Whether you are painting your ceiling due to damages or you are just not loving the color, now is the time to make the best decisions for your home. If you’re like many homeowners, you’re probably planning to default to the typical white ceiling. Well, there is totally nothing wrong with that, however, simply painting your ceiling stark white is denying your 5th wall the opportunity to shine.
Even with the classical ceiling paint, you can still get creative about the shade white you use and incorporate some creativity into your remodeling efforts.
At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we have helped homeowners transform their painted interior spaces since 1996. We know just how important the right color(s) are for your home, so we provide color consultations so our customers can be confident in the color and design decisions for their home.
In this article, we want to share some creative color tips for your ceiling. By reading this article, you may be one step closer to finding the best color for your ceiling.
1. Darker Color on Ceilings Than Walls
If you're looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your space, painting your ceiling a darker color than your walls is a simple yet effective way to achieve that polished look. By choosing a color contrasting color or shades that are 2 or 3 shades darker than your walls, you can create a subtle contrast that adds depth and visual interest to the room.
Dark ceiling colors are perfect for creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere, especially in rooms where you want to highlight architectural features like crown molding. Navy hues, charcoal grays, and rich chocolate brown shades are excellent choices for creating a dramatic contrast against white or cream-white walls. These dark colors can make a bold statement and elevate the overall design of your space.
2. Lighter Color on Ceilings Than Walls
For those who prefer a more subtle approach to color, opting for a lighter shade on the ceiling can work wonders. By choosing a color that is 2-3 shades lighter than your walls or by lightening your wall color by 80%, you can create a sense of height and spaciousness in the room. This technique is especially effective in smaller rooms or spaces with lower ceilings, as it can visually lift the ceiling and make the room feel more open.
If you appreciate understated color changes and a sense of simplicity in your decor, experimenting with a lighter ceiling color is worth a try. The soft contrast between the walls and ceiling can add a touch of elegance and airiness to the space, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. So, if you're looking to enhance the perceived size of your room and bring a sense of lightness to the space, consider painting your ceiling a lighter shade than your walls.
3. Paint Your Ceiling the Same Colors as Your Walls
This is the easiest route to take when painting your ceiling, as it eliminates the worry of accidentally getting wall paint on the ceiling or vice versa. It's a particularly great choice for rooms with either very light or very dark paint colors, as the seamless transition from walls to ceiling can create a harmonious and cohesive look. However, it's worth noting that using middle tones may not create the look you are going for, as they might not contrast enough with the walls.
In smaller rooms, opting for darker ceiling colors can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making the space feel snug and inviting. On the other hand, choosing lighter tones for the ceiling can give the illusion of more space and height, especially beneficial in rooms with lower ceilings. Additionally, painting the walls and ceiling in the same color can help unify asymmetrical rooms, simplifying their shape and creating a sense of balance.
To add depth and visual interest, you can also consider accenting the trim or crown molding in a contrasting color to break up the monotony and add a touch of sophistication to the room. Regardless of your color choice, whether it's a classic white for a timeless look or a bold hue for a striking statement, the key is to choose a color that complements the overall aesthetic of your space. And if you ever find yourself unsure of which direction to go, don't hesitate to consult with professional painting contractors like Brush & Roll Painting for expert guidance tailored to your specific project needs.
Compare the pros and cons of painting walls and ceilings the same color.
4. Classical White Shade for Ceilings
While we encourage going unconventional, painting your ceiling white can still be a great option for homeowners looking for a clean classic look. White ceiling color opens up your space, brightens the room and makes your ceiling seem taller. If your room is full of bright colors, a white ceiling will complement pretty much any of them and maintain a design balance.
If your room doesn’t get enough light, a white ceiling will help to reflect light into darker areas. Choosing flat white paint will also help disguise any lumps or bumps along the ceiling. If your walls are white, you might want to paint your ceiling another softer, lighter color such as peach, a sky blue or pale yellow.
5. Highlight Features on Your Ceiling
If you want to take your ceiling painting project to the next level, consider highlighting features like wood molding with a different color. By painting the molding a contrasting color to the ceiling, you can create depth and dimension in the room, making the architectural features stand out and adding a touch of elegance. This simple yet effective technique can transform your space and elevate the overall design of your home.
Whether you opt for a darker shade to create a dramatic contrast or a lighter hue for a more subtle effect, painting the wood molding in a different color can make a bold statement and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your interior.
The Best Paint Color for Ceilings
While most homeowners tend to paint their ceiling white by default, creating a colored ceiling can enhance your space and alter the feel and look of your interior.
If you’re not sure which color to use, professional painting contractors such as Brush & Roll Painting can help. With expert color consultations, you can be confident that you will choose the best color for your ceiling. With nearly 30 years of experience, we know the work it takes to achieve a lasting, high-quality ceiling painting project.
With the stress of picking the right color for your ceiling painting project, inteiror painting projects can be stressful. Click the button below to download your interior painting project checklist, so you can be confident from the beginning stages of hiring a painter to maintaining your paint.
Bill is the owner and operator of Brush & Roll Painting. Bill Carlson is a second-generation painter. He grew up working with his father’s painting and restoration company. After graduating from Bennington High School, he served in the US Navy, traveling with the boxing team. While this was a great opportunity to see the world, it also made him realize how much he loved his little world here in Nebraska. He settled back into the painting industry, working with his brother. It wasn’t long before Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to start his own business. Always one for a challenge, he longed to prove to himself that he could be as successful on his own as both his dad and brother were.
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