to press too hard when scoring or scraping, as this can damage the surface underneath.
Once the wallpaper is removed, scrape away any remaining adhesive and brush off loose debris. Flaking or peeling paint should also be removed until you’re left with a firm, stable surface ready for the next stage.
For more detailed instructions, see our step-by-step guide to removing wallpaper.
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Fill cracks and imperfections
Check the ceiling carefully for cracks, dents, holes, or uneven areas. Fill any imperfections with a suitable filler, allow it to dry completely, then sand the surface smooth. For larger areas, a lightweight electric sander can make the job quicker and easier than sanding by hand.
The flatter the surface, the cleaner and more professional your finished wallpaper will look.
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Clean and dry the ceiling
Once any repairs are complete, wipe the ceiling down to remove dust, dirt, and residue. After cleaning, make sure the surface is completely dry before you start wallpapering, as moisture can affect how well the adhesive bonds.
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Prime or size the ceiling (optional)
Depending on the condition of your ceiling, you may need to prime or size the surface before wallpapering.
If the ceiling is very porous, such as fresh plaster, sizing can help stop the wallpaper paste soaking in too quickly. Sizing simply means applying a thin preparatory solution to the surface, helping the adhesive stay workable for longer and making the wallpaper easier to position.
A suitable wallpaper primer can also be useful on chalky, heavily repaired, or difficult surfaces, helping to create a more stable base for the adhesive.
Make sure any primer or sizing solution is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
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Add lining paper (optional)
If your ceiling is uneven or has lots of small cracks, dents, or repaired areas, lining paper can help create a smoother, more consistent surface before you hang your decorative wallpaper.
To apply it, measure and cut the lining paper into manageable lengths, apply the recommended adhesive, then hang each strip carefully across the ceiling, smoothing it out as you go and butting the edges neatly together.
Lining paper isn’t always necessary, so if your ceiling is already smooth and in good condition, you can usually skip this step. If you do use it, leave it to dry fully before applying your chosen wallpaper.
For more advice on getting your surface ready and achieving the best finish, take a look at our guide to preparing and hanging wallpaper.
How to wallpaper a ceiling step by step
Once your ceiling is prepared and completely dry, you’re ready to start wallpapering. Working overhead can take a little more patience than wallpapering a wall, so give yourself plenty of time and make sure you have a secure step ladder or platform that allows you to reach the ceiling comfortably.
Helen recommends: “Paste-the-wall wallpaper can be a little easier to work with on a ceiling, as the adhesive is applied directly to the surface and you don’t have to lift a freshly pasted length overhead. However, many wallpapers are designed to be pasted on the paper instead, so always check the hanging instructions for your chosen design and follow the recommended method.”
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Measure the ceiling
Start by deciding which direction you want the wallpaper to run. In most rooms, hanging the lengths across the shorter distance will give you smaller, more manageable pieces of wallpaper to work with.
Use a tape measure to measure the ceiling from one side to the other in this direction. If you need to use a step ladder, make sure it’s on a flat, stable surface and avoid overreaching — it’s safer to climb down and reposition it as you move across the room.
Once you have the measurement, add around 10cm to the length so you have a little excess wallpaper at either end to trim away neatly once it’s in place.
If you’re using a patterned design, such as floral wallpaper or geometric wallpaper, you’ll also need to allow for the pattern repeat. This is the distance between one part of the design and where it repeats again on the roll, and it can mean you need a little extra wallpaper to make sure each length lines up correctly.
You’ll find the pattern repeat on each wallpaper product page, so check this before ordering. Our wallpaper calculator guide explains how to work out how many rolls you’ll need, including any extra required for trimming and pattern matching.
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Plan your first drop
Before you make your first cut, take some time to think about where you want the design to sit on the ceiling.
If you’re using a patterned wallpaper, look at any central features, such as a ceiling light. You may want to position the pattern so a key part of the design sits neatly around or either side of the fitting, rather than having it cut through an important motif. To do this, measure where the light sits in relation to the edges of the ceiling and use this to help decide where your first length should begin.
Once you’re happy with the starting position, cut your first length using the measurement from the previous step, including the extra allowance for trimming. If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, factor this in so the next length can be matched up neatly.
Before cutting each new piece, place it alongside the previous length and check that the pattern lines up correctly. This will help create a more seamless finish once the wallpaper is in place.
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Mark a straight guideline
Once you’ve decided where your first length will sit, mark a straight guideline to help you position it correctly. Don’t rely on the edge of the wall as your guide, as walls and ceilings aren’t always perfectly straight. If your first piece is slightly out of line, this can become more noticeable as you work across the ceiling.
Use your planned starting position from the previous step and make several small pencil marks along where one edge of the first length will sit. Then use a long spirit level or chalk line to connect the marks and create one straight line across the ceiling.
If you’re starting your first length next to a wall, allow a small amount of wallpaper to extend beyond the ceiling edge so you can trim it neatly afterwards, rather than trying to line it up exactly with the wall.
Take your time with this step. Getting the first piece straight will make it much easier to match and hang the remaining lengths.
