I’ll admit, the first time someone suggested painting stripes on the ceiling, I pictured a circus tent. Then I saw it done right—and couldn’t stop looking up.
The room felt taller, more playful, and oddly polished at the same time. Striped ceilings have a way of surprising you in the best way.
Striped ceiling ideas work because they draw the eye upward and add personality without taking up space. Soft neutrals feel subtle, while bold contrasts make a statement.
They can define a room or add rhythm where walls feel flat. If your ceiling is doing nothing for the room, why not let it have a little fun?
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1. Big Top Energy, Dining Edition
Image by collecte_australia
Red and white stripes pull all eyes up—this ceiling doesn’t just cap the room, it steals the scene. The bold pattern brings a playful, almost theatrical punch to an otherwise sculptural, art-forward dining space. Rounded green chairs echo the curves of the bamboo pedestal table and the modernist ceiling light, tying the whole look together. It’s fearless, but not chaotic—each element knows its place in the show.
2. Lemon Stripes Meet Tile Dreams
Image by eugeniasotophoto
Sunny yellow stripes on the ceiling instantly brighten the room—like waking up under a beach cabana. The tiled headboard adds a burst of old-world pattern, grounding all that cheer with something intricate and earthy. Woven textures in the pendant and lamp shades lean into a Mediterranean-cottage vibe, without trying too hard. It’s playful, personal, and proof that ceilings can totally carry a mood.
3. Striped Like A Souk Tent
Image by blythcollinsoninteriors
This room doubles down on candy-striped red—from the tucked-in banquette cushions to the barrel-vaulted ceiling above. The matching patterns give it a cabana-meets-casbah feel, playful but grounded by the lantern sconce and brass tray table. Painting the stripes onto the ceiling’s curve adds depth and movement—like the whole space is draped in fabric. It’s immersive, bold, and doesn’t shy away from a theme.
4. Mint Stripes For The Mini Set
Image by shopwillkies
Green and white stripes across the ceiling add just the right dose of whimsy to this pastel-toned nursery. The palette is soft but not sugary—mint, cream, and blush work like a calming lullaby. Pleated fabric lampshades and gingham touches bring vintage charm without veering into twee. It’s sweet, subtle, and smartly layered for little ones and grown-ups alike.
5. Purple Stripes, Florals, And A Mood
Image by lndesignuk
Lavender ceiling stripes give this basement bedroom a burst of playful energy—almost like sunlight painted in candy tones. The retro floral wallpaper brings serious 70s cheer, balanced by soft shapes and cozy textures on the bed. Built-in nooks and mismatched plants keep it personal, not precious. It’s a maximalist hideaway that says: why pick one pattern when you can have five?
6. Marrakech Meets Maximalist
Image by gavin1966
Striped ceilings, tiled fireplaces, and layered prints—this room doesn’t whisper, it sings. The red-and-white bands overhead echo the Moroccan-inspired hearth and ground the riot of textures below. Nothing matches, but everything belongs, from the carved wood tables to the pleated lampshades. It’s a masterclass in fearless layering, where the ceiling joins the conversation instead of staying quiet.
7. Stripes Steal The Spotlight
Image by eclectic_territory
Burnt orange stripes stretch across the ceiling and upper walls, giving this jewel-box room instant architectural drama. The arched doorway frames it like a stage, while curved furniture and a round rug soften the strong lines. A striped bench echoes the ceiling in mood, not color—proof that pattern play doesn’t have to match to make sense. It’s graphic, chic, and just the right amount of daring.
8. Wicker, Stripes, And A Side Of Charm
Image by sarahkdesignslondon
Wide green-and-white ceiling stripes draw your eye up, but the real magic is how they echo the rhythm of the woven textures below. Rattan chairs, raffia walls, and a layered tablecloth setup create a rich, tactile palette without feeling heavy. The whole nook feels curated yet casual—like a countryside breakfast room with a globe-trotting soul. Bonus points for those gallery-wall plates that keep things cheeky.
9. Blue Skies, Indoors
Image by jeffandrewsdsgn
Thick navy and sky-blue stripes sweep across the sloped ceiling, making this shared kids’ room feel like a bold, graphic tent. The palette sticks to cool tones, but the sunshine-yellow bed frames bring in the fun. Geometric pillows and a shag rug echo the ceiling’s rhythm without going overboard. It’s crisp, color-blocked, and full of personality—just like the duo it’s made for.
10. Pastel Palace With A Striped Crown
Image by flavialiondesign
Pale green stripes stretch across the ceiling, giving this fairytale-like bedroom a dose of classic whimsy. Between the ornate chandeliers, powder-blue cabinetry, and scalloped reading nook, it’s part storybook, part Wes Anderson set. The stripes help elongate the space and add polish to all the playful detailing below. It’s maximalism for the mini crowd—elegant, enchanted, and unapologetically extra.
11. Veranda Goes Full Cabana
Image by nicolocastellinibaldissera
Thick green-and-white stripes wrap this veranda from ceiling to walls, turning it into a breezy, transportive retreat. The arches and lanterns nod to old-world charm, while wicker chairs and patterned pillows keep the mood relaxed and lived-in. Matching stripes on the archway add just the right dose of drama. It’s giving colonial garden club—with a splash of coastal resort.
