Wallpaper Your Ceiling: Complete Guide and Tips
Want to transform your ceiling into a real decorative scene?
Applying wallpaper to the ceiling means daring to make a strong aesthetic statement where it’s least expected, creating perfect harmony with your walls. It’s also a subtle way to play with space, light, and perspective.
In this complete guide, discover all the steps, the essential tools such as the seam roller to smooth out bubbles, the cutter for cleanly cutting the strips, and our professional tips for a flawless installation.
Why wallpaper a ceiling?
Often left white out of habit, the ceiling can actually become the focal point of a room—just like a wall. By covering it with decorative wallpaper, you bring life to a neglected space while enriching your interior atmosphere. It’s an elegant alternative to classic white paint, ideal for energizing a living room, bedroom, or even a hallway.
Our installation guide gives you tips on how to cover it with decorative non-woven wallpaper to bring life to a neglected area while enhancing your interior style.
Which wallpaper should you choose for the ceiling?
Choose non-woven wallpaper, easier to handle than traditional paper. This wall covering is more resistant, easy to hang and reposition. Opt for light or subtle patterns to avoid a stifling effect, especially in rooms with low ceilings.
- Natural style: choose Clairière, Sous les Chênes, or Sous les Marronniers
- Poetic or bohemian style: let yourself be charmed by Ciel, Ciel d’été, or Infini
- Contemporary or graphic style: go for Julie Ciel or Joséphine Ciel
Tools needed to hang wallpaper on the ceiling
Before starting the installation, make sure you have the right tools:
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A stable stepladder
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A pasting brush or roller
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A wallpaper smoother or seam roller
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A sharp cutter
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A measuring tape
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A pencil for markings
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A plumb line or laser for proper alignment of the strips
The 5 main steps to hang wallpaper on the ceiling
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Prepare the ceiling
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Measure and draw guide lines
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Apply adhesive to the ceiling or wallpaper
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Apply the first strip
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Apply the following strips
Detailed steps for hanging wallpaper on the ceiling
1. Preparing the ceiling
Carefully clean the surface. The ceiling must be dry, smooth, and free of dust. In case of cracks, apply a smoothing filler. If your ceiling is plastered or glossy, lightly sand it to improve adhesion. Protect the floor with a large tarp to avoid glue drips.
2. Measure and draw your guide lines
Take the exact measurement of your ceiling length, then draw a straight line (using a level, laser, or plumb line) to position the first strip straight. A strip corresponds to a length of wallpaper cut from the roll, usually intended to be applied vertically on walls.
3. Apply adhesive to the ceiling or wallpaper
If you’re using non-woven wallpaper, apply the glue directly onto the ceiling with a roller, just as you would on a wall.
4. Apply the wallpaper
Start from a corner or from the center of the surface, depending on the chosen pattern. Apply the strip carefully. Dim the lights and remove light fixtures if necessary to work more comfortably.
Use a seam roller to smooth and remove air bubbles from the center toward the edges. Neatly trim any excess with a cutter.
5. Repeat strip by strip
Repeat the process for each strip, making sure to align the seams precisely.
⇒ Download our complete installation guide
Pro tips for a perfect result
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Don’t work alone: having an assistant is highly recommended.
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Avoid hanging wallpaper in a room that’s too hot or too humid.
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Use adhesive suited to the type of paper and ceiling.
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Gently remove bubbles with a smoother without pressing too hard.
Frequently asked questions about hanging wallpaper on the ceiling
How do you glue wallpaper to the ceiling?
With proper preparation, the right adhesive, and careful alignment, it’s entirely possible to hang wallpaper overhead. Non-woven wallpaper is ideal for this.
Is it easy to wallpaper a ceiling?
Ceiling installation requires more attention than walls but remains doable with the right tools. Working in pairs makes handling easier and ensures a neat finish.
How can you avoid visible seams?
Make sure each strip is well aligned and avoid pulling the wallpaper too tightly during installation.
Which wallpaper should you use for the ceiling?
For ceilings, choose non-woven wallpaper—it’s lighter and easier to install. Subtle patterns or light tones help prevent the space from feeling cramped.
Is it better to paint or wallpaper?
Painting is faster and simpler, but wallpaper offers more creativity, hides imperfections better, and adds texture. For a damaged ceiling, wallpaper is often more effective than a coat of paint.
Which direction should you hang ceiling wallpaper?
Generally, strips are applied parallel to the main light source (window) so the seams are less visible. However, if the pattern dictates a direction, follow the design.
In summary
Wallpapering a ceiling means transforming a forgotten surface into an artistic and stylish space. Thanks to our guide, you now have all the steps and tips for a successful installation—from choosing the wallpaper to the final cut with the cutter. Give your interior decoration a whole new dimension!
