Gone are the days of the standard flat white roof. Today’s homeowners are realizing that ceiling paint color can add interest and should be considered when choosing the perfect paint colors for your space. However, painting ceilings other than white can be tricky. Here are some tips to help homeowners choose the perfect shade every time:
* Consider lighter or cooler colors for lower ceilings – If you have eight-foot ceilings, chances are your space already feels a bit cramped and your ceiling already feels low. A darker or warmer tone will only accentuate a low ceiling and can make the space feel like a cave. Consider painting colors that are lighter, like off-whites and creams.
* Colorful paint colors will also help raise the ceiling and make it feel like it’s pulling away from you. Choose a cooler off-white that has blue or green undertones.
*Consider painting the ceiling one to two shades lighter than the wall color. This is particularly helpful if you have crown molding. A semi-gloss white crown molding will stand out if the ceiling is painted a slightly lighter shade than the wall color.
*If the ceilings are really high, as is the case with many two-story family rooms and entryways these days, consider painting the ceiling a darker, warmer color. This will help bring the ceiling in a bit and make the space feel less stark and cold. A dark chocolate on a two-story ceiling can have a surprising impact on a room.
*For vaulted ceilings, consider bringing the paint color to the side ceilings and painting the top ceiling a shade darker or lighter than the wall color. Again, this can accentuate architectural detail and prevent the appearance of uneven paint lines.
*Always paint around and under soffits and low vaulted ceilings (ie, sunrooms and bay windows) the same color as the walls. When these are painted the color of the roof, white or not, it causes a break in the eye. Painting these areas the same color as the walls will create continuity and fluidity, which is the essence of any paint color scheme.
It’s important to consider your ceiling paint color when choosing a color scheme for your home. In this way, you will ensure that you get the perfect color scheme that is consistent with your personal style and the architecture of your home.
