Renovating the Drop Room - Wallpapering the Ceiling
The mudroom ceiling had its fair share of growing pains after we removed the closet and relocated the light fixture. While these changes made a big impact, they also left behind visible imperfections that were hard to ignore. Rather than spending hours trying to achieve a flawlessly smooth surface, I decided to take a different approach: wallpaper the ceiling!
My last DIY before moving was wallpapering the dining room ceiling, and I loved the transformation. So, bringing that same charm to our new home—this time in a much smaller space—felt like the perfect solution!
Why Wallpaper?
Ceilings are often overlooked when designing a space, but adding wallpaper can create a striking, finished look. In our mudroom, it served two important purposes:
✔ Hiding Imperfections – Moving the light fixture and removing the closet meant we had to patch and redrywall sections of the ceiling. Despite our best efforts, there were still some visible inconsistencies in the finish. Wallpaper provided the perfect disguise!
✔ Elevating the Space – The mudroom is a hardworking area, but that doesn’t mean it should be boring! A beautiful wallpapered ceiling adds character and charm, making it feel more intentional and designed rather than just a utilitarian drop zone.
The Process
Wallpapering a ceiling isn’t the easiest DIY, but it’s totally doable with some patience and planning! Here’s how it went:
Prepping the Surface
Before anything, we made sure the ceiling was clean and free of dust. Since we had patches of fresh drywall, we applied a coat of primer to help with adhesion.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper
I wanted something that added texture and interest without overwhelming the space. A soft, neutral pattern was the perfect balance between subtle and statement-making. In our previous home, I used peel-and-stick wallpaper, but this time, the wallpaper I fell in love with was pre-pasted. While it worked out fine, it definitely wasn’t as easy as peel-and-stick. To help with adhesion, I used Romans EZ-Hang, but keep in mind that using this method makes the wallpaper no longer "easily removable."
Application Challenges
Working against gravity is no joke! Having an extra set of hands was a lifesaver—one person matching up the pattern and smoothing it out, while another held up the other end to... defy gravity. A wallpaper smoothing tool, a sharp razor blade, and a sturdy step ladder were absolute must-haves for keeping everything aligned and bubble-free.
💡 Pro Tip: Matching wallpaper on a ceiling can be tricky. Instead of pre-cutting, I go piece by piece, having a friend hold up the roll so I can align the pattern seamlessly. If you’re adding trim or shiplap, let the wallpaper extend beyond the edge; otherwise, use a flat edge and razor for a clean cut after installation.
My poor friends, always getting photos like this from me haha!
The Big Reveal
As soon as we finished, I knew it was the right decision. The wallpaper seamlessly covered any imperfections and made the entire room feel more polished and cohesive. Adding a fun light fixture turned a simple mudroom into a space that feels intentionally designed and effortlessly stylish. Now maybe our eyes will go up to admire the ceiling instead of noticing the mess of shoes on the floor—ha!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to add character to a room, don’t forget to look up! Painting the ceiling is always a great option, but wallpapering the ceiling? Now that’s a level up!
Would you ever wallpaper a ceiling? Let me know in the comments! And stay tuned for more updates as we continue transforming our home.
