Shower ceilings usually don’t make it on
the shortlist of priorities when you’re renovating a bathroom. With so many
different accents that draw focus from flooring to fixtures, it makes sense
that most people wouldn’t give the ceiling a second thought. In the end though,
it’d be a lost opportunity to ignore the power of this blank canvas.
A pattern, color, or texture can add
character to your bathroom ceiling that once seen, can’t go unnoticed. With no
shortage of materials and designs to choose from, there’s something to match
every personal aesthetic. If you’re still not convinced, the shower ceiling
ideas below are likely to change your mind! Take a look and see how a simple ceiling
change can transform your shower into something truly special.
1.
WOOD PANELS
It’s no secret that the modern farmhouse
style has taken over the interior design world in recent years. With that, it’s
brought back wood paneling throughout homes, ceilings being no exception.
Offering a natural and warm feel, wood is one of the best shower ceiling ideas
for a rustic style. The fact that you can choose from a plethora of wood
species also makes way for color and texture choices; Along with a range of pricing
to fit different project budgets.
It’s important to remember that natural
wood is susceptible to certain risks, water damage being one of them. Rot and
warping are key damages to look out for. Proper sealing of materials will
mitigate long term damage but upkeep is something to consider. Damaged pieces
of natural wood are also harder to repair, unlike other options that allow you
to trade out a piece that will have the exact same color and texture.
2.
STONE
Stone shower
ceilings are where beauty and durability collide! Stone comes in plenty of
colors and textures, each with an ease of cleaning that’s a major draw to many.
Coming in larger sheets and cuts, the amount of grouting is generally much less
than that of a tile job. If all of that wasn’t enough, the increase in home
value puts stone over the top. Due to its value alone, a stone shower ceiling
stands to hike up that resale price.
Unfortunately
for some, this level of durability comes at a cost. Stone isn’t cheap and while
it does come in different grades of cost, it’s not in everyone’s price range.
Even though its daily maintenance is easy, the same can’t be said for overall
maintenance. Depending upon your stone selection, you’ll have to be on top of
resealing it as well.
3.
STYROFOAM
A cheaper
alternative on the rise, styrofoam shower ceilings (tiles in specific) have
some surprisingly enticing qualities. They act as a great insulator which is
particularly helpful in the hottest and coldest months. Not only do they look authentic,
they come in any style you could imagine, colors too. They’re also very easy to
replace should one become damaged. Even though it’s not made to be waterproof,
you can waterproof it via a sealant or resin for long lasting protection.
The number one
issue you’ll find with this material is its fragility. Styrofoam isn’t known to
be durable but this may not be as much of a concern as the shower ceiling isn’t
a surface that’s physically used. It does also tend to stain more easily than
other materials available. Again, it might not be as much of a concern since
it’s on the ceiling but it’s a consideration nonetheless.
4.
PAINT
If you’re on a
tight budget but still looking for that wow factor for your shower ceiling,
paint is the best choice for you. Bold color selections like that above create
an unmatched contrast for a designer look at a price anyone can afford. Paint
doesn’t just limit you to color though; You can also have patterns via stencils
that produce the illusion of other materials.
Paint is also a
low maintenance option that’s extremely easy to touch up when need be. Your
main concern with paint is going to be building up enough of a barrier to keep
moisture out. It never hurts to start with a primer as it stops the peeling
process and helps the paint to bond to the surface. A higher sheen will also
prevent water intrusion, though it may be a shinier finish than many
prefer.
5.
BEAMS
Shower ceiling
beams are an excellent addition to your bathroom’s architecture, often used to
put a spotlight on high ceilings; They can also make a smaller room appear
larger. You’re not bound by style or price with beam ceiling accents either!
They come in different materials like wood, metal, faux wood and more, offering
limitless style options. It’s because of this that the price ranges, sometimes
at a lower cost than many think.
Depending on
the material chosen, you can run into some issues. As with wood panels, genuine
wood beams can become damaged if they’re not sealed and maintained correctly.
For wood and metal beams, weight is also a concern, especially as it relates to
installation. Since these beams are usually decorative, they offer little to no
support to the home’s structure;
This makes that extra weight something to consider.
6.
TILE
Lately, it’s
become far more common to see tile used on the shower ceiling. It makes sense
when the rest of the shower is tile too, creating a cohesive end result like
the one pictured above. Tile does a great job at repelling moisture and its
overall durability is one of its most desirable characteristics. It’s available
in many colors and is often used to construct a custom appearance with patterns
like herringbone, chevron, and the like.
The main
complaint with tile is keeping the grout clean. Depending on the design, you
could end up with lots of grout lines that are known to harbor mildew. Also,
while tile isn’t the most expensive option on this list, it’s also not the
cheapest. Tiling materials add up quickly when you’re covering the entire
shower top to bottom. It can also be hard to install tile at the angle required
of a shower ceiling project.
7.
METAL
Naturally
impervious to water intrusion and mold, the use of metal for shower ceilings is
an extremely functional option. They’re also fire and warp resistant, needing
very little maintenance, perfect for the busy homeowner. You can use corrugated
metal sheets as pictured above or even decorative metal ceiling tiles that come
in different patterns and types like tin, copper and more. From rustic to
modern, metal can fit the bill!
You’d be hard
pressed to find many cons when it comes to metal shower ceilings. There are a
few to note though. First, while they’re very durable, if you happen to dent
certain types of metals it may not be an easy replacement; Especially for
materials used in sheet form like the picture seen above. Metal can also be a
pricey choice depending on which variety you like.
8.
SKYLIGHT
Hands down the
most luxurious of shower ceiling ideas, a
shower skylight ceiling. There’s nothing quite like taking in the blue sky and
sunlight directly from above in your very own shower. Not to mention, it takes
care of the ventilation issue many bathrooms have. A functional shower skylight
allows its user to open the hatch before, during or after; Properly ventilating
the space and mitigating excess moisture causing damage.
All good things
have their drawbacks though, roof leaks being a main one for shower skylights.
With so many gaps and crevices in the mechanism itself, it’s easy to see why.
Heat loss in the cooler months can also make the shower space too brisk.
Plastic encasements may become more brittle over time as well, also taking on
more sun damage than that of a metal framed one.
CONCLUSION
While unique shower ceiling ideas might not be the first thing you
think of when you remodel, it’d be an amazing focal point to polish off any
bathroom. From more simple shower ceiling ideas like a bold color to a detailed
install like tile, there’s a range of options each with their own eye-catching
attributes.
As a result,
going forward, we must choose the tile or ceiling idea and have a certified bathroom designer make it a reality.
