Are you trying to decide on a ceiling paint color? Whether your preferences lean traditional or modern, use this list of paint colors for the ceiling (and pro tips) for inspiration!
Does your ceiling feel like an afterthought – or worse, a sore spot in your overall home decor?
If so, you aren’t alone. Most homeowners tend to ignore their ceiling or opt for the easiest, safest option: bright white.
Hear me out. There’s nothing wrong with clean, neutral white. And in some cases, it truly is the best choice. However, there are also times when homeowners can achieve a drool-worthy, designer look simply by changing their ceiling paint color.
If your home interior needs a little refresh, consider new paint for the ceiling. Believe it or not, your ceiling paint color makes a much bigger impression than you realize.
Not sure where to start or what the best ceiling paint colors are? No worries, I’ve got you covered. This guide will highlight the current color trends as well as some reliable old standbys.
Whether you’re more traditional or modern with your decor, there’s a color (and a tip or two) here that will inspire you!
Ok, let’s dive in.
I’m not gonna lie – choosing the PERFECT paint color isn’t as easy as seeing what you like online and simply adding it to your space. There’s an entire science behind it! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Current Ceiling Paint Color Trends
Most people simply paint their ceiling white. And I was one of them until we were house hunting many years ago, and I walked into a house that had green walls and ceilings. That is when my mind expanded around home decor and painting “rules.”
Since then, I’ve seen some truly amazing, creative, and beautiful ideas when it comes to paint for a ceiling.
Here are some trends that you’ll likely see as you research options and decide what you want to do in your home:
- If you’re trying to make your room feel as bright and airy as possible, opt for a bright white.
- Paint the ceiling the same color as the walls for a cohesive design.
- Consider using a soft light neutral for ceiling paint where you want to create a cozy retreat or balance out bold wall colors.
- If you have light-colored walls and want to create an intimate atmosphere, paint a dark, moody color on your ceiling.
- Paint your ceiling a soft, pale color (ex: pale peach, pale gray, sky blue, or pale green) to give the room a light, breezy vibe when the walls are white or very light neutral.
Best Paint for the Ceiling FAQs
Should I paint my ceiling white or off-white?
That completely depends on what you want to accomplish with your decor. If your room is small or lacks light, white paint is the best choice to reflect the most light and make the space feel as large as possible.
White is also reliably neutral and can help tie together contrasting colors within the room.
Should ceilings be painted flat or eggshell?
Any sheen (other than flat) will reflect light and create a glare. Eggshell or satin may be great options for walls and baseboards, but usually you want to avoid shininess coming from your ceiling.
Ideally, your ceiling will either intentionally draw the eye (if it’s a color that stands out), or it will fade into the background. Unfortunately, a ceiling that casts a shiny glare does neither and can make people uncomfortable.
I recommend using flat paint in the color of your choice as ceiling paint so that glare isn’t even an issue.
What’s the difference between ceiling paint and wall paint?
Many people think that they can use wall paint on ceilings. They are NOT the same. Ceiling paint is thicker and stickier to ensure it stays put as it works against the pull of gravity.
While it’s not impossible to use wall paint on your ceiling, the job will go smoother with paint specifically made for ceilings.
Sample now, so you’re not sorry later…
Top Ceiling Painting Tips
Before you grab a gallon of paint and start painting all your ceilings, here are a few tips that will help ensure you get professional-looking results and also minimize frustration.
1. Protect Floors and Furniture
Clear out as much furniture as you can from the room, which will make it easier to move around the room. Cover the floors and any remaining furniture with drop cloths.
2. Use High-Quality Materials
I’m a self-proclaimed frugalista, so I love saving a buck anytime I can. However, there are times when it’s completely worth spending extra for better quality.
When it comes to painting ceilings, the goal is to cover the ceiling with paint as quickly as possible. A high-quality roller (such as ½” lambswool roller) will help get the job done effectively and minimize splatters too.
It’s totally worth the extra cost!
3. Work in Sections
Divide your ceiling into a grid and work in sections of 3 to 5 square feet. This allows you to see your progress as you go so that you can maintain an even coat.
