do i paint the ceiling the same color as the wall?
By on January 12th, 2009
By popular demand, a re-post of a design question often asked.
Question: What do you think about painting the ceiling in a room the same color as the walls?
L.D. –Los Angeles, CA
CJ: Thank-you for your question. Here are my thoughts. If you are dealing with a room with angled ceilings (like the one shown to the right) I always suggest painting the entire room the same color. Angles can disrupt energy flow and cause an imbalance in the space. Painting the ceilings and the walls the same color (in this case) assist in creating balance and harmony, making it feel whole.
In other words, you don’t want to draw attention to this type of ceiling. If the room is small and square with lower ceilings and you opt for a darker color on the walls, then I suggest painting the ceiling a lighter color which will lift the energy above you and suggest a higher ceiling. If the room is bigger and has a higher ceiling you might try painting the ceiling a darker color to (energetically) bring down. We humans like to get cozy and big rooms with high ceilings tend to feel more like museums and are a big offputting for cozy living.
One last thing. Don’t be afraid to paint your ceilings the same color as your walls. Experiment and see how it feels. Remember you can always contact a professional color consultant in your area who can assist you. Let me know how it goes. –Cheryl
January 13th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Hello there Cheryl! I totally agree with painting the ceilings the same color as the walls. It is one of those things that for some reason makes most of my clients uneasy. Just yesterday I had a client go “dear in the headlights” on me when we suggested that. But I can assure you, even in small rooms, actually especailly in small rooms, painting the ceiling opens up the space. The removal of the deliniation between the ceiling and the top of the wall blurs the line so you feel like the ceiling is actually higher. It’s a surprisingly subtle and comfortable design element that lets you focus on what’s in the room rather than being distracted by the large white sheet that is hovering over your head.
Anyway, I couldn’t help to respond as I get this question all the time myself.
Thanks for your great blog!
March 8th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
I have 9 foort ceiling and I am painting the walls and ceiling the same color. Will this make the room look smaller. The color is ryegress.
March 9th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Hi Janice, In my opinion, painting the walls and ceiling the same color - ryegrass - will not make the room look smaller. It will connect the feeling of the room. I would keep the doors and trim a separate color. Hope that helps! Keep me posted.
April 28th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I’ve been looking for answers for an hr. online. This is exactly what i needed to hear. The tile guys are busy at work right now. I will need to choose my paint colors by tomorrow. I wasn’t sure about the walls and ceiling but since the lower half of the walls are tile w/ a pretty glass mosaic border i thought painting the ceiling white or even a lighter color than the walls would be too much. I like the idea of the same color. I agree I think it will make the room flow better. Thank you !
May 31st, 2009 at 3:43 am
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May 31st, 2009 at 7:57 am
[...] do i paint the ceiling the same color as the wall Welcome to Posted by root 8 hours ago (http://www.planetpinkngreen.com) Question what do you think about painting the ceiling in a room the same please leave an intelligent and civil comment name required planet pink n 39 greengraphic design by michael taylor mt design wordpress coding by steve johnson sawtooth internet podca Discuss | Bury | News | do i paint the ceiling the same color as the wall Welcome to [...]
June 29th, 2009 at 9:48 am
I have two rooms that share the same cieling a dining room familyroom,and a kitchen greatroom on the other side the cieling is vaulted 21 feet. The walls are painted (gobie desert) a sand color. should i paint the cieling in this space the same color