Tyra Banks' 'fifth wall' in her dressing room has an unorthodox treatment – designers love its playful yet impactful effect

Ceiling murals may be ordinary fixtures in places like chapels or galleries, but they are not necessarily common within the home. However, homes that do feature ceiling murals are all the more spectacular, as evidenced by Tyra Banks.

The supermodel and former America's Next Top Model host showed off her dressing room on her Instagram page, and adding a design to the fifth wall, as it is known in the design world, is clearly a fantastic ceiling idea.

Banks' room (best seen if you scroll through the carousel of photos) features an ornately patterned ceiling mural, which contrasts her wood cabinets and white paint in the space. While there are countless options for mural styles, we spoke to a design expert to get insight into how a ceiling mural can work in your space.

First and foremost, a wall mural is an unexpected but strong design choice that can add some extra visual interest to any room. While painting a ceiling a solid color is fairly typical, a mural is all the more engaging.

'Painting a mural on a ceiling is a powerful design choice that infuses personality, drama, and a distinct artistic edge into any room,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'Often referred to as the 'fifth wall,' a ceiling presents an untapped canvas that can bring stories, memories, or moods to life. From celestial scenes in bedrooms to abstract bursts of color in entryways, a muraled ceiling adds undeniable impact, setting the tone and character for the entire space below.'

She continues, 'Murals on the ceiling evoke a sense of grandeur and creativity that standard paint colors simply can’t achieve. They create a mood that’s both immersive and expansive, drawing the eye upward and adding height to a room. Depending on the style and subject matter, a ceiling mural can evoke a playful, dreamy vibe in a child’s room, a restful and intimate atmosphere in a bedroom, or a dynamic energy in a common area. For anyone seeking a conversation piece, a ceiling mural is a bold, innovative choice that leaves a lasting impression. The impact of a mural is in its ability to draw you in, pulling the gaze upward and transforming what could be overlooked into a central element of the room. It allows for an entirely unique design expression, becoming almost like an art gallery that you live within—a signature element that brings depth, personality, and often a touch of wonder.'

When implementing a ceiling mural into a space, Lichtenstein says it's important to allow this to be the focal point; this means introducing colors and accessories that will not clash or distract from the art.

'Walls painted in neutral or soft shades create a natural frame that draws the eye upward without competing with the mural’s colors or patterns,' she says. 'Alternatively, echoing a hue from the mural in small, subtle ways, such as in pillows, rugs, or other accents, can create cohesion without overwhelming the eye.'

'Select furniture that aligns with the mural’s theme and palette without drawing focus away. For instance, if the mural is a celestial or sky scene, soft and organic furnishings in natural textures, like linen or velvet, ground the room beautifully. When a more contemporary abstract mural graces the ceiling, sleek furniture lines and minimalist decor keep the room feeling balanced.'

Below, we have rounded up some dressing room essentials that will keep things looking tidy, to ensure that a mural is the focal point of your space.

While other accent colors should be subtle in a space with a mural, we recommend textured details to maintain visual impact; think shaggy carpets or plush vanity seats.