Painted Ceilings
Photo Cred: Nathan Schroder Photography
Painted ceilings are an easy and dramatic way to elevate a room. There is something so intriguing about color being added in an unexpected area. Especially if you have a room that doesn’t have a lot of interesting details, it’s an easy way to elevate a space. Plus, it is not a big budget item so you are really elevating your space without elevating the cost AND it is easily changed if you tire of the color over time. The ceiling above was painted a color we pulled from the bedskirt and then we added an extra layer by placing a white lattice over the top! This particular room is a guest room and we are guessing that it’s a friend/family favorite.
There are lots of reasons to paint a ceiling but one of the benefits is that it draws your eye up in the room - which means your light fixtures can become the star of the show. Say you have an amazing fixture in a room and your paint the ceiling a contrasting color, that light fixture is going to be displayed on an even grander scale. This room by Doris Leslie Blau does just that and by doing so, creates a tranquil, bohemian space and she upped the ante by doing two tones of green, creating even more interest.
Photo Cred: dorisleslieblau.com
When deciding on a color to go with, just know there is no right or wrong answer and a lot of it has to do with what you want to accomplish with the paint. Are you going for a moody or intimate vibe? If so, go darker. You may even choose to paint the ceiling, molding and walls the same color which creates almost a nest effect and encapsulates you in the room. As you can see from this gorgeous room, the effect of painting everything the same color is truly dramatic!
Photo Cred: theguardian.com
If you don’t want to go as dramatic as all that, think of using a neutral color against a white wall. The blue/gray paint on this family room ceiling really warms up the space and makes the art work on the white walls pop. You aren’t taking near the risk as painting everything the same color like the room above, but you are still making a statement and it’ll be a conversation starter with your guests! As you can see in this room, they came down about 12” to where the room had a molding - this really completes the room and again adds color in an unexpected place.
Photo Cred: sheknows.com
If painting a ceiling makes you nervous, start somewhere small. Look at this stunning entryway! The floor was already a showstopper but it is really showcased by adding the dark blue on the door, molding and ceiling and keeping the walls white. You aren’t making a huge commitment because the space is small and its not an area you are going to spend a ton of time in. But any visitor who walks through that door is going to admire it and starting small can help you figure out if painting the ceiling somewhere else in your home is something you want to do!
Photo Cred: katrinaleechambers.com
Tip: When choosing your color, remember that a ceiling naturally casts its own shadow, so the color you choose will appear slightly darker on the ceiling then the wall. Make sure you paint samples on your ceiling and look at them throughout the day/night to ensure you like the hue at all times of day light and overhead light.
Because I always like to design a complete room from top to bottom, the ceiling is something to be addressed if the room allows. Homes that have room distinction and aren’t completely open concept are great places to make a ceiling upgrade. And by not forgetting the ceiling you are really completing a space from top to bottom.
I hope the pictures from this blog to help inspire you but always remember the plethora of inspiration that you can find on Pinterest, Instagram or whatever your favorite site is. Just put in #paintedceilings and be prepared to be inspired!
Photo Cred: sheknows.com
