5 Things to Know Before Wallpapering Your Ceiling

Julie Li
Aug 20
3 min read

Updated: Oct 22

Thinking about wallpapering your ceiling? You’re not alone. This creative and surprisingly accessible trend is quickly gaining attention across design shows and social platforms. Ceiling wallpaper isn’t just doable—it’s a bold way to reimagine your fifth wall and give your space an elevated edge.

At RunpWell Decor, we’re here to empower your next design breakthrough. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just love to experiment, here are five practical insights that will help you succeed in your ceiling wallpaper journey—with confidence.

1. Yes, You Can Do This—But It’s a Two-Person Job

Two people working together to install floral wallpaper on a white ceiling in a modern bedroom, demonstrating teamwork in a ceiling wallpaper DIY project

Ceiling wallpaper installation doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right preparation and a second pair of hands, it’s absolutely achievable—even for first-timers.

Here’s what makes it easier:

One person aligns and applies, while the other supports the roll and smooths the surface
Use painter’s tape or temporary tacks to plan your layout beforehand
Apply strong double-sided wallpaper tape at corners and edges for extra security

Try this first: Start with a small, low-ceiling space like a closet or hallway to build confidence.

2. A Smooth Surface = Long-Lasting Results

Side-by-side comparison of a popcorn-textured ceiling and a smooth primed ceiling, highlighting surface prep importance before wallpaper installation

Your ceiling doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to be smooth, clean, and primed. Textures like popcorn or orange peel will prevent good adhesion and lead to bubbles or peeling.

How to prep:

Sand down uneven textures
Wipe away dust and oils
Use wallpaper primer to boost grip

Tip: If you can’t fully smooth your surface, pair your wallpaper with reinforcement strips or double-sided tape.

3. Renters: Yes, You Can Try It Too

Removable wallpaper is making ceiling makeovers accessible even to renters. While caution is needed, today’s adhesive technology is more forgiving than ever.

Rental-friendly prep tips:

Use high-quality removable wallpaper specifically labeled “damage-free”
Always test on a small area first
Be gentle during removal and clean any residue

Back-up plan: If you’re unsure, use ceiling panels or stretched canvases as a creative, non-permanent base.

Ceiling with floral and leaf patterns in orange, white, and green on a black background, featuring a wooden ceiling fan.

4. Choose Patterns That Work With Gravity

Bold, busy patterns aren’t just stylish—they're practical. Ceilings are a unique visual space where alignment errors are easier to spot, so forgiving designs are your friend.

Top pattern picks:

Large botanicals and florals
Watercolor abstracts
Non-directional prints

Skip these for ceilings:

Tiny repeating patterns
Geometric or grid-based prints that demand precision

Ceiling wallpaper with soft botanical pattern in modern living room – ideal floral design for ceiling wallpaper installation. Non-directional prints reduce alignment stress, perfect for beginner DIY projects and renter-friendly decor upgrades.

5. Not All Wallpapers Are Made for the Ceiling

Because heat rises and gravity pulls, not every wallpaper formula will hold up. You want a

product that sticks reliably but won’t damage your ceiling when removed.

Ideal choices:

Paste-the-wall non-woven wallpaper for permanent installs
Peel-and-stick wallpapers with strong yet safe adhesive
Double-sided wall tape for added reinforcement

What to avoid:

Thin, flimsy vinyls that can curl or sag
Low-tack adhesives without support

Final Takeaway: A Little Planning, Big Impact

Ceiling wallpaper is one of the most exciting home decor ideas in recent years. It’s an artistic statement that’s well within reach—with the right teamwork, surface prep, and product.

Thousands of RunpWell users across North America have successfully transformed their ceilings using our adhesive wallpaper kits. The results? Creative, clean installs and rave-worthy ceilings.