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Prepare and apply the wallpaper paste
Before you start, check the hanging instructions for your chosen wallpaper. Paste-the-wall designs are generally easier to use on a ceiling, but paste-the-paper wallpaper works well too when applied correctly.
Prepare your wallpaper paste according to the instructions on the packet. If you’re using a powdered paste, mix it with the recommended amount of clean water in a bucket, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth consistency without lumps. Some pastes also need to be left to stand for a short time to allow the ingredients to fully activate and thicken before use, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Paste-the-wall wallpaper — Apply an even layer of wallpaper paste directly to the section of ceiling where your first length will sit. Use a paste brush or roller and cover an area slightly wider than the wallpaper so the edges have enough adhesive to stick securely.
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Paste-the-paper wallpaper — Lay the cut length face down on a wallpapering table or another clean, flat surface, such as a protected dining table. Apply the paste evenly across the back of the paper, working right up to the edges, then follow the wallpaper instructions for any recommended soaking time before hanging.
Helen says: “Aim for an even layer of paste rather than applying too much. Excess adhesive can squeeze out at the joins, while dry patches can stop the wallpaper sticking properly.”
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Position the first length of wallpaper
Carefully lift the first length into position, lining one edge up with the straight guideline you marked earlier.
If you’re using paste-the-paper wallpaper, loosely fold the pasted length back on itself, taking care not to crease it or press the pasted sides firmly together. This makes it easier to support while you work overhead. Unfold a small section at a time and press it lightly into place, rather than trying to hold the entire length against the ceiling at once.
Leave the extra wallpaper you allowed for earlier extending slightly onto the walls at both ends. Don’t trim it yet — you’ll neaten the edges once the paper is fully positioned.
This is one of the trickier stages of wallpapering a ceiling, so if possible, ask someone to help support the remaining length while you line up and position the paper.
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Smooth the wallpaper into place
Once the first length is lined up correctly, use a paperhanging brush or wallpaper smoother to press it firmly onto the ceiling.
Work from the centre of the wallpaper out towards the edges, smoothing as you go to push out any trapped air and remove small bubbles or creases.
Take care not to pull or stretch the wallpaper, as this can distort the pattern and affect the joins once it dries. If part of the paper isn’t sitting correctly, gently lift that section while the paste is still workable, reposition it, and smooth it back into place.
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Hang the remaining lengths and match the pattern
Prepare your next length using the same measurements as before, allowing for the pattern repeat where needed.
Position it alongside the first piece and line up the design before pressing it fully into place. The edges should sit neatly next to each other rather than overlapping, helping to create a smooth, seamless finish.
Once you’re happy with the position, smooth the paper from the centre outwards, just as you did with the first length. Continue across the ceiling one strip at a time, checking the pattern and joins as you go.
Helen says: “Don’t rush when matching patterned wallpaper. Check the design lines up before you smooth each length fully into place — small adjustments are much easier to make while the paste is still workable.”
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Trim the edges
Once each length is positioned and smoothed, use a wallpaper smoother or straight edge to gently press the paper into the corner where the ceiling meets the wall.
Use a sharp trimming knife to carefully cut away the excess wallpaper you left at either end. Work slowly and keep the blade close to the edge for a clean, neat finish. A sharp blade is important, as a blunt one can drag or tear damp wallpaper.
Take extra care around ceiling lights or other fittings. Always switch the electricity off at the mains before working around electrical fixtures, and cut carefully around the fitting rather than forcing the wallpaper into place.
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Clean away excess paste
As you work, use a clean, slightly damp sponge or cloth to gently wipe away any paste that appears along the joins or edges.
Remove it while it’s still wet rather than allowing it to dry on the surface, and avoid rubbing too firmly, particularly on textured, metallic, or delicate finishes.
Once the whole ceiling is finished, check the joins and edges one final time and make any small adjustments while the paste is still workable. Then allow the wallpaper to dry naturally according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For more general advice on hanging wallpaper, take a look at our step-by-step wallpaper hanging guide.
Tips for wallpapering a ceiling
Now you know the basic method, a few extra considerations can make wallpapering a ceiling much easier and help you achieve a more polished finish.
Start with the right wallpaper
Think about the scale, colour, and weight of the design before you begin. Larger patterns can create more impact overhead, while smaller or more subtle prints can give a softer, understated finish.
Heavier or more textured designs can still work beautifully, but they may take a little more patience to position and smooth into place, especially if you’re decorating on your own.
Helen says: “The ceiling is a great place to be a little more adventurous with pattern. A bold design can completely change the look and feel of a room, while softer prints can add interest without overwhelming the space.”
Explore our ceiling wallpaper collection for designs suited to creating a statement overhead.
Carefully consider where the pattern will start
With statement or highly patterned wallpaper, take a little extra time to plan where the design will begin.
Look at central features such as ceiling lights and think about how the pattern will sit across the full ceiling. Positioning the first length carefully can help the final result feel more balanced and intentional.
Helen says: “If you’re new to wallpapering, you may find a more subtle design easier to work with, as detailed patterns can be less forgiving if the joins don’t line up perfectly.”
