Different Types of Textured Ceiling Paper

Paintable

• One choice when selecting textured ceiling paper is to choose a paintable style. A paintable ceiling paper allows you to customize your ceiling to a matching decorative finish of your choice. If you have custom colors in your room, you can paint your ceiling tiles to color-coordinate. If you are considering adding texture to the paper, such as glitter or mica flakes, a paintable ceiling paper allows you to experiment with design possibilities. Once you apply the ceiling paper to the ceiling, you need to allow it to dry completely before painting or adding a faux finish. Wallpaper glue should also be used in conjunction with a self-stick paper to assure the paper stays in place.

Tongue and Groove

• Some types of ceiling paper are adhered to a ceiling tile or board. In some cases, the tiles fit together with a tongue-and-groove system to assure a tight fit. Depending on the manufacturer, these types of paper may or may not be painted. The base of the board may be made from particle board, which is porous and can absorb paint and primer. Textures vary with tongue-and-groove tiles. The paper applied may have a recessed design that includes swirls, flowers or zigzag textures.

Panels

• You can purchase ceiling panels that already have textured paper applied to them. Panels work well in larger rooms where you have a lot of square footage to cover. There are a variety of styles to choose from that will fit into contemporary-, traditional-, country- or Victorian-style rooms. Avoid textured ceiling paper in rooms where there is not proper ventilation since moisture buildup can cause mold and mildew to form, which can then damage the paper and the ceiling panels.

Metallic

• Some textured ceiling paper can be metallic in appearance. Unless it is made from true copper or tin, the metallic look is likely a faux finish. A faux finish, in which the ceiling squares are very similar in appearance to a traditional tin ceiling, is often created by a professional designer or crafter using paint and sealer. The paper should be designed to withstand paint and acrylic-based paint on its surface. Blending gold leaf, metallic and copper colors can create a look that closely resembles a metallic ceiling.

Ceiling Medallions

• Another type of decorative ceiling paper is a medallion. A medallion is often used to accent a chandelier or light fixture in your home. Medallions can be made from several types of materials, but a chipboard or paper-based medallion can be a lightweight alternative to heavy plaster or ceramics. Medallions are textured in an array of designs based on your room's decor. They are especially attractive adorning a crystal chandelier in a Victorian dining room or kitchen.