The other benefit to working in small sections is that it allows you to “keep a wet edge.” Keeping the edges wet, so they don’t dry before you roll the adjoining section is the best way to prevent lap marks as you paint the ceiling.
4. Paint a Minimum of Two Coats
A good rule of thumb is to use two coats (minimum) when painting your walls or ceiling. Although your paint may provide enough coverage for just one coat, it will rarely give you a smooth, seamless finish.
Generally speaking, when painting a ceiling, you want to paint in one direction (parallel with the main source of natural light). Then add a second coat of paint in the opposite direction to get maximum coverage and avoid unsightly (and unwanted) roller lines.
5. Feather Paint Edges
When you are working in a large area and can’t keep the paint edges wet, the best way to avoid roller lines is to feather out the paint at those edges. To do this, roll a nearly dry roller in different directions along the paint edge.
The feathered, thinner coat of paint will prevent the paint buildup that causes unwanted roller lines.
6. Cut in with a Brush First
‘Cutting in’ means using a brush to paint the outside edges of the ceiling with your paint before rolling the rest of the ceiling. You’ll cover most of the brush marks with your roller and prevent the need to take the roller right to the wall, leaving ceiling paint marks on the wall.
If you’re working with a partner, one can cut in while the other rolls. But if you’re working solo, do it in chunks. Cut in 8 to 10 linear feet, then roll (feathering the edges). Repeat the process until you make your way around the room.
7. Paint the Ceiling First
If you’re painting the ceiling and the walls, start from the top and make your way down. Doing this ensures that paint won’t drop down from the ceiling onto your freshly painted walls and ruin them.
8. Wrap Ceiling Paint Onto the Walls
This ONLY applies if you’re painting the walls too. With your paintbrush, bring some of the ceiling paint down onto the wall just a little bit. This accomplishes two things at once. First, it ensures that the transition between the ceiling and the wall gets painted.
Second, leaving a little ceiling paint on the wall when you paint the wall won’t be noticeable. However, leaving a little wall paint on the ceiling will stand out like a sore thumb.
9. Cover Up
In addition to covering the floors and any remaining furniture with drop cloths, cover yourself too. You are GOING to be covered in ceiling paint freckles, but if you take a few steps, clean up will be much easier!
I recommend wearing a lunch-lady style plastic shower cap and/or an old hoodie cinched up around your face. And don’t forget the safety goggles!
Also, rub lotion into the skin of your face, hands, and arms so that you can wash them right off at the end of the day without scrubbing your skin.
Tips for Selecting Ceiling Paint Colors
With all the design options out there, choosing a color (and a style) may seem daunting.
Use these tips to narrow down your choices and pick the best ceiling paint color for your rooms (yep, it can vary room by room if you want)!
- Paint your ceiling and walls the same color – this approach can simplify a design while creating a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere. It’s a great technique for bathrooms and other small rooms. Lighter shades will make the space feel open and airy, and dark shades will make it feel cozy and intimate. (Medium shades often don’t work well for this design approach.)
- Choose a ceiling paint color that’s lighter than your wall color – this technique is a go-to for traditional decor or opening up a room that’s small or has low ceilings.
- Paint your ceilings darker than your walls – go with this approach if your walls are white (and you want contrast), you want to accent crown molding or other trim, or you want to make the room feel cozier.
And to move you quickly from paint zero to hero, I have a great, free resource for you. Grab a copy of 5 Massive Paint Mistakes to Avoid…because when all else fails, as long as you stay away from these 5 cardinal painting sins, you’re probably doing A-OK!
Let’s Talk About White Ceilings
Before we dive into all the fun options out there, let’s give a nod to the most popular ceiling paint color…white. It’s a classic for a reason!
White ceilings can make rooms feel larger and more open, especially when used in combination with light wall colors. They also reflect more light around the room, making it appear brighter and cozier.
White ceilings can also offer visual relief and some nice contrast when paired with a more bold paint shade like Black Fox or Hale Navy.
