If you’ve asked yourself, “What color should I paint my ceiling?” you are probably interested in exploring color choices other than white. While it is hard to go wrong with a white ceiling, you shouldn’t feel limited to the “safe” choice. Ceilings comprise 1/6 of the surfaces enclosing a room, yet are often overlooked when choosing the color scheme for a space. Considering your ceiling in your overall design – whether you go bold or stay neutral – will help create a more cohesive finished space. To help inspire you and guide your selection, check out these tips and stunning ceilings.
Consider the existing design of your ceiling
Is your ceiling smooth drywall? Is it plaster with cracks? Do you have exposed beams or a coffered ceiling? Do you have decorative moulding? Are you dealing with a dreaded textured ceiling?
Your answers to these questions will help determine which design choices will work best for your space and the prep work that will be required.
PREPARATION
Smooth Ceilings
If you fall into this category, consider yourself lucky! This is the most versatile ceiling to work with and little prep work is required. Address any chipping paint and clean your ceiling prior to priming.
Damaged Ceilings
If the plaster or drywall on your ceiling is damaged, make sure the root cause has been rectified before proceeding. It is expected that plaster ceilings may sag or crack with time due to structural settling, water damage, or temperature fluctuations. A low-sheen paint, which has a minimally reflective finish, or wallpaper can both help to minimize the appearance of cosmetic imperfections.
textured ceilings
Some say the purpose of these ceilings is to dampen sound in a room. Others say that the texture adds visual interest, elevating the décor in the space….but who really believes either? The real purpose of these ceilings is to hide issues like shoddy drywall seams and water damage. Unfortunately, textured ceilings that date prior to around 1980 have the potential to contain asbestos. So, before you scrape it off your ceiling, get it tested so you don’t inhale asbestos dust! You can use at home test kits like these. If your ceiling tests positive, your best course of action is to consult a certified asbestos abatement contractor. Asbestos is not inherently dangerous when left undisturbed. So, opting to cover your ceiling with wallpaper or beadboard can be an option if removing it is not feasible.
INSPIRATION
Painted Ceilings
Paint is probably the easiest way to dress up your ceiling.
If you are using wallpaper on the walls, try painting the trim and ceiling an accent color that is featured in the wallpaper. To conceal any minor imperfections in the ceiling and to provide delineation between the trim and ceiling, you can choose a flat finish for the ceiling and a glossy finish for the trim.
Using a single color for the walls and ceiling serves as a striking backdrop to highlight statement art or lighting.
If you’re designing a space rich in color and texture, why stop at your ceiling? In this case, a pink ceiling is a perfect compliment to the centerpiece of the room – the canopy bed, featuring Lee Jofa’s Hollyhock print. As you may remember, I’m quite partial to this print.
Pale blue ceilings have long been the color of choice for southern porches. However, they work beautifully inside your home too! This soft blue shade complements the background of this incredible Gracie Studio wallpaper. It also serves as a continuation of the sky in the mural, opening up the space.
As you can see, I’m a big fan of using bold ceiling colors in my own home too! For our recent guest bathroom renovation, I chose to paint the trim of my Hitchcock ceiling the same color as the trim throughout the rest of the room. Then, I used the same deep burgundy shade I used on the walls, on the ceiling. This room has quite a small footprint, but the use of a color deeper than the trim on the ceiling, makes the ceiling and walls recede, enlarging the appearance of this room.
While I mentioned using paint to open up a space, if you really want to give the impression that your ceiling reaches the heavens, look no further! You can be dining under the stars from the comfort of your own dining room by painting a mural of the sky on your ceiling.
Wallpapered Ceilings
Wallpaper is a fun way to introduce patterns into a space. Installing it on your ceiling is also an excellent way to ensure you get a shoulder workout in one weekend 😉
The angles that result from dormers lead many to pose the question: “What color should I paint my ceiling?” As people often wonder, do I paint the entire room one color or do I paint the part of the wall one color and the ceiling white? To mix things up, try adding wallpaper to the dormers and ceiling and painting the trim and doors a complementary color. Use the same print for accents throughout the space. In this room, the Bowood pillows and bedspread help tie the space together with the soft blue paint.
If you find a print you love, why limit yourself to fabric? Use it on your walls and ceilings too! This charming bedroom uses the Sister Parish Dolly print on the walls and bed.
Wallpaper can also be used on the ceiling as a more subtle accent.
You probably don’t live in a castle, but that doesn’t have to stop you from feeling like you do, by using gilt wallpaper on the ceiling.
In this rich, blue space, grasscloth wallpaper on the ceiling provides a more subtle gold accent.
Another way to use a patterned wallpaper in a space, without drawing the room’s entire focus to the ceiling is to mirror the colors in the wallpaper, in your rug for balance.
Exposed Beams
Many older homes contain exposed beams, which may or may not have already been painted. If you choose to paint yours, you may wonder how the color should pair with the rest of the space.
Two basic options are to to paint them the same color as the rest of your walls or paint them the same color as your trim. Then, you must consider how the color of your ceiling will play with the color of your beams.
In this gorgeous hallway by Miles Redd, the beams are white to match the trim and the ceiling is blue, serving as a continuation of the sky in the mural on the walls. The white beams are slightly reminiscent of clouds against a blue sky.
Lacquer
While you may need a few additional skim coats to ensure your ceiling is smooth as glass before proceeding, a lacquered ceiling can elevate a room, without overpowering it.
This lacquered ceiling adds unexpected drama to this beautiful, neutral space.
Other Ideas
If wallpaper or lacquer is too much of a leap for you, check out these other ideas to add interest to your ceiling!
This white lattice design on this porch ceiling really pops against the green backdrop.
If you’re looking for another way to cover a textured ceiling, try installing beadboard! A high-sheen paint will emphasize the beadboard, drawing your eye to the ceiling, even if you paint it white.
Thank you for reading! I hope this post has helped you answer the question, “What color should I paint my ceiling?”