Fiber Optic & Starlight Ceilings: How They Work and Where to Use Them

A fiber-optic, or 'starlight', ceiling recreates a sky full of stars overhead. It is one of the most atmospheric ceiling effects available, and it can be built into both rigid and stretch ceilings.

How a starlight ceiling works

Hundreds of fine optical fibres are run through the ceiling, each ending in a tiny point that glows like a star. The fibres are fed by a single light source (a light engine) hidden out of sight. Because the light travels through the fibre and not electricity, the star points themselves stay cool.

Twinkle, colour and shooting stars

• A twinkle wheel on the light engine makes the stars shimmer gently.
• Colour-changing light engines let you shift the mood of the whole sky.
• Layouts can follow real constellations, a random scatter, or a denser 'milky way' band.

Where starlight ceilings look best

• Home cinemas and media rooms — the classic application.
• Bedrooms and children's rooms — a calming night sky.
• Spas, lounges and hospitality — a memorable, immersive ceiling.

Combining with a stretch ceiling

Fiber optics pair beautifully with a stretch membrane, and can be combined with backlighting for both a glowing ceiling and a starfield. If you are considering one, see our projects and talk to us about the effect you have in mind.