Today, there are SO MANY beautiful options for cheap ceiling ideas. Here’s 20 of my favorite stylish and inexpensive ceiling covering ideas!
Cheap Ceiling Ideas, You’ll Love!
Recently, a friend asked me for some ideas for what she can do about her old basement ceiling tiles. So, I started to scour the internet for nice ceiling coverings.
I was surprised to see all of the stylish new drop ceiling panel designs. I mean, some of them look like high-end wood trim, sleek hotel panels, or expensive copper tin ceilings. They’re seriously beautiful.
And, most of those ceiling panels can be glued directly to a ceiling. So, if you don’t have a drop ceiling grid already, you don’t have to install one.
So, in this post I’ve rounded up 20 of my favorite cheap ceiling ideas for basements, offices, game rooms, or any room you’d like to use ceiling panels in.
And, after this list, I’ve got a few other cheap ceiling ideas, in case you want to upgrade your ceiling without using ceiling panels. Let’s get to it.
Table of contents
Inexpensive Ceiling Covering Ideas on Amazon
Now, here's a look at my picks for the best low budget ceiling ideas, that actually look great! Many of the options on this list are available in multiple colors. So, don't forget to click through to see if they have other colors you might like.
Art3d Decorative Drop Ceiling Tile 2"x2", Glue-up 3D Textured Ceiling Panel
I love the clean, geometric design on this beautiful ceiling tile. It has a timeless style that would look good in any room. This one is available in multiple colors.
Art3d PVC Ceiling Tiles, 2'x2' Plastic Sheet in Gray
The detail on this ceiling panel looks like expensive wood trim carpentry. But it's one of the inexpensive ceiling ideas that is actually super easy to install. This one comes in a range of colors.
Art3d Smooth Drop Ceiling Tile - Fire-Rated, Waterproof, Reusable - Premium PVC, No Sag and Breakage
This cheap ceiling idea has a high-end, sleek look that could be great on a basement ceiling. Especially if you want the basement to have grown-up game room vibes. This comes in a few colors.
Art3d Drop Ceiling Tiles, 24x48in. Bronze
Go for a glam look with this great metal look ceiling panel. It's available in a few pretty finishes.
Art3d PVC 3D Wall Panel Interlocked Circles in Matt Black Cover 32 Sq.ft, for Interior Ceiling and Wall Decor for Residential or Commerical
This is absolutely one of the most eye-catching ceiling coverings I've found. It's stunning! Everyone will comment on this design. And, it comes in a few colors.
Art3d Decorative Drop Ceiling Tiles 2x2, Glue up Ceiling Panel Square in White
Here's a simple, yet elegant design option. It adds just a little extra detail to your ceiling. Available in a few colors.
Art3d 2x4 ft Drop Ceiling Tiles, Semi-Cylinder Design 3D Ceiling Panels
This reeded look ceiling panel is on-trend and SO COOL looking. It's available in wood look and another style too.
A La Maison Ceilings R05 Spring Buds Pre-Painted Foam Glue-up Ceiling Tile
This distressed paint over copper look adds vintage charm to a ceiling. Comes in multiple colors.
Art3d Decorative Drop-in Ceiling Tiles 24x24, Pack of 12pcs in White
How pretty is this one?! Again, I'm a big fan. This could look pretty anywhere, but especially in a home office or on a bedroom ceiling. This comes in a few colors too.
NuWallpaper Vintage Tin Tile Peel & Stick Wallpaper
This peel and stick wallpaper is a great option for anyone that wants a removable and cheap ceiling cover.
Art3d Decorative Drop Ceiling Tile 2x2, Glue up Ceiling Panel Square Relief in Gray
Here's another light-weight ceiling tile that has a classic wood trim design. I LOVE that you can get this high-end look on a budget. Comes in a few colors.
Concord 3D Wall Panels | Acoustic Wall Panels | Wood Wall Panels - Charcoal | 94.5” x 5” Each | Wall Soundproof Panels | Interior Sound Absorption - COA1420 (Pack of 6) 19.7 sqft.
This beautiful paneling is wood veneer. It provides big style and sound-proofing. This one comes in 4 stylish wood looks.
A La Maison Victorian Pre-Painted Foam Glue-up Ceiling Tile
This cool antique ceiling tile design looks so good when you see it covering a whole ceiling. Click below to check out the color and design options.
Art3d Drop Ceiling Tiles, Wainscoting Panels Glue Up 2x2
I'm really LOVING this style too. It's so grand and beautiful, right?! This one comes in multiple colors too.
