How Sculptural Plasterwork Can Transform Your Ceiling (And How To Get The Look)

The ceiling may not be the first place you look when you begin styling your space, but there are reasons why you never want to forget the ceiling when designing a room. Ornamental plasterwork on ceilings has been around for centuries, and once even served a purpose beyond adding a luxe look. However, modern designers are drawing their attention to the adornment of the 5th wall as an opportunity to add interest, texture, whimsy — in some cases, even monetary value — to a home using sculptural plasterwork on the ceiling. And, while employing a master plaster artisan may be your best bet when it comes to crafting the elaborate ornamentations of old, premade ceiling tiles, stencils, or molding can also give that rich detailing element that makes plasterwork so popular.

For centuries, painted and sculpted ceilings have been commonplace in churches and other buildings that feature ornate architecture, adding interest and opulence to any space. Plaster ceiling roses in particular went one step further to double as protectors above candle-laden chandeliers. When the rose became stained with smoke after a period of use, the plaster ornament was simply repainted. Of course that isn't the reason that ceiling roses and ornamental ceiling design in general have stood the test of time. It is, simply, because they are beautiful.

The exquisite detailing of plaster ornamentation is, perhaps, its trademark and the reason that adorned ceilings — regardless of the style — remain popular. Genuine sculptural plasterwork like what we're accustomed to seeing in mansions, victorian designs, and cathedrals is executed by modern craftspeople by laying plaster over a reinforcement, often metal or fiberglass mesh. The process itself isn't difficult, but it does require the touch of a master artist to live up to the historical design standard. Of course, there are DIY options that can give you a stunning DIY ceiling design that will elevate any room in your home.

For confident artists and DIYers, creating a mold using polymer clay and mold casting compound will create highly customized sculptural plaster that can be mounted to the ceiling. Add in beads, gold leaf, paint, medallions, and other accoutrements to honor the age old artisan designs and enhance the unique quality of yours. Of course, there are other eye-catching ways to decorate your ceilings. For those that would rather not spend hours or even days creating each plaster cast, premade ceiling tiles could do the job. Find a style you love and cut out the pattern that best suits your space. Adhere the tiles to the ceiling with a high strength adhesive and then paint them to complement your aesthetic. In fact, you could just use your paint brush and decorative stencils  or affix some elegant molding in an artistic pattern to embellish your space to achieve that classic, ornate look on your ceilings without any plaster or glue. Whatever method you choose, you'll have an elegant, artisan feature in your home.