How to Wallpaper a Ceiling

A papered ceiling is a beautiful, unexpected touch — a "fifth wall." It's more of a challenge than a wall, but it's absolutely doable with the right setup and a helper.

Be honest with yourself first

This is the one job where we say: if you're not confident, consider a professional. Working overhead is tiring and you're on a ladder. If you're keen to try it yourself, here's how to do it safely and well.

What you'll need

  • Everything from How to Hang Wallpaper
  • A second person — this is not a solo job
  • A sturdy work platform or two stepladders with a plank between them, so you can stand along the length of the drop
  • A spare pair of hands to support the folded paper

Step 1 — Plan your direction

Hang the strips across the shortest distance of the room, and ideally work away from the main window so any tiny seam shadows fall away from the light. Mark your first guide line straight, measuring out one roll-width from the wall.

Step 2 — Prep the ceiling

Clean, dry, smooth and sound, just like a wall. Fill cracks and sand. Dust falls in your eyes up here, so wear safety glasses.

Step 3 — Concertina the paper

Paste your strip (or the ceiling, for paste-the-wall), then fold the strip back and forth on itself in loose folds, like a concertina. This lets your helper hold the bulk of the strip while you position and smooth a small section at a time.

Step 4 — Hang along your line

Start at one end, line up to your guide line, and work along the ceiling releasing one fold at a time. You smooth, your helper supports. Smooth out air bubbles as you go.

Step 5 — Trim

Crease into the wall-ceiling join with a filling knife and trim with a sharp blade. Wipe paste off immediately with a damp sponge.

Safety first, always

  • Never overreach from a ladder — move it instead.
  • Make sure your platform is stable before you climb.
  • Take breaks. Tired arms make mistakes.

Not sure your design suits a ceiling? Most all-over patterns and textures work beautifully overhead. Order a $10 sample, or email mary@wallpapertrader.com and we'll help you choose.