how to paint your accent ceiling like a pro
Ceiling paint adds dimension to this sunroom
Accent walls have always been a way to add a splash of color to a space without committing to a whole room of color. We especially saw this trend escalate in the 90s with the rise of the popular red wall! In any case, painting an accent wall is a great way to add character to your space or highlight specific furniture in the room. Lately, I’ve been loving the twist on this tradition – the accent ceiling.
Of course, painting your ceiling is not a new concept. During the Renaissance, Michelangelo and other great artists painted entire murals on the ceiling to create the illusions of windows looking up to the heavens. Even today, if you travel to the southern region of the United States, like to the Carolinas or Georgia, you will see tons of porches and interior ceilings painted Haint Blue – a watery, sky-blue color that was used as protection to ward off evil spirits.
Photo Credit: Freeland Painting. An example of Haint blue
Although many paint their ceilings, painting an accent ceiling or choosing to use your ceiling as a pop of color can feel risky. Our ceilings take up the real estate above our heads and we often don’t naturally think about them, or their color, at all! However, an accent ceiling can be one of the best ways to make your space come to life.
Let’s look into how to create your accent ceiling in the right way to enhance the color & character of your home. From choosing the right color to considering the overall space, there are a few things you must make note of before taking the plunge. First, ask yourself…
Trim or No Trim?
In progress design photo of a high gloss ceiling finish to add richness and texture to a grasscloth wallpapered room
When I revamp my clients’ spaces, I always love painting ceilings in homes with no trim – I’ve found it adds interest to what would normally be white drywall on top! If you do have trim, consider painting the trim the color of the ceiling to increase the depth and height. Speaking of altering the feel of the depth & height of your home, let’s talk about…
Color Drenching
Color drenching is when you paint your walls, trims, doors, and ceilings the same color. This is one of my favorite techniques to create illusions in your space, whether you’re aiming for a snug and intimate hideaway or a large and expansive porch. Drenching is especially effective when you choose a darker color for a more moody or cozy area. However, I’ve also helped clients make their spaces appear more expansive with off-white and greige colors!
*PRO TIP: Be careful when choosing jewel tones for color drenching. It can make you feel like you’re drowning in a fish tank if you go all blue or heighten your anxiety if you choose all reds, oranges, and purples!
Sample your accent Ceiling Color Options
Get color samples from the paint store, or purchase large-size samples from Samplize before taking the plunge. I always recommend holding the color above your head or, if you can, taping the sample to your ceiling. Keep in mind that colors will always appear darker when face down since light reflects differently than if you were to look at the color at eye level.
how to choose the right ceiling color
Once you have your color options, there are a few things to keep in mind before finalizing your choice. First, choose lighter tones or go up a few shades on the color gradient if you’re hoping for the ceiling to be more of an accent compared to a huge contrast of color.
If you do want something more dramatic, I always recommend choosing a contrast to what’s on your walls – like that dramatic red wall trend of the 90s!
If you have neutral walls, it can be fun to play with color. I consider sky blue or sage green neutral colors to a greige or off-white wall. If you’re looking for neutrals that make an impact, choose deep, earthy brown tones or sienna oranges – just be sure to put the sample on the ceiling to make sure you love the pop of color and that the tones match!
Not all beiges, greiges, and off-whites are the same, and the undertones can be tricky!
If your walls aren’t neutral, find a color wheel (you can always Google one!) and use that as your starting point. Find the color of your wall and go either two spaces to the right or left to find a contrasting color that makes just the right impact you’re looking for. Of course, if you aren’t sure how to make the right choice before taking the plunge, I’m always here for expert color consults!
Consider the Room
Photo credit: Pawan Preet Kaur
Last but not least and most importantly, consider your space! How do you want this room to make you feel?
Warm and cozy?
Joyful and lively?
Calm and peaceful?
The color you choose, and how it impacts the space overall, should evoke these feelings within you. That’s when you know you’ve found the one!
If you want to finalize your ceiling accent idea with confidence, here’s how I can help:
And if we haven’t met yet, it’s nice to virtually meet you – I’m Kat, an interior designer and founder of Urban Lark. I turn spaces into statements and I’d love to do that for you. Here’s how we can connect:
Browse my services. From total home makeovers to ceiling color consults, I help clients of all kinds create spaces they love. Hopefully, your home is next!
Find out which design style suits you best. Of course, nobody fits in perfectly to any category, but this quiz will give you insight into how you can start thinking about your dream space.
Sign up for weekly design inspiration. Join the others who tune into the Urban Lark Newsletter to master their modern-vintage design IQs – sign up for behind-the-scenes content and Kat thoughts.
To get in touch directly, shoot me a message or connect with me on Instagram!
