Painting the ceiling may seem like a waste of time, but it can really change the look and feel of a room and even change the entire style and color scheme.
Many people think that the best way to paint a room in their house is to paint the walls and ceiling the same color. Several things lead them to do this. It’s cheaper, you only have to paint one coat, it dries faster, and you can start painting other rooms from scratch.
At first it seems like the best choice, but after living in your house with that ceiling, you’ll wonder why you did it.
One of those “ehhhh” decisions that doesn’t have to be hard is whether to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. It’s not a big deal in and of itself, but it could change how you feel about your space and how much you use it.
Should the ceiling be the same color as the walls? There are different answers to this question, so let’s look at the pros and cons of trying to achieve this look.
Should the ceiling be white or match the walls?
There are a few things to think about if you want to paint your ceiling the same color as your walls. One reason is that it makes the room feel smaller and cozier. It’s also good for small rooms because it makes the ceiling look lower, which makes the room feel bigger. This trick can be used to paint an accent wall in a bedroom or office, for example.
When it comes to painting the ceiling, you have more than one choice. One option is to choose a color that goes well with the walls, such as white or one of the other colors on your wall palette. If you go this route, remember that each room has its own natural light and mood.
For example, if you paint the ceiling dark brown and the walls light blue, the room will feel very different than if you painted the ceiling white or off-white and the walls dark green.
If you’re not sure how your choices will affect the overall look of your room, take pictures of yourself in front of different painted ceilings so you can see how each color looks from all angles (including the ceiling).
Advantages of painting the walls and ceiling the same color
Shows off high ceilings.
Can make a room look larger.
Adds height to the walls.
May be less expensive than painting the entire ceiling. If you’re painting the walls and ceiling yourself, it may be faster to do both at once instead of one at a time.
This is because if you start on one side of your house and work your way around, things can get messy. If both sides end up the same, it would be a waste of time to stop and clean up before starting again.
When you paint ceilings this way, the edges between the wall and the ceiling are smooth, with no ugly stains or lines to show where one ends and the other begins. This makes your finished product look more professional.
Drawbacks of coloring walls and ceiling alike
It may make the room look too crowded. In this case, it might be best to use a bold color on just one wall.
If you want the walls and ceiling to look the same, you may have to paint the ceiling twice. This will create more work and cost you more money.
If the color doesn’t match perfectly where there’s no ceiling or wall, it can look like a mistake (for example, some people leave their door frames white). The problem with painting these two different colors is that when they dry, there is a clear line where the two colors meet, which isn’t so nice.
If your ceiling and walls are the same color, your room may look too busy or cluttered. This is not a big deal if you have a large room. If you have a small room with a lot of furniture and other decorations, it might be hard to see up there.
If you go this route, you may have to paint more than just the ceiling. When you paint an entire wall, you have to think about more than just covering up a spot. You have to think about how much paint will be used overall and how that might affect things like the humidity in your home (which can cause cracking).
What colors make a room feel bigger and brighter?
Sometimes the best way to make a room feel larger is to paint the ceiling a lighter color. This can be especially helpful if the room feels small because the furniture is dark and heavy. A white ceiling adds just the right amount of light to make the room feel larger and more open.
But this isn’t true for every color on every wall, so don’t assume that painting every wall in your house a light color will make it look bigger. The same goes for darker colors: when paired with dark furniture or flooring, they can also make a small room feel even smaller.
If I paint the ceiling and walls the same color, will the room have a larger appearance?
A good idea is to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. It makes a room feel bigger, but you also need to choose a color that goes well with both surfaces.
Painting your ceiling white might seem like a good idea, but it could make the room feel smaller and more crowded. So if you want to go for that look, stick with gray or tan. People say these colors make a room feel calm and open, which is what we’re talking about here.
Both walls and ceiling are gray
Gray is a common color, and for good reason.
Light Gray: If you want a modern look that still feels warm and inviting, a light gray like Benjamin Moore’s Cloud Cover is a great choice. It won’t get lost in the ceiling because it’s not too dark. Instead, it will create a nice transition between your walls and ceiling. This can be very helpful if you have cathedral ceilings or ceilings that are very high.
Dark Gray: If you want something more dramatic, try Benjamin Moore’s “Smoke Signal,” which is a darker shade of gray. It will add weight to your room and make it feel cool and unique.
Images of rooms where the walls and ceilings are the same color
Seeing examples of a subject is sometimes the best way to learn about it. This is true in many situations, but especially when it comes to painting the walls and ceilings the same color. So that you can see how they look, I found some pictures of rooms that have done this well.
How to paint the ceiling
Use a lighter color on your ceiling if you want it to look higher. Choose a darker color if you want it to look lower.
If you are going to paint over old wallpaper, be sure to remove it first so that the new paint will adhere well.
If you have wood floors in a room, don’t choose two different shades of white (or another light color) for the walls and ceiling. This can create an unattractive contrast between the two surfaces.
Instead, try using just one color in each room, rather than two colors that don’t go well together. For example, use taupe or gray as an accent color in these rooms instead of two different colors.
Conclusion
If you have high baseboards and carpeting, it’s a good idea to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. This makes the ceiling look like an extension of the walls. But you will still need to paint decorative moldings, picture frames, or a chair rail to make your room stand out. Cost-wise, painting the ceiling the same color as the walls saves you from having to pay for another coat of paint. It also gives you the option of creating a darker contrast with the walls or a lighter contrast if you want something that’s airier and brighter. From an aesthetic standpoint, painting the ceiling white gives your room a unified look. Colorful ceilings can be a striking contrast to the rest of your decor, but some people don’t like how they disrupt the smooth look of their home. If you paint the walls and ceiling the same color, the room will look more cohesive. If you paint them different colors, you can add depth and create a focal point. In conclusion, there are more reasons to paint the ceiling a different color than there are reasons not to. It usually makes sense, especially in rooms with high ceilings. Your landlord may also tell you that you can’t paint your walls or ceilings a certain color. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but the tips above should help you make a choice that fits your apartment and shows off your personal style.
