If My House Has the Old Flat Ceiling With Square Designs in It, What Can I Do to Give It a Face Lift?

Pressed Tin Panels

• Update the look of your ceiling with pressed tin panels. These metal sheets are ideal for older homes or loft apartments because of their design. However, if noise is an issue in the room, then pressed tin may not be the best choice because of this material's acoustic qualities. If you decide that pressed tin panels are the way to go, be sure to enlist the help of an assistant to install the sheets, which can weigh up to 4 pounds each.

Paneled Ceiling

• Create a rustic look with a paneled ceiling. To keep costs low and mimic the look of wood, use plywood panels or tongue-and-groove boards. These wood products bear a striking resemblance to old-fashioned bead board. If the room is small, opt for narrow boards that measure approximately 1.6 inches to make the space look larger. Wider boards, measuring up to 3.5 inches, are ideal for larger rooms. Stain or prime the edges and faces of the boards, before installing them, to prevent moisture from passing through the front face once the boards are in place.

Paint

• If expense and time are an issue, the easiest way to transform a ceiling and its square designs is to paint over them. It’s a great opportunity to infuse a bit of color to an area that typically, by default, is left white. Look at a color wheel and choose a color that complements your walls to make your ceiling the star of the room, rather than the dud.

Fabric

• Next to paint, fabric is one of the least expensive and time-consuming ways to transform a ceiling. Other than getting the material cut to size, fabric requires no prep work for the ceiling in terms of patching holes or priming for paint. Even though there are countless fabric options, keep the overall décor of your room in mind when making a selection.