How To Choose the Color of Your Ceiling

When you look upwards, is it clear that your ceiling is in need of some attention?

When you think about it, the ceiling takes up one sixth of the space of a room, but quite often it is treated to little more than a covering of paint and that is usually white! This is because for years white has been thought to be not only the safest color to paint your ceiling but also the best.

Even though there are situations when white really is the perfect choice, there are other shades which will add a certain drama and excitement to your room when used to decorate your ceiling.

Light or Dark

It’s a general rule that when ceilings are painted in a light shade the walls appear to be higher. So, naturally, those ceilings painted in darker colors make the walls look lower. However, lower looking walls do not necessarily mean you will feel claustrophobic – it could make your room much cozier and even intimate.

Sources of Light

The source of light within a room plays a big part on how the color will look. This applies to the ceiling color just as it does to the color of the walls. Ceilings painted in blush pink or sky blue will create an airy feeling when bright daylight is bouncing from them whereas the effect of candlelight reflecting on deep red would produce a rich and elegant glow.

Paint Finish

Ceiling paint tends to be flat although a satin finish or an eggshell will provide just a slither of reflective sheen, which is useful if you are going for a darker color. However, the ceiling will need to be in as near to perfect as possible condition to carry this look off and there should be no flaws showing through.

For the primary living areas you should keep the ceiling treatment simple, because although the color you choose will enhance the character of the room, you may soon grow tired of it and fancy a change.

Classic White

White is often the best color choice for ceilings. This is because white overhead has a tendency to disappear so attention is focused on the furnishings and walls. A ceiling painted white can often offset an intense choice of color for the walls. It makes the walls look sharper and crisper and the ceiling will feel higher. A white ceiling will open up the space even more if the walls are in a pale color and create a feeling of expansion.

A white ceiling in room where little natural light is received will help to illuminate the room by reflecting the available light.

A ceiling painted white needs an echo or something to help it integrate into the color scheme. This balance can be created by carpets, draperies, woodwork and even bedding.

Which White is Right?

The classic white ceiling can look quite clinical and stark but these days there are many paint manufacturers offering a wide selection of cool and warm whites so the choice is open for you to select one with the undertones you require for your room.

Contrasting Color

By applying a contrasting color to the ceiling you can dramatically change your perception of available space. This works like a reflector bouncing light from the ceiling into the room and the character of the room is affected by the quality of such light.

Take no notice of the rule that lower ceilings should be painted in a light color. Put a dark base on the ceiling and then use a glaze of the same color over it. The effect is then softened and enough light is reflected by the sheen to stop the ceiling from overpowering the room.

Here are some great color considerations for a ceiling:

• Blush pink
• Butter yellow
• Pale peach
• Sky blue
• Warm tan

Match up with Wall Colors

You can immerse a room by applying the same colors to the walls and ceiling. Although this approach is not suited to everyone it can make a large space feel more enclosed as there is no escape hatch created by a light color at the top.

However, if this idea appeals to you, you will find that a small room with the ceiling and walls painted the same color gives a restful and soothing ambiance – just perfect for the bedroom or bathroom. In a larger room, by painting everything the same color attention is focused on the furnishings and accessories within the room.

You can always dilute the paint with white to a ratio of 80/20 in whites favor if you would like the overall effect to be a little lighter on the ceiling. As ceilings tend to be shadowed the dilution in color will still relate favorably to the color of the walls.

An oddly shaped room or one set on an angle can have the shape simplified and unify the space by carrying the same color across the ceiling and walls.

Of course, there is also the fact that applying the same color to walls and ceiling makes your painting job so much easier as there is no taping required at the ceiling line.

Highlighting the trim enhances the architecture and draws attention to its shape but whether or not you choose to show off the crown molding and other trim by using a contrasting or a blending color is down to a matter of personal preference.

Architectural Considerations

There are some ceilings which can pose a specific problem such as the vaulted, multi angled or cathedral kind. Where do your colors start and stop? In low attics, taking the same color across the walls and ceiling can be a practical solution.

However, it is possible to increase the apparent ceiling height by the use of a little visual trickery. For example, put a chair rail around the wall at hip height; and then paint the area above the chair rail a shade lighter than below.

The vertical dimension is emphasized by hand-painted stripes and makes you think the ceiling is higher than it actually is. Due to the fact that attics more often than not receive natural light through one or two windows, the walls and furnishings should be kept light so the space remains bright. If a snug appearance is what you are looking for go for muted or darker colors or simply allow your furnishings and accessories to give the color in a white and light reflecting area.

It is worth noting that if you have a cathedral ceiling, it is not necessary to carry the color down to the floor simply because there is no crown molding defining the top of the wall.

Where Ceiling and Walls Meet

Molding or timber framing make it easier to know where the color should start and stop but the color can be changed at the point where plane or flat surfaces meet. Tape off the ceiling carefully when painting and stick to a clear and sharply defined line or the look will be spoiled.

The living space will be focused upon when changing colors where the ceiling and walls meet instead of the soaring height of the ceiling drawing attention. In rooms with sharply angled walls to the ceiling offering more than the traditional headspace of attics, the color can be extended onto the angled walls as far as the flat part of the ceiling. The room will feel more spacious and if you want you can add crown molding to show where the walls finish and the ceiling starts.

Of course, color does not have to come from paint alone. If you fancy wood, why not have the ceiling covered with wood paneling?

Oak Bookcase
After having painted a new home office or bedroom its time to consider the furniture. One great piece that's timiless and essential is a good solid oak bookcase.