Cloud Ceiling Murals
Transform your ceiling into a breathtaking sky
We hand paint realistic cloud ceilings across the Bay Area—soft blends, luminous highlights, and a sky that makes the room feel taller, calmer, and unforgettable.
Cloud Ceiling Project Photos
Scroll through real Bay Area cloud ceiling murals. Tap any image to view full size.
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Not Your Average Cloud Ceiling
Most painted ceilings look flat, cartoonish, or amateurish. Ours don't. We create highly rendered, realistic cloudscapes with true atmospheric depth—the kind of ceiling that makes people stop mid-sentence and look up in wonder.
"I have always loved painted ceilings. I recently visited the best-painted ceilings in the world, including the Sistine Chapel and the Palace of Versailles. Now I bring that European inspiration into Bay Area homes."
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Realistic Depth
True atmospheric perspective creates the illusion of infinite sky above you. Not flat paint—actual perceived depth.
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Hand Painted
Every cloud is painted by hand with brushes—no airbrush, no shortcuts. The texture and brushwork add warmth and authenticity.
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Luminosity
We capture how light moves through clouds—the glow, the translucency, the soft edges where sky meets cloud.
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Designed for Your Space
Each ceiling is custom designed based on your room's natural light, architecture, and desired mood.
Cloud Ceiling Styles
From serene morning skies to dramatic golden hour clouds—we paint the sky you want to live under.
Classic Blue Sky
The timeless favorite: bright blue sky with soft, fluffy white cumulus clouds. Perfect for nurseries, bedrooms, and anywhere you want a sense of open, peaceful sky.
Sunset & Golden Hour
Dramatic warm tones—golds, pinks, corals, and deep blues. Captures the magic of that perfect evening sky moment. Stunning in dining rooms and master bedrooms.
Dawn & Morning Sky
Soft, ethereal early morning light with gentle lavenders, pale pinks, and soft blues. Creates a calm, meditative atmosphere. Ideal for meditation rooms and spa bathrooms.
Dramatic Cloudscapes
Bold, dynamic clouds with strong contrasts and dramatic light. Towering cumulus, layered depths, rays of light breaking through. For clients who want a ceiling that commands attention.
Night Sky & Stars
Deep twilight blues transitioning to star-filled night skies. Can include moon phases, constellations, and subtle wisps of cloud. Perfect for children's rooms, home theaters, and bedrooms.
Trompe l'Oeil & Architectural
Fool the eye: painted architectural elements (balustrades, moldings, domes) opening to sky beyond. The classic European technique that makes ceilings appear to soar upward.
Why Paint Your Ceiling?
Expand Your Space
A painted sky creates the perception of infinite height above you. Even rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings feel dramatically more open and airy.
Bring the Outdoors In
In foggy San Francisco or rainy Berkeley winters, look up and see blue sky any time. It genuinely affects your mood and sense of wellbeing.
Create a Sanctuary
Your bedroom becomes a retreat. Wake up to soft morning clouds. Fall asleep under a sunset. It transforms how you feel in your own home.
One-of-a-Kind Art
Unlike prints or wallpaper, your cloud ceiling is original art, hand painted specifically for your space. It's a permanent investment in beauty.
Our Process
Creating a cloud ceiling that looks effortless takes careful planning and skilled execution.
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1
In-Home Consultation
We visit your home to see the ceiling, observe the natural light throughout the day, discuss your vision, and understand the room's use. We take measurements and photos.
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2
Custom Design
We create digital mockups and reference images showing the proposed sky style, color palette, and cloud composition. You see exactly what we're planning before we begin.
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3
Room Preparation
We carefully cover and protect furniture, floors, and fixtures. Ceiling surface is prepared—repaired, primed, and ready to receive the mural.
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4
Hand Painting
Using scaffolding or ladders as needed, we hand paint the sky and clouds. This involves multiple layers of paint, careful blending, and building depth gradually. The magic happens over several days.
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5
Reveal & Touch-ups
We remove protective coverings and walk through the finished ceiling with you. Any final adjustments are made on the spot. Then you get to enjoy your new sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cloud ceiling mural cost?