12. Sunburst You Can Sleep Under
Image by abeautifulmess
Painted stripes radiate from the ceiling light like a rising sun, turning this attic bedroom into a bright, graphic escape. The terra-cotta tones wrap the sloped walls in warmth, while the crisp white bedding keeps things grounded. Symmetrical sconces and simple shapes let the pattern shine. It’s cozy, punchy, and way more fun than your average attic conversion.
13. Cabana Vibes, Bedroom Edition
Image by c2paint
Soft aqua and white stripes stretch across the ceiling like a seaside awning, giving this room a breezy, coastal feel. Ikat textiles and monogrammed pillows keep it punchy but polished, while crisp bedding pulls the whole palette together. The built-in daybed makes it sleepover-ready without losing its grown-up charm. It’s beachy without the sand—just add lemonade.
14. Hallway Gets The Runway Treatment
Image by britdotdesign
Olive-toned ceiling stripes turn this quiet corridor into a show-stealer, guiding the eye straight to that charming green cabinet at the end. The lines add unexpected rhythm and elongate the space without needing bold color elsewhere. A scalloped-edge rug echoes the playful geometry, while keeping the vibe soft underfoot. Proof that even a pass-through can pack personality.
15. Barbie Checks Into The Tropics
Image by theelectricpenguin
Candy-pink ceiling stripes pull this maximalist bedroom into full fantasy mode—like a Palm Beach cabana dream with a wink. Banana leaf bedding, flamingo-print wallpaper, and gold sconces topped with pink feathers go all-in on the theme. It’s kitschy, cheeky, and totally committed. Grab the rosé—this room came to party.
16. Gallery Wall Gets A Gold Top
Image by robinqphoto
Thick ochre stripes on the ceiling give this neutral dining nook a jolt of unexpected character—like a circus tent gone sophisticated. The warm tone draws out the wood accents and adds a punchy frame to the otherwise soft palette. A collected gallery wall keeps the eye moving while the classic round table grounds the space. It’s refined, but knows how to have fun.
17. Blue Stripes Bring The Sunshine In
Image by tuttifruttiapartamento
Sky-blue ceiling stripes stretch the length of the room, drawing light and energy into this crisp, white dining space. The playful rhythm overhead is echoed by the mismatched chairs—each one a different color, none trying too hard. Art-lined walls and wide floorboards keep the mood casual, not chaotic. It’s a little Scandi, a little schoolhouse, and totally charming.
18. Pastel Stripes, Piña Coladas Optional
Image by thehandmadehome
The ceiling goes full candy shop with alternating stripes in blush, mint, and baby blue—instantly setting the tone for this cheerful, sun-soaked hangout. Wicker textures and a hanging chair bring in that easy-breezy, indoor-outdoor vibe, while the patterned rug and pillows echo the playful palette below. It’s part pool cabana, part playroom, and 100% ready for your next mocktail moment.
19. Earth Tones Get A Stripe Lift
Image by iamglenhandley
Chocolate brown stripes on the ceiling add a quiet punch to this otherwise muted, earth-toned bedroom. The palette leans warm and textural—think woven pendants, pottery, and a pom-pom throw that begs for a nap. Art placement is unexpected but striking, mixing museum-core with boho calm. It’s moody, layered, and proof that neutrals can still play bold.
20. Preppy Jungle Meets Palm Beach
Image by hautehomelinens
Minty green ceiling stripes set a playful tone in this kid-friendly space, echoing the cheerful prints below without overwhelming them. The palm-frond chandelier and tiger portrait keep things wildly charming, while the polka-dot daybed brings in that classic prep vibe. Layers of pattern—from the paisley-like wallpaper to the carnival-bright pillows—feel quirky, not chaotic. It’s safari-themed, but make it chic.
FAQ’s About Striped Ceiling Ideas
Q: What is a striped ceiling and why is it used?
A: A striped ceiling is a ceiling design that features alternating painted or patterned stripes. It is used to add visual interest and create a statement without adding furniture or décor. Striped ceilings can make a space feel more dynamic and thoughtfully designed.
Q: What types of rooms work best with striped ceilings?
A: Striped ceilings work well in bedrooms, nurseries, bathrooms, hallways, and home offices. They are especially effective in smaller or overlooked spaces where bold design can shine. Using stripes on the ceiling draws the eye upward and adds character.
Q: What stripe colors look best on ceilings?
A: Soft contrasts like white and light gray create a subtle, elegant look. Bold combinations such as navy and white or black and cream make a dramatic statement. Choosing colors that already exist in the room helps maintain balance.
Q: Do striped ceilings make rooms look bigger or smaller?
A: Striped ceilings can make rooms appear taller or wider depending on stripe direction. Lengthwise stripes visually extend the room, while crosswise stripes can make it feel broader. Light colors prevent the ceiling from feeling heavy or closed in.
Q: What should be considered before adding a striped ceiling?
A: Careful measuring and precise painting are important for clean, even stripes. The ceiling height, lighting, and room size should be considered before choosing bold patterns. Testing a small section first helps ensure the look feels right for the space.
