Have you heard of this new thing called the fifth wall? It's technically just your ceiling but ceilings have long since been forgotten as some place to express architectural design and influences of the times. In early American homes, however, low ceilings were favored to keep the spaces warm even though it might have felt a little claustrophobic. In the Victorian era, high ceilings were often elaborately embellished creating a whole another dimension of style and design.
You've probably seen this in warehouses and factory buildings that of been converted into loft allowing the industrial look to show off exposed beams and ductwork. However, heating and cooling in those spaces were a little bit of a challenge. Today, personalizing this "fifth wall" allows rooms to take on different styles making a unique impression on homebuyers adding visual depth to a lower room or drawing the eye upward in higher rooms. This is a great way to extend and enhance the aesthetics of a room.
So what are people doing with this fifth wall?
Paint
Paint is usually the first thing people do and while most ceilings are painted, homeowners are making a striking difference to the rest of the walls making the walls either white or neutral tone and then using color to make the ceiling pop. If there are beams on the ceiling, painting the beams a different color than the flat part of the wall or ceiling really will make them stand out as well.
Wallpaper
Yes, wallpaper is still a thing and we've come along way with the style and design that these graphic papers can produce. Whether it's a pewter silver leaf or floral, wallpaper can hide cosmetic blemishes and create a unique pattern in the room.
Shape
A lot of ceilings are not flat so you can emphasize the dramatic look of a coffered ceiling, vaulted, or pitched ceiling, or arched shape that rises upward providing a unique sense of drama and light. A lot of homebuyers are looking for ceilings with volume, not only for visual appeal but to make the room seem larger and more expansive. You want to maintain a proper visual scale, however, like not putting a toll ceiling in a small space or short ceiling in a large room.
Millwork
Millwork or woodworking can be used for all types of spaces and walls including the ceiling. In architectural trim, crown molding, recessed lights or coffered effects in a large central portion of the room can create a higher more luxurious design. It's the finishing touch to a room, so to speak. Grid patterns, beams, and other millwork can add coziness and an aged character to the room. Shiplap is one of the most common mill working designs for walls and ceilings alike.
Lighting
Lighting is pretty much predominate in any room but by making it the centerpiece of the ceiling, it can reflect a unique trend especially with different colors, materials, and shapes. Lighting doesn't necessarily have to be in the center of the room either. You can have accent lights hanging from the corners or a large display in one corner or another. Built-in lights, recessed lighting, tracked lighting, and large pieces can all add drama and unique atmosphere to the room.
So don't neglect that fifth wall. Buyers will not only be looking around but they'll be looking up as well and while it may not make or break a sale, it will make your home stand out and be more memorable.
More Resources:
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