Decorations for Coved Ceilings

Paint

• Covering a coved ceiling with paint can be tough because no natural break exists between the walls and the ceilings. Painting the entire area in one color can make the room feel cave-like. One solution for this is to block off a section in the middle of the ceiling and paint it in a contrasting color. If you're feeling really adventurous, consider having an artist paint a design in the space.

Molding

• Attaching molding high on the walls of a coved ceiling offers two benefits: It adds architectural interest to the room and provides a way to separate the walls from the ceiling. Try attaching two types of complementary molding, one thick and the other thin, butted up against each other. Molding made from lightweight foam can be purchased inexpensively, easily attached and once it is painted, it will look as though it had always been there.

Lighting

• If the coved ceiling has a recessed edge, a strip of rope lighting applied just inside the coving provides illumination as well as an upscale elegance. No recessed edge? No problem. Conceal the lighting with a strip of molding and look for lighting that doesn't get too hot or too bright. You want the room to have a warm glow as opposed to being lit up like a Christmas tree. Consult a lighting specialist for recommendations for your room.

Wallpaper Borders

• Hang a wallpaper border high on the walls to define the space between the walls and ceiling. Wallpaper borders are not just for nurseries and kids' rooms anymore. Inexpensive and available in a variety of colors and sophisticated patterns, wallpaper borders can work with any decorating scheme. When it's time to redecorate, you can either remove the border or replace it with one of a different color or style.