However, don’t be lulled into thinking there’s only one white paint option out there. As we’ve learned in this extensive paint color series, there are plenty of whites out there to choose from.
From warm creamy whites like Swiss Gray and Greek Villa to more crisp whites such as Super White, there really is a shade of white for every room!
Want to keep it simple? Just grab a gallon of ceiling paint (tint-free) in your preferred brand. It’ll be a crisp, true white that will stay unobtrusively in the background.
Trust me, it works! Sometimes it’s best not to overthink things. This is the technique I use almost ALL the time! White ceiling paint, straight outta the can. Done.
Top Non-White Ceiling Paint Color Choices
Now, onto the more uncommon non-white shades for ceiling paint! To help you answer the question, “what color should I paint my ceiling?” I thought I would collect a few examples of how different colors can impact a home’s interior decor.
Note: Anytime you are considering paint colors, use peel-and-stick paint swatches to clearly show how shades will look in your home before you commit to any shade.
Gray
Gray offers a gorgeously neutral way to make a room feel intimate and cozy. If you want to make your room feel more like a comforting cocoon but aren’t looking to add a specific color, gray can be a terrific choice.
Here are some great gray options to consider:
1. Bold, not Boring
If you’re scared to paint a WHOLE ceiling a dark color, maybe hedge your bets, and try just a perimeter, or inside a ceiling ring.
We used a combination of Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky with wallpaper for our master bathroom ceiling, and I haven’t regretted the decision for one single second.
Here’s a shot of the water closet in the same bathroom.
The walls are painted a variation of Benjamin Moore Silver Polish…I nicknamed it “Heathered Nest Gray” (it’s Silver Polish lightened by 1/3). And the ceiling in the water closet is all painted BM Stormy Sky.
2. Ideal Neutral Backdrop
If you want to make your bedroom cozier while highlighting other decor pieces and colors, take a page out of Cass Makes Home‘s book and paint the ceiling gray (specifically Behr Black Locust).
It will momentarily draw your attention before letting it return to the colorful decor elements.
The wall color here? Behr Swiss Coffee, and the doors in the space are painted Sherwin Williams Anew Gray.
3. Distraction-Free Outdoor Space
If you’re lucky enough to have a relaxing porch space, you are lucky indeed.
Southern State of Mind made the genius decision to paint this porch ceiling gray (Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray) so that it feels comfortable without visually detracting from the view.
Dark Blue
Blue can be both calming and exciting at the same time. Dark blue ceiling paint tends to add a fun pop of color as well as sophistication.
If you’re looking for deep blues for the ceiling, check out:
4. Ceiling Paint Ties Into Navy Accent Wall
I’m a big fan of tying in decor elements throughout multiple spaces in the house. This home from @loom.and.home highlights exactly what I mean.
After going through the process of choosing a paint color you love, why not use it on the ceiling in one room and as an accent wall in an adjoining room? Lovely! The color chosen here is Ben Moore Britannia Blue.
5. Promote Focus for an Intense Workout Space
Blue tones promote focus, which is exactly the vibe you want in a home gym! This space from Inspired by Charm (with ceiling and partial wall painted SW Naval) feels bold and makes you want to push the limit in your workout.
6. Endless Sophistication
Addison’s Wonderland used navy (Sherwin Williams Inkwell) to complement the warm tones of the wood beams, brick fireplace, and other decor elements.
This inspired ceiling paint color choice ties everything together expertly and creates a chic space to relax or entertain. (Trim color: SW Alabaster; Wall color: SW Gossamer Veil)
Light Blue Ceiling Paint
Just as dark blue can calm and excite, a light blue can do the same thing in an airier way. When you want to add a playful vibe or add a dollop of color while keeping the space feeling light and bright, consider light blue for your ceiling color!
Some great color choices include:
7. Bright and Airy Outdoor Retreat
Just look at this outdoor space! Playful? Yep! Relaxing? Yep! Jill Cain of @bluedoorflowerfarm used light blue, specifically Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue, on this ceiling to create the ultimate outdoor retreat.