Cloud ceiling pricing depends on ceiling size, complexity, ceiling height, and style. Here's a general guide:
- Simple sky wash (solid blue gradient with minimal clouds): $1,500 – $3,000
- Standard cloud ceiling (bedroom/nursery, realistic clouds): $3,500 – $6,000
- Detailed cloudscape (living room, high detail): $6,000 – $10,000
- Large or complex ceilings (vaulted, domed, multi-room): $10,000 – $20,000+
We provide free in-home consultations and detailed estimates. Request a consultation to get started.
How long does it take to paint a cloud ceiling?
Most residential cloud ceiling projects take 3-7 days:
- Small ceilings (bathrooms, walk-in closets): 2-3 days
- Standard bedrooms: 3-4 days
- Living rooms and large spaces: 5-7 days
- Vaulted or domed ceilings: 7-10 days
We work efficiently while maintaining the highest quality. The multiple days allow proper drying between layers and careful blending.
What makes your cloud ceilings different from other painters?
Several key differences:
- Fine art technique: We've studied ceiling masterworks from the Sistine Chapel to Versailles and bring those techniques to residential work.
- Realistic depth: Our clouds have true atmospheric perspective—not flat shapes, but clouds that recede into the distance.
- Hand painted: Every cloud is brush-painted. No airbrush (which can look sterile) and no projector-traced outlines.
- Custom to your light: We observe your room's natural light and design clouds that work with how the sun moves through your space.
Can you paint cloud ceilings on any ceiling type?
Yes! We paint cloud murals on:
- Flat drywall ceilings (standard)
- Vaulted ceilings (creates amazing depth)
- Domed ceilings (full sky panoramas)
- Coffered ceilings (sky between the beams)
- Curved surfaces
- Ceilings with light fixtures, vents, and obstacles
Different ceiling architectures offer unique opportunities. We'll discuss what works best for your space during the consultation.
Will you need to move my furniture?
We can work with furniture in the room (covered and protected), but having the room clear makes the work faster and cleaner. For bedrooms, we recommend clearing the room if possible. For living rooms with heavy furniture, we can work around pieces or help move them temporarily.
How do I maintain a painted ceiling?
Painted ceilings require minimal maintenance:
- Dust occasionally with a dry microfiber duster or soft brush attachment
- Keep humidity levels normal (excessive moisture can affect paint over time)
- Avoid touching with dirty hands or objects
- If you notice any damage, contact us for touch-ups
With quality paint on a properly prepared surface, your cloud ceiling will look beautiful for 15-20+ years.
Can you add elements besides clouds?
Absolutely! We can incorporate:
- Birds in flight
- Hot air balloons
- Architectural trompe l'oeil (painted moldings, balustrades, domes)
- Trees or vines along the edges
- Stars, moon, and constellations
- Cherubs or angels (Renaissance style)
Tell us your vision and we'll design something unique.
"Due to water damage, we had to repaint our living room ceiling. We found Andrew online. After checking out his website and his references, we hired him to paint our circular ceiling with a sky and realistic-looking puffy clouds. We are thrilled with the result! Now whenever it's foggy here in SF, we look up at our gorgeous sky and smile. Actually, we look at it every day—not just on foggy days—and smile."
Perfect Rooms for Cloud Ceilings
🛏️ Master Bedrooms
Wake up under blue skies or fall asleep watching the sunset. A cloud ceiling transforms your bedroom into a sanctuary.
👶 Nurseries & Kids' Rooms
Give your child the gift of wonder. Soft clouds for infants, dramatic skies for older kids who dream of adventure.
🛋️ Living Rooms
Make a statement. A cloud ceiling in your main living space becomes the centerpiece of your home.
🛁 Bathrooms & Spas
Turn your bathroom into a spa retreat. Lie in the tub and gaze up at a painted sky.
🧘 Meditation & Yoga Rooms
Create the perfect contemplative space. A soft dawn sky sets the tone for peace and mindfulness.
🎬 Home Theaters
A night sky with stars adds magic to your movie room. Or dramatic clouds for an immersive atmosphere.
Ready to Transform Your Ceiling?
Let's discuss your cloud ceiling vision. Free in-home consultations throughout the Bay Area.
Or email us at sfbaymurals@gmail.com