When it comes to home interior renovations, the ceiling often gets overlooked. Understandably so, since our eyes don’t always automatically gravitate upwards. But if you’re looking for unique ways to upgrade your space, a ceiling makeover is a great place to start.

Here are 5 different ways to renovate your ceiling without breaking the bank:

1. Paint

Paint a design on the ceiling in a child's room (source: The secret History of GRSG Flickr)

A fresh coat of paint does wonders to revitalize a room, and the ceiling is no different. And just because your ceiling is currently white, doesn’t mean you have to repaint it white. Lighter paint colors give the illusion of expanded space, while going with a darker color lends warmth to a room.

Going with a bold color on the ceiling serves the same purpose as an accent wall, but is much less expected. For an even bolder look, go for some nice bold stripes instead of a solid color. Escape the confines of a beige box by adding some pop on top.

2. Wallpaper

Instead of this accent wall, you could go with an accent ceiling

What’s even less expected than a green or purple ceiling? A wallpapered ceiling. It might sound a little odd, but we’re not talking about your mother’s wallpaper, here. A cheery wallpaper design can add a lot of personality and color to an otherwise bland space, such as a home office or even a powder room.

Removable wallpaper tiles are much easier to apply to a ceiling than a roll. Before you apply the paper, make sure the condition of your ceiling is in good shape—all holes filled and all dust and dirt cleaned. If you recently repainted your ceilings, wait at least 20 days for the paint to cure.

If you want something fun but don’t want to go the wallpaper route, you can achieve a similar effect using stencils and paint.

3. Moldings

Adding crown molding or similar wood trim around a ceiling helps create dimension and architectural interest for the entire room. Molding can be professionally installed, or you can install trim yourself using pre-made molding corners.

For a more interesting look on high ceilings, you can also opt for a coffered look by using boards laid flat and butt-joined in a grid pattern. For particularly high ceilings, you can add depth by adding another layer of moldings on the flat board. A contrasting ceiling/board combination adds a lot of personality to the room.

4. Tin Ceiling

(source: Talissa Decor Faux Tin Ceilings Flickr)

Tin ceiling tiles are great at hiding damage and uneven surfaces while simultaneously creating a vintage vibe. Metal tiles can be installed a few different ways, and unfortunately can get pretty pricey, especially since you either need to buy finished tiles, or plan on finishing unfinished ones yourself on-site.

For a cheaper and easier option, find some fake tin tiles that will match your space. These plastic tiles are made to look like real metal, are available in a variety of colors and finishes, and come in 6” patterns up to 24” patterns. Faux tin tiles are cheaper than the real thing and are easier to work with. And hey, they still look great.

5. Tongue & Groove

If tin (or fake tin) isn’t for you, but you still want something other than your average boring ceiling, adding some tiles or planks may be right for you. You have a lot of options here, including going with square or rectangular tiles or planks, from a number of materials ranging from PVC vinyl to laminate to mineral fiber.

To avoid lowering ceilings, and as long as the existing surface is stable, tongue and groove planks are a popular option. Tongue and groove refers to the way the boards fit together closely without the need for gluing the joint. These panels can be adhered directly to the existing ceiling with ceiling tile adhesive.

With wood planks, you can paint them, stain them, or leave them their natural color. They're a good option to add texture to a room without outdated popcorn spackle.