Twelve Shade Options for Ceiling Paint that Intensify any Space
When it comes to decorating the ceiling, plain white is often the go-to choice — but why stick to the norm? The ceiling presents an opportunity to showcase your style and experiment with color. Whether you're aiming for high contrast, a subdued hue that complements your walls, or the classic Southern tradition of painting the ceiling blue, there are countless ways to make a statement up above.
To spark your imagination, here are 12 ceiling paint colors to inspire you.
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French Blue Opaline by Benjamin Moore
Courtnay Tartt Elias, principal and creative director of Creative Tonic Design, utilized a French blue opaline glass chandelier as her inspiration for this space. She opted for a softer version of blue, Benjamin Moore's Blue Porcelain, for the ceiling rafters. The muted shade allows the chandelier to truly shine without competing for attention.
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Dark Navy by Benjamin Moore
Add a touch of drama to a neutral room by painting the ceiling a dark navy. In this design, Gaelle Dudley, founder of GLDESIGN, created depth and a sense of endlessness with this unexpected addition to the color palette.
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Haint Blue by Benjamin Moore
Jen Bienvenu, interior decorator and vintage dealer at J. Bienvenu Interiors, loves to incorporate haint blue into her ceiling designs. She uses Benjamin Moore, Yarmouth Blue, HC-150, as her go-to shade. The subtle hue nods to tradition without feeling too contrived.
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Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball
Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball is a versatile color that looks different in every setting. In this guest bedroom, Lauren Sullivan, founder and principal designer of Well x Design, used it to create a warm, enveloping space that encourages relaxation. She especially loves using painted ceilings in rooms with wallpaper.
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Darker Shade by Benjamin Moore
When painting a ceiling, consider using a lighter shade to brighten the space. In this kitchen, Dana Schwartz, principal designer at Dana Schwartz Design, used a lighter version of the cabinet color on the ceiling trays to achieve this effect.
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Light Blue by Sherwin-Williams
Incorporating bright colors into your ceiling design can create a lively and inviting space. In this lower level remodel, Laura Hildebrandt, design principal at Interiors by LH, used a light blue that complemented the lush outdoor colors.
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Indigo by Sherwin-Williams
For a sleek and seamless look, consider using the same color on the walls and ceiling. In this design by Mimi Meacham, founder and principal designer of Marian Louise Design, the moody blue creates a cohesive and sophisticated space.
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Warm Orange by Benjamin Moore
An unconventional choice, such as a warm orange, can create a cozy, vintage-inspired bedroom. In this design by Phillip Thomas, founder and principal of Phillip Thomas Inc., a satin finish adds a touch of glamour.
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Medium Blue by Benjamin Moore
High gloss can be used on a ceiling to create a refreshing and energetic look. In this design by Sarah Sherman Samuel, the usually subdued Mediterranean Breeze takes on a vibrant sheen.
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Cornflower by Sherwin-Williams
For a refreshing and tranquil space, consider using a light blue like Cornflower. In this design by Heather Taylor, the color is balanced by the warmth of the wood accents.
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Teal by Sherwin-Williams
In this bedroom design by Emily Henderson, the unexpected use of teal on the ceiling creates a whimsical and beachy vibe. The lime-washed wood adds a rustic touch.
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Forest Green by Sherwin-Williams
For a cozy and inviting living room, consider using a deep forest green. In this design by Alexa Hampton, the rich color creates a dramatic backdrop for the furniture.
With these 12 inspiring color choices, you're ready to break free from the status quo and make a bold statement on your ceiling.
In a conventional setting, I enjoy incorporating a shock factor, particularly in compact, hidden areas within a bigger dwelling, as you can escalate the suspense without disrupting the overall home's rhythm, according to Elias. In this specific area, she executed this by manipulating the ceiling color, coating the entire room in a deep, intense green. "We covered every surface of the butler's bar in a glossy, vivid green, even the ceiling, transforming it into a glistening gem box," she elaborates. "Extending the color onto the ceiling boosts the drama and prevents the eye from pausing at a noticeable boundary line."
## Elegant by Sherwin-Williams
Drawing inspiration from personalized de Gournay wallpaper in their Badminton design printed on old-fashioned pink paper, Elias was motivated to inject a high-gloss hue from Sherwin-Williams Elegant. "It injects a touch of drama without outshining the main attraction, the wallpaper, and gleams exquisitely in the light! The coupling of the blue tints in the chairs, rug, and high-gloss ceiling guarantees that the room doesn't slip into an overly formal atmosphere and remains inviting and enjoyable,” she explains.
## Lemon Chiffon by Sherwin-Williams
A subtle dash of yellow infuses warmth and intrigue without veering too far from conventional white. It contrasts with white but still feels tranquil. "We painted the ceiling a cheerful yellow so that when the client's daughter was in bed gazing at her feather chandelier, there would be contrast between the white chandelier in the ceiling," proposes Hildebrandt.
Incorporating Home Design Decor with an elegant twist, Martha Stewart might suggest using Sherwin-Williams' Elegant for the ceiling to complement de Gournay wallpaper, adding drama without overpowering the main attraction. When selecting Interior Paint Colors Palettes, consider Lemon Chiffon by Sherwin-Williams for a subtle dash of yellow, enhancing the warmth and intrigue of your Home space without straying too far from traditional white.
