The next time you plan to update a room with a new paint color, don’t forget the ceiling. Think of it as your fifth wall and another opportunity to add color to the room, instead of an afterthought in the painting process. It takes up a large portion of the overall design of a room, so use that space to make a statement. Keep these tips in mind when it’s time to choose paint color for the ceiling.
The paint you purchase does not need to be “ceiling paint.” Although you can certainly use it if it’s priced right, but at least have the paint store tint the ceiling paint for you. On its own, ceiling paint is simply paint with a flat sheen in a dull white shade. Even the slightest hint of pastel color on the ceiling can change the entire look of a room. Choose a paint sheen for the ceiling the same way you choose it for walls; flat to disguise imperfections and satin for a slight shine that can be scrubbed.
Consider the room size and ceiling height when choosing color for the ceiling. Ceiling height changes the overall feel of a room, as does the square footage of a room. A low ceiling gives even a large room a much cozier feel. A low ceiling in a small room can almost give a claustrophobic feel. A tall voluminous ceiling can make a room feel spacious, even when it’s not. So in a truly large room, a high ceiling can make the space feel a tad cold.
Paint the ceiling a dark color to visually lower its height. For example, a high vaulted or cathedral ceiling can be painted navy blue or black without making the room feel tiny. But it will make the ceiling feel lower than its actual height, creating a cozier feel. If the room really needs a large dose of white, consider using it on the walls instead. Then paint the vaulted ceiling a dark color that matches your furnishings or even your wood floors. The effect is fresh and contemporary.
A low ceiling won’t automatically look higher if it’s painted white or pastel. Instead, think of the contrast between the walls and the ceiling when choosing a color for a low ceiling. To make the ceiling less noticeable, paint it the same color as the walls. This helps to blur the lines between the wall and ceiling, which helps the ceiling visually disappear. If the room has lower ceilings than most, such as a basement, then paint the crown molding the same color as the walls and ceiling.
Let a paint swatch choose your ceiling color for you. If you can’t decide and the ceiling is average height, this is an easy option. Choose your paint colors from the swatches which are designed to coordinate paint colors from light to dark shades. Once you decide on your wall color, choose the lightest shade on the paint swatch for color on the ceiling. It’s a safe option that’s not boring “ceiling white” and it looks as if the wall color is reflecting softly on the ceiling.
Go for a faux paint effect on the ceiling. Paint a ceiling to mimic the sky. It’s a classic option for any nature inspired room, sun room, playroom or child’s bedroom. One simple technique is to paint the ceiling a soft blue color. Use a painter’s rag or sea sponge and lightly wash white clouds randomly over the blue paint.
Use darker colors to mimic a night sky in shades of dark blues, greys or purples. Try several warmer paint shades such as russets, corals and pinks, along with a touch of yellow, blue or purple to create a sunset or dusk sky. Add metallic bronze or silver paint to your faux sunset or night sky ceiling. The metallic paint softly reflects lighting in the room which gives a warm glow to the ceiling colors. Try this technique in the recessed area of a trey ceiling and choose a paint color that matches the wall on the remainder of the ceiling.