You've hung pictures on the wall, painted and faux-finished, and added all those special touches to make your room unique. But have you forgotten something? One of the easiest ways to add a touch of elegance, whimsy or style to a room is just above you: the ceiling.

The so-called "fifth wall" is an often-forgotten element in decorating, but taking advantage of that wide expanse can give drab rooms a shot of personality. A hint of color or visual interest can open up a small room, bring a lofty space down to size or capture a mood. All it takes is a few simple tools and a bit of imagination.

Add drama or whimsy to a room by incorporating unique visual elements. Murals, often thought of only for walls, can work beautifully on ceilings. Images of ethereal clouds drifting across a clear blue sky can transform a bedroom into a haven for rest and relaxation. Or give the feel of European elegance to dining rooms, hallways and foyers with frescos of the Old Masters.

Adding visual interest can be a painless project that transforms a room into a showplace. Ceiling medallions and molding, available at many home improvement stores, install quickly and give a dramatic flair. Most common in dinning rooms and entryways, ceiling medallions give the look of hand-made plaster ornamentation around chandeliers and other fixtures. Moldings can be custom-cut to create a casual or formal feel depending on your choice of design. Tongue-and-groove panels -- often called beadboard -- quickly add a relaxed cottage style to rooms. Readily available at most lumberyards, the boards come in easy-to-install sheets.