8. Sleep Under A Serene Ceiling Color
Blue is a popular shade for bedrooms because it’s known for being calming, relaxing, and peaceful. But you don’t have to embrace an entire blue palette to get the positive mood effects of blue. Instead of a wall color, use a soft blue above your head, like in this soft, tasteful example from Laura Lee Home.
Green Ceiling Paint
Green brings to mind nature and yields a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Use green as a ceiling paint color when you want to tone down other bright colors or create a serene space.
If you’re looking for ideas, check out:
9. Woodland Wonderland
How fun (and adorable) is this nursery theme? Cassie Bustamante used green ceiling paint (SW Oakmoss at 75%) to tie all the room elements together in an inspired way.
10. Serene and Grounded
Pair brown tones with green paint as House Homemade did to create a grounded and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a reading room like this one. The ceiling color chosen here is Sherwin Williams Retreat.
11. Same Space, But Sage
And Jessica loves green so much, that this same space has gone through several green iterations…here’s her reading room again, this time in SW Clary Sage from head to toe.
12. Playful use of Shades
Green can be grounded and earthy, and it can also be vibrant, boisterous and fun. Natalie Papier of Home Ec. is genius at designing rooms of the latter persuasion. And I’m a big fan.
Why go neutral when you can get a little crazy cool? The shade seen here is Espalier Green from Sherwin Williams (photo credit: @easterdaycreative).
Black Paint for the Ceiling
A tried-and-true rule of interior design is that every room needs an element of black. This bold, daring shade offers sophistication and works with every design style. Check out how it looks on ceilings!
Looking for black to use as ceiling paint? Try:
13. Modern Monochrome
Although some people might shy away from painting their ceiling black, Room for Tuesday gets the gold star for being daring with her selection of SW Tricorn Black. And it pays off in a big way in this laundry room.
14. Still Light and Bright
If you’re worried about black paint for a ceiling making the room feel too dark or small, take another lesson from Room for Tuesday.
This bright bathroom feels modern, chic, and welcoming, thanks to the black ceiling (also SW Tricorn Black) and floor tiles.
Another option? Paint just a portion of your ceiling with a dark shade like Tricorn Black. That’s what we opted to do in our own master bedroom.
This space has a really big, boring rectangular ceiling that previously had zero color, and zero architectural interest. We opted to do something relatively low-budget that packed some punch and added trim molding with a border of Tricorn Black. The walls in this space are Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.
Brown Ceiling Paint
The color brown is grounding, bringing an element of earthiness. Using brown tones as a ceiling paint color (think brown, greige, taupe, etc.) is comforting, neutral, and cozy.
Here are some great options to consider:
15. Grounded, but Grand
This chic room from SG Style Blog is a natural retreat that’s earthy, but also elevated. In this room, the light makes this color (SW Urbane Bronze) look chocolately gray. It’s dark but also serene – perfect for an elegant bedroom.
16. Classic and Chic
Haute House Love pulls together two grounding colors (brown and blue) to design a bedroom that’s light and bright as well as serene. This is the ultimate cozy bedroom!
Ceiling color shown is Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze.
Painting is one of the cheapest and most impactful ways to update your home. But if you’re used to a white ceiling, considering other colors may feel daunting.
I hope this guide opened your eyes to the wonderful world of ceiling paint possibilities!
But that’s not where our ceiling inspiration ends! Paint is not the ONLY thing you can add to a ceiling to make it shine! Check out these 9 amazing ceiling design ideas that are simply stunning!
And remember, better to SAMPLE than be SORRY! If you’re trying to pick the perfect ceiling paint shade, use some swatches first! My favorite kind are these re-usable, re-positionable, mess-free peel and stick samples ⤵.
Pin these ceiling paint color ideas for later! And if you use one of these shades, leave a comment on the pin. That helps others decide whether they’d like to try it, too!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! And before you’re on your way, make sure you grab your free copy of the 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Picking Paint, so you can avoid the heartache (and hole in your wallet) when your paint choices don’t quite work out! Click here, and I’ll send your free copy right now!
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