Modern Drop Ceiling Ideas to Love

Transform your drop ceilings from drab to fab with a modern ceiling makeover. Things will be looking up in no time with these DIY solutions.

Drop ceiling makeovers with examples of the best DIY alternatives to an ugly suspended ceiling

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If there’s anything in today’s modern world of home improvement that I’m thankful for, it’s that we have new solutions to old problems. Vinyl flooring, repairing old baseboards, kitchen cabinet paint that bonds without primer, just to name a few from our own projects!

Not long ago, the lowly suspended basement ceiling that looks like something straight out of a depressing commercial building was the only practical option for drop ceilings.

But not anymore!

From painting to farmhouse style planks – the industry has revolutionary ideas to give your space a literal floor to ceiling makeover.

1. How To Paint A Suspended Ceiling

During my parent’s home renovation, we wanted a DIY cheap fix to make the faded and yellowed ceiling look presentable.

While we went with white to keep a brighter space, how fun would blue or green have been?! I think a fun color on the ceiling really takes away from the boring cubical feeling that those tiles have.

Pros:

Most economical option by far.
Fun colors can bring life to a space.

Cons:

Large area for painting needed.
Old stains may have to be covered with primer.
Doesn’t revolutionize the idea of a suspended ceiling.

2. Clip Up Planks

Planked ceilings are farmhouse chic, budget friendly and labor light. No painting or finishing required!

A glimpse at a finished space:

White plank drop-down ceilings with recessed lights in brightly lit great room with large windows, piano and turquoise settee.

If you like this style, Sawdust Girl offers an in-depth tutorial on installing these planked ceilings.

Pros

The install system is easy to hook into your existing framework
There are no visible nails or fasteners.
Planks can be installed over most textured ceilings as well.
Planks can be installed alone.

Cons

If you don’t have an existing grid, one would need to be installed.
Can be time intensive.
Sides are best covered with crown molding, which is tricky to cut.
For lower ceilings you won’t gain any head space, but you wouldn’t lose any either compared to acoustic ceiling tiles.
Basic working electrical knowledge is strongly suggested before making lighting/wiring modifications.

3. Drop Ceiling Tile Ideas

Looking for the ultimate instant gratification DIY experience?

This option may be the one for you. To update your ceiling, simply pop out your old tiles and replace them with modern drop tiles to match your home aesthetic. An affordable option, perfect for any skill level.

Modern white square style drop down pop out ceiling styles in a modern farmhouse styled living room with gray neutral palette.

The Creek Line House demonstrates how this simple weekend project completely transforms a living space.

Pro tip: Paint ceiling grid to match new tile for sleek seamless look.

When refinishing a basement into livable space, the last thing any homeowner wants to do is create a dungeon like feeling. Often these spaces have less natural light source so the challenge to make the space feel cozy is difficult.

Pros:

Ease of access to plumbing and electrical lines.
Designer tile options to match any home design.
A simple weekend project to switch out if you have the grid already.
Lights can be added and cut as needed.
Tiles can be cut without power tools.

Cons:

Tiles come in standard size only. You can add plain borders if the tiles don’t fit perfectly into grid.
The grid may have to be painted to match ceiling tiles.
Most expensive option.

Beautiful Drop Ceiling Tile Options

Below are some of the most sophisticated designs for modern ceiling tiles. Click on the photo to go to find it in store.

4. Drywall Over A Ceiling

Drywalling the ceiling in a basement or other area is a good option. In fact, it is the one we chose in our own basement. The space mirrors the rest of the house and doesn’t feel like a dungeon at all. Light is also well dispersed around the area. Drywall (according to our codes here in Virginia) must be ¾ thick and framing must be less than 24 inches on center for ceilings.

Pros:

Inexpensive.
Aesthetically pleasing and makes odd configurations like bulkheads or drops easier to work with.
Lights can be easily configured. Truthfully. lights only look right if they are centered.
Can bear some weight for lights like chandeliers.

Cons:

Very labor intensive. The sanding is killer on the arms.
Loss of access to plumbing, wiring, and ductwork.
Framing may need to be added which is usually 2×4 if there are no beams present.

5. Coffered Ceilings with Hidden Access

Need access to the plumbing and duct work but preferring the appearance of a traditionally drywalled ceiling? There is a DIY coffered ceiling solution. By creating trim boards that mimic attic access panels, homeowners essentially have the best of both worlds.

This is a beautiful alternative for those with power tool and a bit of DIY experience under your belt. Most importantly, the result is an elegant finish customized specifically for your space. Check out Renovation Semi-Pros full before & after.

Gray and white coffered ceilings with hidden access in basement ceiling.

Pros:

Allows for can lights to accommodate existing plumbing work.
Beautiful ceilings with minimal loss of ceiling height.
Access to ceiling pipes, ductwork, and such.

Cons:

May require professional installation.
Framing will be custom.
Requires two people for install.

6. Paneling Over A Drop Ceiling

Paneling over an exposed or drop ceiling is another great option. For example, this beadboard ceiling was used to cover up an unsightly popcorn ceiling. Likewise, the same idea could be used for a drop ceiling.

With inexpensive and easy to find materials, this cheerful powder room space was completely transformed in a weekend. A happy ending to a Honey Do task.

White beadboard ceiling in powder room styled with natural accents and earth tones.

Pros:

Inexpensive materials easily found at big box home improvement stores.
Beautiful ceilings with minimal loss of ceiling height.
Project can be completed in about one day.

Cons:

Requires two people for install.
Requires heavy duty adhesive and possibly extra support to adhere to uneven underlying popcorn surface.
Final product will need to be painted.

7. Painted Exposed Beams and Pipes

This painted exposed ceiling tutorial is such an ingenious idea and can be really cute. The ceiling was sprayed in one day with a good quality paint sprayer.

They tackled the problem of keeping the ceiling height . They used a combination of DIY skills & contractor efforts to create a cozy and efficient space their family will enjoy for years to come.

Exposed ceiling painted blue to mask the unsightly pipes and wires.

Pros:

No loss of ceiling height.
Minimal materials required.
The project can be completed in about one day.

Cons:

Paint sprayer purchase required for efficiency.
Unfinished components will remain exposed.

These before and after stories hopefully have inspired you to tackle your space with renewed confidence. There’s truly an option for everyone! Don’t let an unsightly ceiling shape your space.

Shoot your questions and share your makeover stories with us! I love a good reveal.