For many years people didn't sway from the "normal" white ceiling paint. This was the safe look and people didn't think otherwise. Now, with so many options out there, painting ceilings just a "normal" white has become a thing of the past.
White is a popular ceiling paint color, and it's not just out of an adherence to tradition. Homeowners and designers favor white as a ceiling color because: White Reflects Light: The ceiling reflects light as much, or more than the other four walls.
Does a Ceiling Have to be White? There's no rule that says you have to paint a ceiling white, but it's certainly an option, and there are tons of shades of white that each has their own nuances and undertones. But if you're looking to make a dramatic change, it might be best to look beyond white for your ceiling color.
White ceilings can undoubtedly help light bounce around a space and can make a room feel larger and brighter if the walls are also white.
For any room, all-white or off-white paint color is always a fresh and clean choice. Conversely, vibrant wall colors are beautifully set off by white ceilings. A white ceiling makes smaller spaces feel larger. For seamless color flow, select a white for your ceiling that shares a similar undertone as the wall color.
Evidently, white ceiling paint is everyone's favorite, and for good reason. Certainly, it can illuminate any room. Further, matching your walls to the ceiling creates a cohesive and clean look. At the same time, it can double the size of a room visually.
'There is no right or wrong answer as to what color a ceiling should be painted; it all depends on the room and your preferences,' says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore. 'White can definitely give the illusion of a higher ceiling, but don't be afraid to deviate from the norm and step outside your comfort zone.
Naturally, white is an obvious choice for making a room feel bigger. It's no secret that light colors make a room look larger, especially if the space is bathed in natural light. Eggshell or satin finishes will help reflect the light, creating the appearance of even more space.
Lighter Ceiling = Brighter Room
"For increased lighting in a dimly-lit room, opt for a shade lighter on the ceiling. As a general rule of thumb, I would go 20% lighter on the ceilings," he says. However, if the room is naturally sun-drenched, you can probably get away with the same color on the walls and ceiling.
While this design choice may have been a faux pas a decade ago, it's now a major interior design color trend, and one that I love. The idea of painting the ceiling and walls (and trim) the same color is called color drenching, and although it's a trend this year, it's definitely not a new idea.
Ceilings should almost always be painted in a flat, matte acrylic paint. The reason for this is that: Flat paint will not reflect light or draw attention away from the wall and room furnishings. Ceilings don't receive much wear and tear, so a glossy, durable paint is not necessary.
Even if you have a bold color or a soft neutral on the walls, stick with a white ceiling to make the room feel taller.
Most painters prefer Pure White as a trim and ceiling color because it has more pigment and is easier to paint with than High Reflective White. Designers prefer Pure White because that slight splash of warmth makes it more forgiving to pair with other colors, and it looks better with earthier finishes than HRW.
Well, no – we don't think so. There's lots to be said for exploring color in your interior design, but white definitely still has a huge role to play in decorating – whether that's to lighten and brighten a room, or to provide a canvas for your impressive art collection.
Black cable railings look attractive with any home decorating style including modern, minimalist, rustic, nautical, farmhouse, and industrial. They can be attached to metal or wood railing posts and stair stringers.
Paint your ceiling a color lighter than the walls, preferably white. Some believe high-gloss paint is best because it reflects light and makes the ceiling look somehow less fixed and static, while others say a matte finish will help the ceiling to blend in more.
Broker Sheila Trichter's go-to ceiling shade is Super White OC-152 by Benjamin Moore because it doesn't clash with other paint colors. “As the name indicates, it is really white and will contrast nicely with any other white or color that you may use on your walls,” she says.
Yes, for a cohesive design that celebrates a favorite color
Whether you embrace colorful room ideas and create a bold, color-drenched look, or use white across the walls and ceiling for timeless white room ideas, a matched design can be both impactful and subtle.
Although a flat finish is most popular, more ceiling paint finishes are available: Eggshell finish: After flat, eggshell finish is the next most popular ceiling paint finish. Eggshell paints offer a low sheen while still absorbing most light and hiding ceiling imperfections.
What Colors Make a Room Look Bigger? “For a small space, nothing beats airy blues and crisp whites,” says Nivara Xaykao, Benjamin Moore color and design expert. “Blues recede, which can give the illusion of opening up a space,” she explains.
For a Light and Airy Feel, Go Cool
But white can feel bland, and pastels can lack nuance. There's also a huge range of pale shades, both in terms of color intensity and temperature. Blues and greens, and grays, browns, and lavenders with blue or green undertones, can make walls recede and a small space seem larger.
Pale Blues
When paired with other light colors, like pale pink and white, it sets a calming tone to any room. This is one color that can definitely make a room feel bigger. It works best for internal rooms like bedrooms or baby rooms.
If your crown moulding is going into a room with high ceilings, you may want it to be the same color as the ceiling to make the room appear smaller. The opposite is valid for a room with low ceilings, as a trim in a contrasting color will make the room appear more spacious.
Whether you choose a light neutral color or a dark jewel tone, it is more than okay to paint your walls, baseboards, window and door trim, doors, crown molding, and even your ceilings all the same color.
Joanna Gaines, former HGTV fixer-upper star, is well-known for using white paint for kitchen cabinets, walls, ceilings, and furniture to create a bright and inviting feel in homes. Her go-to paint colors have almost become a trademark of her style, with white as one of her favorite colors.