Why This Designer Says Carpeted Ceilings Are Worth It—and Where to Use Them

The ceiling is no longer a forgotten surface in interiors. Designers are finding creative ways to maximize the “fifth wall,” bringing texture, dimension, and contrast into their spaces. From painting (color drenching!) to wallpapering, in many ways, the ceiling has become the new accent wall. Now, some designers are embracing a new material to bring coziness and warmth to the ceiling: carpet. Once relegated to quirky retro spaces or commercial settings, carpeted ceilings are making a surprising comeback in residential and boutique interiors.

If the idea of adding carpet to the ceiling has you raising an eyebrow, well, that’s kind of the point. 

“It’s an unexpected approach that adds texture where people least expect it, turning the ceiling into a sensory surface instead of an afterthought,” says Lauren Saab, founder and principal designer of Saab Studios. 

But is this just a fleeting fad or the next big thing in comfy, acoustically-conscious design? According to Saab, it depends. Here’s everything you need to know about this surprising, retro-inspired trend, including why it’s back and where it works best in the home.

The Revival of Carpeted Ceilings

Carpeted ceilings aren’t new, but today's version gives them a modernized spin. This textural trend is known for its popularity in the 1970s, when homeowners and designers experimented with installing shag carpets on unexpected surfaces, such as ceilings and bathroom floors (shudder). The overuse of shag carpets in that decade may have left a bit of a sour impression, but overhead textiles originated well before the 70s: Carpeted ceilings, or some iteration of them, can be found across various cultures and periods, from layered fabric in nomadic dwellings to suspended canopies in ceremonial settings, says Saab.

If carpeted ceilings being back in style is giving you figurative whiplash, you’re not alone. However, Saab says that the way they’re being applied today offers a more modern and polished take on the look, turning the ceiling into a striking, design-forward moment.

“More homeowners are looking for ways to make their spaces feel textured, layered, and deeply personal," she says. "Adding carpet to the ceiling brings an element of surprise that shifts the balance of a room in an instant. It adds visual weight, softens acoustics, and makes the ceiling feel as intentional as the walls and floors."

Where to Add a Carpeted Ceiling to Your Home

Adding carpet to your ceiling is a commitment. While not as tricky to swap out as tile, it’s also not as simple to change as paint—so being sure about your choice is essential, and that includes where it's installed.

According to Saab, carpeted ceiling can best transform spaces that benefit from softness and sound control: media rooms, home offices, or large living areas with tall ceilings. Done right, they can also help create a sense of separation in open-concept spaces, without the need for walls. 

When it comes to installation, hiring a professional is always recommended—especially since gravity will be working against you during application. However, this task certainly isn’t out of reach for the savvy DIYer, either. Just make sure to stick to flatweave rugs, such as wool or dhurrie styles, since they're lighter and easier to secure to the ceiling, Saab says. If you’re interested in a heavier piece, you may need a more elaborate frame or backing to keep it in place.

Are Carpeted Ceilings Here to Stay?

Whether you’re drawn to the cozy effects, bold aesthetic, or simply curious about pushing design boundaries, carpeted ceilings offer a unique way to rethink the oft-forgotten fifth wall. But as with any trend, Saab doesn’t recommend trying carpeted ceilings just because they’re in style. If you’re using it to soften acoustics, add warmth, incorporate texture, or bring a sense of enclosure to a space, it'll feel intentional. 

“A carpeted ceiling isn’t a gimmick when it’s done with purpose," she says. "The best design moves are not just memorable. They make sense for the way you live."