5 Good Reasons Why You Should Paint Your Ceiling
Say goodbye to mainstream design and hello to painted ceilings! When I laid out my plans for a guest room/office makeover, my intent was to infuse the walls with moody colors. But as I began adding architectural features, rich hues, IKEA PAX hacked built-ins and functional art pieces, I realized that a rich color like blue teal would look best on the fifth wall. What an appropriate topic for this week 5 of the One Room Challenge!
2019 ORC Schedule: Week 1: Inspiration // Week 2: Architectural Interest // Week 3 IKEA PAX Hack - // Week 4 - Mystery Hack // Week 5 - The 5th Wall // Week 6: Reveal Time
Affiliate links may be included in this post. This means that should you purchase a linked product, I may receive a small commission, but at no additional cost to you. To read my full disclosure click here. This project was made possible through materials donated by Home Depot.
Why Should You Consider Painting Your Ceiling?
Granted painting a rich color on a ceiling is a daring move. Never in a million years did I ever think I would do it. But I've lived with white ceilings my whole life and I'm definitely ready for something new. Beyond boredom however, are 5 solid reasons why your should at least consider giving more attention to wall number 5.
1. When Your Design Choices are Limited
Nothing stifles creative flow more than a private room (not a sun room or patio, etc) that is chock full of windows and doorways. If this is your dilemma, making the ceiling your canvas might be more rewarding than you think. All of that light could mean that you’ll enjoy an array of ceiling colors throughout the day. Ohhh how exciting!
2. If You Have Low Ceilings
You might think that painting already low ceilings would make a space feel closed in. The color used though is what makes the difference. Rich blue or green colors mimic nature and give a feeling of limitlessness (in other words, more space). More luminous colors like pastels, especially when the walls are painted in the same color, add a certain grandness. Bottom line, if you want to create the illusion of higher ceilings - paint them.
3. For a Cozy Vibe
Well designed spaces with painted ceilings are seductive, warm and cozy. Sitting in a room with a painted ceiling is like eating by candlelight. Absolutely romantic. Period.
4. When Your Space is Horizontally Small
In places like New York, where pricey apartments are often the size of matchboxes, a painted ceiling is a welcomed relief. It's cheaper - and easier - than wallpapering over your head. It also gives you something pleasant to gaze at while keeping your walls clear of visual clutter. Every small space - especially a small one - needs a bit a negative space (or breathing room).
5. When the Ceilings Are Too Tall
Sometimes a space has just the right amount of windows and doors. Even better, is that there is ample room for creative expression. But when the ceilings are so freakishly high that your space feels like a gymnasium, it’s time to take another route. A rich dark coat of paint on that ceiling is a great remedy. Ironically, when used this way it gives the illusion of a lower ceiling.
My Own Daring Move to Paint the Ceiling
The above points are what guided my decision to take the leap and paint the ceiling in my guest room / office. The color I chose to paint my ceiling is Cabana Blue by Behr. It’s a luminous moody blue-green teal that changes colors throughout the day.
During the day it reads deep sea blue (see the image below).
But as night falls, it transforms to different shade of Caribbean green. The image below has been digitally modified to mimic how it appears to human eyes in real life. Although this has been modified, it is unbelievably accurate.
I am beside my self with the results. Not too dark, nor too light. Just perfect for this south facing room that gets sun all day. This color is the perfect backdrop for my thrifted vintage light fixture.
I've got a few other lose ends to tighten up in this space before the reveal. I look forward to meeting you at the finish line.
To keep up with details not captured in my blog posts, follow me on Instagram to view my highlights and stories. Please share your thoughts on the idea of painting the ceiling a color other than white or beige. I always enjoy reading your comments.
*NOTE: To view the other participants in this challenge hop on over to the ORC website.