Ceilings are often an afterthought that get ignored in the design of a room.

Most, if not all builders will just slap some “ceiling white” paint on there and call it done. As a result, we’ve been lulled into thinking white is what ceilings are always supposed to be.

Ceiling white, by the way, is usually a flat white, high hiding paint with a thicker (non-drip) viscosity making it a cheap and expedient way for builders to cover a lot of surface quickly.

Flat paint hides a multitude of imperfections and is a good choice where surfaces are textured like the sand finish and popcorn finish ceilings so popular in builder homes.

A Word About Textured Ceilings

Textured ceilings are also a deliberate choice as they hide imperfections and are far less labor intensive (and therefore less expensive to create) since they aren’t trying to be perfectly smooth.

It is almost never a good idea to use a gloss paint on a ceiling with a textured surface.

In more expensive and historic construction, ceilings are smooth because they are skim coated with plaster or are plaster over lath construction.

Smooth ceilings are MUCH easier to repair, and definitely a nicer look in most cases, but they are more time consuming and costly to produce.

If you want the glamour and drama of a high gloss ceiling, however, you need to start with a perfectly smooth surface.

Design in general and designers in particular are always questioning the status quo. We do not like to settle for “good enough” when spectacular is available.

White Painted Ceilings

Ceilings are a case where white might be good enough, but it might be a missed opportunity.

The prevailing wisdom comes from the notion that the ceiling will look higher if it is light, and white is a light as it gets.

BUT the truth is that dark colors recede and can sometimes actually blur the boundaries making the ceiling seem further away and therefore higher. Perception is a funny thing!

Dark Painted Ceilings

Dark ceilings can add drama and coziness to a room.

Pro tip: painting the ceiling the same color as the walls makes the ceiling look higher - yes, even when the color is dark! Just be aware that dark paint absorbs light so make sure your dark, moody and dramatic room has plenty of natural or artificial light.

In this AI imagined a dining room, the millwork, paneling, and ceiling are all painted a glossy black.

Metallic Painted Ceilings

Metallic painted ceilings can reflect soft light and add an element of glamour. I’ve specified metallic painted ceilings for powder rooms, dining rooms, and entry foyers.

The powder room pictured below that we did for a client got a number upgrades. The only unchanged elements were the toilet, sink and floor!

We used a champagne metallic paint on the ceiling for a touch of glamour. It mirrors the touch of metallic in the wallcovering and reflects the light and casts a warm glow in the small space.

Colorful Painted Ceilings

Colorful ceilings can add a jolt of whimsy to a space. This works especially well in rooms that are wallpapered, I think. Choose a color that is represented in a small amount in the wallpaper and it will be a winning combination.

This power room from our antique farmhouse project got a colorful salmon ceiling plucked from the whimsical Schumacher wallpaper.

And this chic ladies home office project for our client that looooves pink, got a show-stopping glossy fuchsia ceiling!

Blue Painted Ceilings

Blue ceilings are a great way to add an al fresco feel to any room.

We painted the ceiling coffers in this garden inspired family room project in a pale blue which helps create the impression of sky peeking through a pergola.

Aqua blue shades are the standard color for southern porch ceilings. Referred to as “Haint” blue, folklore claims it will ward off evil spirits and/or deter insect pests. Whether or not that is the case, you can’t go wrong with a pretty blue ceiling that evokes the feel of sky.

Other posts you might enjoy:

Two Powder Rooms with Pizzazz

A Garden Library Family Room

A Chic Pink Home Office