Ceiling Colors; There’s More Options Than White!

Some styles and design methodologies are so ingrained in our psyche that it’s hard to imagine trying something outside the box, a whole new approach. For hundreds of years, if not longer, interior designers and color specialists have preferred to leave the ceiling alone and keep it painted white while letting the color layering happen in other areas of the room. Even most painters will try to convince you this is the right way to go!

Historically, we’ve painted ceilings white for many practical and design reasons. White ceilings help to refract light and create a better-illuminated space. White is the ultimate neutral color, meaning no matter which colors you place under it, it will not be the visually dominant color. White is simple, non-confrontational, and helps better accentuate other design elements around it, which makes sense with ceilings, as you’d typically not want to draw attention to them.

I’m here to tell you that a design trend that breaks this centuries-old tradition of keeping ceilings white and opting to paint them with various colors has come back in a big way! Yes, this may come across as crazy to some and certainly will not be for all, but there are ceiling paint ideas to be explored that just might take you out of your comfort zone in a good way! These new options are beyond neutral white and can make a statement, whether quiet and understated or bold and gutsy. I will discuss some of those options and why we should give this idea a second look. Let’s dig in! 

Ceiling Colors – What’s The Strategy Here?

To the traditional among us, it’s simply baffling that one would choose to paint their ceiling an alternative color other than a neutral white. But, for those looking to change things up a bit, there are some good reasons/recognized strategies for choosing ceiling paints with color. 

Here are a few primary reasons why someone would choose an alternative color for their ceiling:

• Shift the mood

As I mentioned before, keeping the ceiling white leaves it “actionless,” adding no emotional intention, but as soon as a color is added to the ceiling, it commands the room to follow its mood. For example, a light cranberry red ceiling will bring warmth and energy from above, emanating down upon everything beneath. 

• Create an intimate space

White ceilings, or ceilings with near-white color, create the illusion of more space above, as there’s more light refracting down. With darker ceiling colors such as royal hunter green or brown, the space immediately feels more intimate, which can be great if a space has high ceilings and lacks coziness/comfort. 

• Accentuate architectural features

Some older homes, like the classic Colonials or Victorians, have ornate, intricate woodwork such as crown molding, stairwell banisters, or built-in shelving; they may even have vaulted ceilings, creating unusual angles and intersecting points. Painting the ceiling with alternative colors can help to highlight these unique and eye-catching interior architectural accents, not shy away from them!

• Create striking contrasts/or no contrast at all

Choosing a ceiling color that complements but also contrasts with the wall color can create a harmonious and dynamic color scheme. Instead of layering color with furniture, art, or other accent pieces, the ceiling itself creates an inescapable layer of color! 

On the other hand, if you’re color drenching the space and don’t want any contrast/crave a uniform look, painting the ceiling the same color as the walls is the best way to complete this look. 

• Add a Whisper of Color

Adding a ceiling color doesn’t always have to be overly commanding; it can also be subtle. An off-white with a tint of color (muted hues) like a whisper of pink or even an airy teal or delicate blue can be the perfect way to add a restful color to the room. If you are decorating with a neutral palette, you can add this type of ceiling color without altering any pre-established base colors, as it’s a very soft touch. 

Ceiling Colors – Make It Personal!

Painting the ceiling with an alternative color is a bold design strategy, but it can yield fabulous results! You must be committed to the color, work with the ceiling color, and layer every item within the space according to the ceiling, or else it will not work, and you’ll have a nauseating “fun house” effect. Be sure to pick a ceiling color (and supporting palette) that will meet the needs of the space and strike a chord with your tastes!

If painting one or more of your interior ceilings with an alternative color sounds like a design adventure you’d like to explore, check out my Color911 color app for some help, inspiration, and beautifully curated color themes. The color app will show you what colors can be used together and the appropriate matching color palette with each theme! I hope you check it out; it might be just the inspiration you’re looking for!