Art3d PVC Ceiling Tiles, 2'x2' Plastic Sheet in Copper
Here's another pretty and cheap ceiling idea. It's a classic copper ceiling tile color, but with an elegant, paneling look.
Elizabethan Shield PVC 2' x 2' Glue-up or Lay-in Ceiling Tile
But, if you prefer that vintage style, here's a cool option too. I always love these when I find them in a bar.
Art3d 2ft x 4ft Drop Ceiling Tiles in Walnut, Slat Design 3D Ceiling Panels
This one comes in a few wood styles. And, it's soundproof too!
Art3d Drop Ceiling Tiles, 24x48in
These black ceiling tiles are really catching my eye lately. It's so elegant and stylish.
Art3d Decorative PVC Black Drop Ceiling Tile 2ft x 2ft,Glue up Ceiling Panel 24 x 24in.12pcs
The details on this inexpensive ceiling tile are so unique and cool. I'm loving it in all the colors available.
A La Maison Ceilings R24 Line Art Glue-up Styrofoam Ceiling Tile
And, last but not least, this Styrofoam tile has a classic wood trim look. And, it comes in a few beautiful colors.
What Are Other Ceiling Covering Alternatives
Here’s are more great ceiling covering alternatives.
1. Shiplap
I recently installed shiplap on my kitchen ceiling. It was a HUGE style upgrade and it was a great way to Cover A Textured Ceiling.
2. Wallpaper
I’m a big fan of a peel and stick wallpaper ceiling. The right wallpaper can turn any room from drab to gorgeous! You can see a great example of wallpaper on a ceiling in 36 Great DIY Ceiling Makeover Ideas.
3. Tongue And Groove
Tongue and groove boards are similar to shiplap, but they have a pretty v-groove detail where they join together. I use a slim version of v-groove on my back porch. But the full-sized boards look better indoors.
4. Beadboard
Another great ceiling covering alternative is beadboard. The 4×8 sheets can cover a large area quickly. And, they’re pretty cheap compared to shiplap or tongue and groove.
I like the look of large beadboard squares with 1×4’s covering the gaps between the boards. Then you can top that look off with something like this DIY Two Piece Crown Molding.
5. Coffered Ceilings
A coffered ceiling can be done so many ways. From the traditional, deep beams and crown boxes to the flat coffered ceiling design I used in my Dining Room.
I left the original ceiling exposed in my room. But, you could easily use beadboard or flat plywood in the squares, to hide a ceiling.
6. Ceiling Panels
There are so many options these days when it comes to pre-made ceiling panels. They come in tons of styles, colors, and material options. Scroll up to see 20 of my favorite.
7. Drop Ceilings
And, last but not least, you can still install a drop ceiling to cover an ugly ceiling or pipes. In fact, drop ceilings these days can be quite stylish and low cost.
If you already have a drop ceiling, you can also replace your old, yellowed drop ceiling panels with these stylish new versions.
How Do I Cover Up A Bad Ceiling?
There are a ton of great ways to cover up a bad ceiling. For example, you could install shiplap, tongue and groove, wallpaper, beadboard, a coffered ceiling, PVC ceiling panels, or a drop ceiling.
Scroll up to see some beautiful ceiling panels on Amazon.
That’s it for this list of the inexpensive ceiling covering ideas, guys. Check out the following posts for more low budget ceiling ideas.
- How To Cover A Textured Ceiling With Beautiful Shiplap (With Easy Steps & Video)
- Easy DIY Coffered Ceiling Idea: Simple, Low Profile Design (Steps And Video)
- Best Ceiling Paint Finish: Flat vs Eggshell Sheen Results
- 15 Best Ways To Make An Old Ceiling Look Better: Easy, Cheap And Pretty Ideas
- 36 Great DIY Ceiling Makeover Ideas: Designs From Easy To Just WOW!
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Feeling inspired? Now that you’ve seen my picks for low budget ceiling ideas, I hope that helped you find an idea you’ll love.
Let me know if you have questions. Don’t forget to sign up for the Abbotts At Home email newsletter to get DIY, Remodeling, and Crafty ideas in your inbox.
Stephanie Abbott has been remodeling homes, updating & building furniture, and working on DIY home maintenance and cleaning tips for over 20 years. Her remodeling has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. And, her DIY YouTube channel has had more than 8 million views.
Most of the DIY tutorials and videos on this site focus on beginner to intermediate level DIY Projects that can be done in an affordable way without high-end, expensive tools. All of the cleaning tips on this website have been tested in her home.