Painting ceilings is a challenge for many homeowners. It’s true that ceiling painting can be tricky and should be done with much care, but for many the challenge comes when deciding what color of paint to use.
Just as with the color of a room’s walls, its ceiling color can significantly affect the ambiance within the space. We want to explore a few color concepts that you can use as a guide when preparing to paint any ceiling within your home.
How much of the room are you painting?
Before getting started, are you painting the entire room, or just the ceiling? Assuming it’s just the ceiling, it’s important that the shade of ceiling paint you use blends well with the wall color as well as any draperies and window treatments and even furniture upholstery and rugs.
Flat or gloss
Ceilings are typically painted with a flat (non-shiny) type of paint. This is a good choice when using an ivory or robin’s egg blue shade, for example. However, if you’re painting the ceiling with a darker shade like a rich brown or burgundy, a hint of gloss will bring out wonderful highlights. (Gloss paint will also enhance surface defects, so make sure your ceiling is in good shape.)
Lighting effect
The rule of thumb in paint colors is: light colors reflect; dark colors absorb. If you want a room to make the most of its interior lighting, go with a bright white or off-white. For a more somber lighting experience, choose a darker color. Remember that the color of the paint on the walls will also play a part in light distribution.
Outside light
When you think about ceiling paint colors, consider how much outside light permeates into the room during the times it’s most in use. If you have a lot of windows letting in light, a delicate yellow or airy pink ceiling will create a roomy, playful feeling. A wine-red or deep blue ceiling will produce a romantic glow when the room is lit with soft night time lights or candles.
Perception of a room’s size
Do you have a low ceiling that makes the room feel cramped? Painting it white or another very light color will create the impression of a higher ceiling. Conversely, if a high ceiling makes the room feel too expansive, a darker color will help to “tighten up” the space.
More than one color, or how about Faux?
When painting a ceiling that’s flat from wall to wall, you normally would want to use just one color of paint, although multi-colored design patterns on a ceiling can look very nice under the right circumstances. If you have a recessed ceiling, two contrasting shades of paint will give the room an elegant designer look. Even using a faux effect in the recessed portion can work wonderfully.
Keep in mind that these are just some of the things to consider when performing ceiling painting. If you’re still not sure how to proceed, it may be useful to consult with an expert from Franklin Painting, who can not only guide you in paint color choices but also can do the job with amazing professional-level results.
When it’s time for fresh paint on a ceiling, in an entire room or throughout the whole house, count on Franklin Painting to manage the project from start to finish with service that’s second to none. We’re here to help at (877) 646-7774. You can also request a free estimate.
Franklin Painting LLC – Call us Toll Free at 877-646-7774
or at our main office number 860-678-7701
160 Brickyard Road, Farmington, CT 06032