The 6 Best Ways to Utilize Ceiling Panels

When it comes to interior design, one way to think outside the box is by installing unique wall panels on your ceiling. Ceilings don't have to be an afterthought; they can actually be a focal point if done well.

Decorative panels for your ceiling are best done with clear intention and by using the right materials. They should be long-lasting and cohesive with the rest of the room.

All interior design panels should reflect you or your client's distinctive charm and personality. Here are five ways you can best utilize ceiling panels to gain that result. 

1. Go With the Flow 

: Office break room with six white chairs surrounding a white coffee table with various magazines on it.

The best way to achieve a cohesive feel might be by matching your ceilings with the rest of your room. It sounds simple, but matching wall and ceiling panels can add a wow factor when done right. 

In the picture, our Burlply Danish wall panels give off an air of minimalism and exude a light and airy feel. Even the furniture matches the paneling, which elevates the space even more.

The Burlply collection is lightweight while featuring an extra strength plywood core. This means you'll enjoy the premium look of natural wood without the unnecessary weight that comes with real wood.

2. Or, Disrupt the Flow

Lobby area of an office building with a computer at the front desk, two chairs near the window in the corner and a back room with bookshelves.

If a matching wall and ceiling look doesn't fit your goals, you can always use wall panels in only one area of your room. Take these Coastal Allure wall panels, for example. They disrupt the room's flow — but in a way that adds character and helps with sectioning. 

Off to the right, there's a darker look on the walls where you can grab your book off the shelf. To the left, the Burlply decorative panels merge with the natural light coming in through the windows where one might sit down and enjoy a good read.

The wall panels, which are of the same line, are the final touches pulling your cozy coastal corner together. 

You don't have to disrupt the flow the same way we choose to. Our thermally-fused laminate (TFL) panels allow for extensive customization while remaining budget-friendly when compared to real wood. This means you can create the statement you want and get the full design benefits of wall panels without sacrificing anything. 

3. Mix and Match

An open office space with various desks and chairs utilizes wooden, blue and white color tones throughout the space.

Perhaps you don't want wall panels that fully match your ceiling but also don't want your ceiling panels in only one spot of the room. How do you get the best of both worlds? 

Mixing and matching decorative panels with your regular walls and ceilings is a surefire way to create an unexpected design. Just look at how the ceiling, wall and floor panels from our Truffle Oak panel from our Burlply collection form an eye-catching contrast with white ceilings and black walls.

As we've seen so far, you can use ceiling panels in various ways to bring out your desired feel. Need more inspiration? Grab our free lookbook to zone in on your vision.

4. Keep It Groovy 

Multi-story building with glass railings and wooden tones

Your wall panels don't always have to be flat all around. Using grooved ceiling panels to give off a stylish, high-end feel is one alternative to the more traditional look of plain wall panels. 

In this example, we have the Sonoma Oak panels from our Burl collection placed in a multi-story building. The earthy color of these panels creates a welcoming atmosphere that invites ease and relaxation. 

Panels such as these are not only stunning but can be used to hide outdated ceiling panel designs during renovations. Whether you're renovating or designing from scratch, take a look at our 12 favorite ways to use wood paneling for walls and other surfaces to see how you can best use paneling for your next project.

5. Stay Centered

A conference room has a long table and eight chairs surrounding it, two plants in the corners and three long windows on the right side.

Earlier, we mentioned how ceilings can act as any given room’s focal point. This display of Iron Grey Leather from our Azure collection showcases how to do this.

The ceiling panels work in conjunction with other focal points — yes, you can have more than one — to create an uncommon dynamic of patterns in the conference room. All are centered in their respective locations on the floor, wall and ceiling. 

In addition, ceiling panels help with sound absorption, ensuring sensitive business matters are kept private from the outside world. This privacy feature is also ideal for residential homes, apartment complexes and hotels. 

6. Create the Ultimate Contrast

Should your furniture panels match the decorative panels on your ceiling? Our answer is a resounding no. Nothing screams individuality more than going against your own grain. 

This gym room demonstrates this technique. The far corners of the room are finished with our dark Burl Arusha Wenge panels. This is paired with our new Burl Nordic Hickory panels on the ceiling, creating a contrasting yet gorgeous statement.

Not sure what combinations blend best? We have an impressive variety of colors, textures and designs you can try. All are easy to install as well as environmentally friendly.

Read more on the benefits of wall panels for your next project. If a mere read won't cut it, take advantage of our samples where you can get five free to truly experience how Panasphere® offers distinct value that goes beyond basic solutions. 

Be Exceptional With Your Wall Panels

Decorative panels on your or your clients' ceilings can make all the difference in a room. 

Our panels are not ordinary. They come in stone, leather or wood surfaces and are extremely durable thanks to the process of thermally-fused lamination (TFL). TFL paneling is scratch-resistant and long-lasting, while also boasting bold, yet elegant designs.
Get a free quote for any of our product lines or contact us if you have questions or queries about project collaborations. Looking to buy direct? Click here to find out what locations are near you so you can get the full in-person Panasphere® panels effect.

Hannah Tsai