4 reasons to paint your ceiling dark

4 reasons to paint your ceiling dark if you are considering going a little less nontraditional with paint colors on your ceilings

Every since I moved into my house almost 20 years ago, I have always treated the ceilings like the 5th wall. When I walk into a space I tend to look up. Do you ? So I think, why shouldn’t the ceiling get equal attention like the rest of our walls?

Several ceilings in my home are not painted the traditional white that we so often see. They are either the wall color of the room or something that provides more contrast against the white walls. In the photo above I used the same color on the walls ( Light french gray at 90%) that I did on the ceiling. I painted the trim Light French Gray to provide some contrast in my entryway.

Another example of color on the 5th wall is my front porch ceiling in a haint blue.

I recently painted the ceiling in the screen porch a darker color.  I love the contrast between the walls and the open outdoor space. Today I wanted to share a few reasons you may want to consider painting your ceiling dark. I am taking all the worry out of it for you.

4 reasons to paint your ceiling dark

To add contrast to a white or light-colored room

Although it’s a bold and risky move, dark paint on the ceilings in a room with white or light-colored walls will give the space so much contrast. The entryway below is a good example of the contrast against the walls, ceiling, and floor. You can see how my porch looked before I added the darker color to the ceiling here.

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It adds drama 

Let the 5th wall be the show-off in your space like it is in my guest bath. Years ago I painted the ceiling black (in a flat finish). I wanted to add a punch to the style and mimic the black in the checkered tile floor. All white in this space wouldn’t have been near as fun or interesting. Don’t you agree?

Draw attention to your crown molding or trim

A dark ceiling will create contrast against your woodwork and make your accents stand out.

Create cozier in your space

Despite the belief that dark ceilings make rooms look smaller or closed in….they don’t by the way, they do add a certain coziness that white ceilings do not. 

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More tips if you are going to paint your ceiling dark

Choose a color that is 2-3 shades darker than the wall color. This will help to create enough contrast in your space. Colors that work well with white walls are black, charcoal gray, or darker blue shades.

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Flat or satin finishes work best and will eliminate any shine or sheen on your ceiling. In my outdoor space, I went with an exterior satin finish that will hold up better with the outdoor elements. 

I hope this post debunks the myths and feelings that people may have had about darker ceilings. Now, who’s ready to paint their ceiling dark?

grateful

for the gift of a new day