Take your time around lights and fittings
Ceiling lights and other fittings need a little extra care. Always switch the electricity off at the mains before working around electrical fixtures, and avoid trying to force the wallpaper into place around them.
Work slowly, make small cuts where needed, and trim neatly once the wallpaper is in position.
Keep the room well lit
Good lighting will make it much easier to spot bubbles, creases, gaps, or areas that haven’t been smoothed properly.
If your main ceiling light has been switched off while you’re decorating, use a bright floor lamp or portable work light instead. Check the wallpaper from different angles as you go, as imperfections can be easier to see when the light catches the surface.
Don’t overwork the wallpaper
Helen says: “Once the wallpaper is in the right position, try not to keep lifting, pulling, or smoothing the same area repeatedly.”
“Too much handling can stretch the paper, affect the pattern, or weaken the surface, particularly while it’s wet with paste. If you do need to make an adjustment, lift the paper gently while the adhesive is still workable, reposition it, then smooth it back down.”
Frequently asked questions
How do you wallpaper a ceiling on your own?
It is possible to wallpaper a ceiling on your own, although having a second person there to support you can make the job much easier.
Here are some tips for wallpapering a ceiling alone:
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Prepare each length before you start — Measure and cut each drop from the roll to the correct ceiling length, including your 10cm trimming allowance, so you’re not trying to measure and cut while working overhead.
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Use a secure stepladder or platform — Make sure it’s positioned on a flat, stable surface and gives you a comfortable working height. Avoid overreaching and reposition it as you move across the ceiling.
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Choose paste-the-wall wallpaper if possible — This can be easier when working alone because you apply the adhesive directly to the ceiling rather than handling a freshly pasted length overhead.
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Pick a more forgiving design — Larger, heavier, or highly patterned wallpapers can be more difficult to position and match on your own, so a simpler design may be easier if it’s your first time.
Is it difficult to wallpaper a ceiling?
Wallpapering a ceiling can be a little more challenging than wallpapering a wall, mainly because you’re working overhead. However, it’s completely achievable with good preparation, the right tools, and a little patience.
Planning your first length carefully and taking your time to position and smooth each piece will help you achieve a much neater finish.
Can you wallpaper over a painted ceiling?
Yes, you can usually wallpaper over a painted ceiling as long as the paint is firmly attached and the surface is clean, dry, smooth, and in good condition.
Remove any loose or flaking paint first and fill and sand any cracks or imperfections. If the ceiling has a glossy or very smooth finish, lightly sand the surface to take away the shine and give the adhesive something to grip onto. Wipe away any dust afterwards, then use a suitable wallpaper primer or sizing solution if recommended for your chosen wallpaper and paste.
Always check the hanging instructions for your wallpaper and adhesive before you begin, as preparation requirements can vary.
Do you need special wallpaper for a ceiling?
You don’t necessarily need wallpaper specifically designed for ceilings, but some designs will be easier to work with than others.
If you’re new to wallpapering a ceiling, lighter wallpapers and more forgiving patterns can make installation easier. Highly detailed patterns require more precise matching, while heavier textured wallpapers can be a little harder to handle overhead.
Which direction should you wallpaper a ceiling?
In most rooms, it’s easiest to hang wallpaper across the shorter distance of the ceiling. This gives you shorter lengths to handle and can make positioning the paper overhead more manageable.
However, you should also consider the shape of the room and your chosen pattern. With a statement design, think about how you want the pattern to flow across the ceiling before deciding on the direction.
Should you wallpaper the ceiling or walls first?
“If you’re wallpapering both the ceiling and the walls, I’d always recommend starting with the ceiling,” explains Helen. “It makes the whole process much easier, as you can trim the edges neatly without having to worry about marking or damaging freshly hung wallpaper on the walls.”
Once the ceiling wallpaper is completely dry, you can move on to the walls and create a neat finish where the two surfaces meet.
Wallpapering both can also create a striking, cocooning effect, particularly when you carry the same colour or pattern across the walls and ceiling for a more seamless look.
What are the best ceiling wallpaper ideas?
There are plenty of ways to make ceiling wallpaper work, whether you want something bold or more understated:
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Create a statement ceiling — Large-scale florals, geometrics, or mural-style designs can turn the ceiling into a real feature wall, especially in bedrooms, dining rooms, or living spaces where you want to add extra personality.
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Carry the same wallpaper onto the ceiling — Using one design across the walls and ceiling creates a seamless, cocooning effect. It can make the room feel more cohesive and is a great way to create a bold, immersive look.
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Keep it subtle with texture or soft pattern — If you don’t want the ceiling to dominate the room, choose a neutral, textured, or lightly patterned wallpaper. This adds interest overhead while keeping the overall scheme calm and balanced.
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Try wallpapering a hallway ceiling — Hallways are often narrow and overlooked, so adding wallpaper overhead is an easy way to bring in colour or pattern without making the walls feel too busy. It can also draw the eye upwards and help turn a transitional space into a more considered part of the home. For more inspiration for a warm welcome, read our hallway wallpaper ideas.
