It’s no secret that white is the go-to shade for ceilings. While it is a very popular option for many great reasons, you do have other options when it comes to the color and design of your ceilings.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve helped thousands of people in Omaha and nearby areas choose ceiling colors for over 28 years. We know that the color you pick for your ceiling can change how a room feels, how bright it looks, and even affect your mood.
In this article, we’ll go over why white ceilings are a popular choice, explore other color options, and give you some tips for picking the best ceiling color for your home. By reading this article, you can decide if you should paint your ceiling white or explore some other options.
A 2023 survey found that around 85% of American homes have white ceilings. Here’s why white is such a popular choice:
White ceilings are great at bouncing light around the room. They can reflect up to 85% of the light that hits them. This can make a room look brighter and more cheerful. In places like Omaha, where winter days are often cloudy and dark, a white ceiling can help a room feel brighter.
Even if you don’t have a lot of lights in a room, a white ceiling can make a big difference.
A white ceiling can make a room seem bigger and taller. Because it doesn’t draw a lot of attention, the ceiling blends in, making the space feel more open. This is especially helpful if your ceiling is about 8 feet high, which is common in many houses.
By keeping the ceiling white, you keep your eyes from focusing on where the walls end, making the room feel more spacious.
Another great thing about white ceilings is that they go with any wall color or style. Whether your walls are painted bright colors, neutral shades, or have cool wallpaper, a white ceiling will look good. It also makes it easier if you want to change the wall color later. The white ceiling helps everything in the room look clean and put together.
Even though white ceilings are great for most rooms, sometimes using another color might be a better choice. If you want your room to feel special or if your room has some unique features, trying a different ceiling color can help you achieve the look you want.
If your room has a high ceiling (more than 10 feet), it might feel too big or empty with a white ceiling. Using a darker color can help make the room feel cozier and more comfortable. If you have beams, arches, or other interesting architectural details, using a color can make those features stand out more.
Sometimes, choosing a color for your ceiling can help you create a specific style or mood. For example, using a dark blue ceiling in a dining room can make the space feel more elegant.
In a big, open room, different ceiling colors can help separate different areas. For example, in a kitchen and living room combination, painting the ceiling above the kitchen a different color can make it feel like its own space.
If you want to go beyond basic white, there are many colors to try that can still keep your room looking bright and stylish.
Soft colors like pale gray, warm beige, or light taupe can give your ceiling a little color without making it too dark. These colors can still help keep the room bright while adding some variation to your ceiling.
Deep colors like navy blue, charcoal gray, or even black can make a room feel special and unique. These darker colors can create a dramatic look that works well in rooms like studies, bedrooms, or dining rooms. It can make the room feel cozier and more inviting, especially if the space is large.
Another option is to use the same, lighter, or darker version of your wall color for the ceiling. This can create a more unified look, making the room feel consistent and complete. You can also match the ceiling to the trim color or use an accent color from your furniture to add a bit of style.
Choosing the right color for your ceiling isn’t just about picking a shade you like. You also need to think about how it will affect the painting process.
If you decide to paint just the ceiling, there’s going to be more work to protect the walls from paint splatters. The painters will need to cover the walls with plastic and tape everything off.
This careful work takes more time, especially around the edges where the ceiling meets the walls, which can make the job cost more.
If you want to paint both the ceiling and walls, it might actually save you some money in the long run. When you paint both at the same time, it reduces the amount of prep work needed. It also makes it easier to get smooth lines where the ceiling and walls meet, which looks better overall. This is a good choice if you plan to change the color of the walls too or if your walls could use a fresh coat of paint.
Picking the best color for your ceiling depends on things like the room’s purpose, lighting, and ceiling height.
Think about what the room is mainly used for. If it’s a living room or another common area, lighter colors usually make the space feel more welcoming. In bedrooms, darker shades can make the room feel cozier, which is great for relaxing.
In a home office, the color you choose might affect how you feel while working—cooler colors can help you concentrate, while warmer shades can feel more energizing.
Consider how much sunlight the room gets. If it’s a north-facing room that doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, you might want to choose a warmer color to help brighten things up. If the room gets plenty of sunlight, darker ceiling colors will work just fine without making the room feel small or dark.
If the ceiling is the standard height of 8 feet, using a lighter color will help avoid making the room feel cramped. If you have higher ceilings, you can be more adventurous with darker colors or bold choices.
If your room has a tray ceiling (a ceiling with a step or raised center) or beams, you could even use two different colors for a creative look.
Light-colored ceilings tend to hide dust or cobwebs better than dark-colored ceilings. On the other hand, dark colors might show flaws more easily. The type of paint finish you choose matters too.
If you’re still unsure about the right ceiling color, you’re not alone! Finding the perfect shade can be challenging, especially when you need it to match your walls, furniture, and overall home style. A good starting point is to test a few paint samples in your room, observing how they look at different times of the day since lighting can make a big difference in how colors appear.
For more personalized help, many painting companies offer color consultations as part of their interior painting service. You can often schedule a session with a color consultant or an interior designer, who will visit your home and provide expert advice.
These consultations usually last around an hour, giving you enough time to discuss options and choose a shade that complements your space perfectly. A professional’s guidance can make a big difference in finding a color that enhances your room’s look and feel.
Not always. Even though darker colors can make the ceiling look lower, they can also make a space feel cozy and inviting. The way you use color and light in the room can change how it feels.
No, they don’t have to. While having the same ceiling color throughout the house can make the rooms feel connected, using different colors can help make certain rooms or areas stand out.
White ceilings are usually a safe choice if you’re planning to sell your house, but using unique ceiling colors can still be a good idea if they match the room’s style. In homes with interesting designs, having a cool ceiling color can even make the house more appealing.
When choosing a ceiling color, think about how much light the room gets, the ceiling height, and what you use the room for. Try out different colors by painting small sections to see how they look under different lighting. Choose a color that fits your style and makes the room feel the way you want it to.
If you want to try something new in a room, go for it! One ceiling in your home doesn't have to match the rest. It's all about adapting to the space.
Whether you choose classic white or a bold new color, the most important thing is to be happy with your choice. After all, it’s your home, and you’ll be looking at that ceiling every day!
If you need help deciding, Brush & Roll Painting is here for you. With over 28 years of experience working on homes in Omaha, we know what works best with the local styles and lighting. We have certified color consultants on staff and work with local interior designers to help you pick the best color for your project.
Click the button below to start the process of getting a quote and let us help you make your ceiling look amazing.
If you are not ready to get a quote for your ceiling painting project, take this time to continue to find the best shade for your ceiling. Click the button below to get your free paint color and design guide so you are ready to tackle your project with the perfect shade.