TikTok Shows Us How To Turn A Bare Ceiling Into A Stunning Masterpiece

Ceilings are often described as the fifth wall, yet they're often ignored when it comes to designing a space. Many people opt to paint the ceiling or leave it a simple, complementing shade of white and focus on the other elements of the room. However, putting a little focus into giving the ceiling a unique feature can help pull the room together. Julie Sousa, who goes by @the_avantgarde on TikTok, shared an easy and impactful way to update a ceiling. In a video shared on the platform, Sousa applies peel-and-stick tiles that look like wood to a ceiling in her home.

The peel-and-stick tile is easily applied and requires few tools to get the job done. The wood tone on the tile complements the wood that's already present in her home. Sousa also states that the project is renter-friendly, creating a temporary upgrade if needed, so you can install it in a leased apartment and remove it with little to no damage. Plus, it adds some texture and warmth in place of a stark white painted ceiling.

These vinyl planks apply like stickers, so a DIYer of any skill level can take on the project. Since the vinyl is thin, it can be cut with scissors, so you won't need any special tools to get the material cut to size.

Julie Sousa used the Norway Oak tiles from Smart Tiles, which cost $22.99 per sheet. Using the calculator on Smart Tiles' website, to cover a 10-foot by 10-foot space, you would need a minimum of 83 sheets, which would come out to a little more than $1,900. Though this product is incredibly durable and long-lasting, the final cost may be more than many people are willing to pay for a DIY project.

There are alternative materials, however, that you can use to get a similar look for less. ACHIM's peel-and-stick vinyl plank flooring from The Home Depot is $2.23 per square foot. To cover a 10-foot by 10-foot space, you would need 8 units, which could total $267.60. Another option is to purchase peel-and-stick wallpaper with a faux wood finish, such as one from Amazon for $28.99.

A wood accent on the ceiling can make a room feel cozy and warm. It's best to use peel-and-stick tile on smooth surfaces rather than those with texture. You may have to sand away texture or old adhesive to get the best surface. Cleaning the surface and using a degreaser will also help you get the best seal and allow the tile to have a strong adhesion. A sharp utility knife can help you cut the tile if you need half or partial tiles. Remove only small portions of the backing at a time so you can ensure the tile is in the right place before adhering it to the ceiling. Lay the tiles in a line so they're straight and work across the ceiling in small sections or individual lines.

You can also recreate this look with real wood planks, although this would require more expensive materials and tools. To do this, you can start by measuring the ceiling and dividing the width and length measurements by the width and length measurements of the planks to figure out how many you need. Then, you can paint or stain the planks before cutting them to size using an electric saw. Using a finishing nailer, put the nails in at a slight angle and use construction adhesive on the back of the planks to secure them to the ceiling. Repeat this process until the ceiling is covered.