Gone are the days of the standard flat white roof. Today’s homeowners are realizing that their ceiling paint color can add interest and should be considered when choosing the perfect paint colors for their 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 low ceilings – If you have eight foot ceilings, your space probably already feels a bit cramped and the ceiling already feels low. A darker or warmer shade will only accentuate a low ceiling and can make the space feel like a cave. Consider paint colors that are lighter, such as whites and creams.
* Colored paint colors will also help raise the ceiling and make it feel like it’s moving away from you. Choose a cooler off-white in color that has blue or green undertones.
* Consider painting the ceiling one or two shades lighter than the wall color. This is particularly helpful if you have crown molding. A semi-gloss glossy white crown molding will pop if the ceiling is painted a shade slightly lighter than the wall color.
* If the ceilings are very 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 closer together and make the space feel less stiff and cold. A dark chocolate on a two-story ceiling can have a staggering impact on a room.
* For vaulted ceilings, consider bringing the paint color to the side ceilings and painting the upper ceiling a darker or lighter shade of the wall color. Again, this can accentuate architectural details while avoiding the appearance of uneven paint lines.
* Always paint around and under ceilings and low vaulted ceilings (ie sunrooms and windows) the same color as the walls. When they are painted the color of the ceiling, white or otherwise, a tear occurs in the eye. Painting these areas the same color as the walls will cause continuity and fluidity, which is the essence of any good paint color scheme.
It is important to consider the color of your ceiling paint when choosing a color scheme for your home. This will ensure that you get a perfect color scheme that is congruent with your personal style and the architecture of your home.