home trend – The Design Tabloid

Are you in the mood to do something a little unusual with your space… a bit daring even? Here is an atypical home trend you might want to try: painted ceilings. And no, I definitely DO NOT mean white – or off-white for that matter! I’m talking bold, bright, unapologetic colour!

Think about it. We decorate and colour-in our floors, walls and everything else, yet our ceilings remain a large unused stretch of open real-estate. Consider it as a fifth wall – another blank canvas to be painted.

Image Source: Justina Blakeney

Painting the Fifth Wall:

While a white-painted ceiling is a traditional and safe choice, it is also predictable and boring. It has been the norm for far too long! Giving your ceiling a fresh lick of paint is an unexpected and playful approach to add colour and interest to your interior without overwhelming the space.

It is said that a white ceiling appears higher and brighter, while a coloured ceiling appears lower. However, if the colour and application thereof is chosen with care it can actually make your ceiling look higher. It is therefore important to select the right colour and shade that will best suit en compliment your space.

Image Source: Magnus Anesund

Things to Keep in Mind When Painting Your Ceiling:

⊗ Height: If you are brave enough to opt for a very bright or dark painted ceiling, you have to ensure that you have the appropriate ceiling height. The last thing you want is to feel claustrophobic. The ceiling should preferably be 2.7m or higher if you want to prevent the room from feeling like it is closing in on you.

⊗ Colour Balance: If you choose to paint your ceiling in a coloured tone or darker shade, consider keeping your walls light or neutral to avoid colour overload. Light will cause the colour on your ceiling to reflect and bounce unto your walls. So, ideally one should pair a painted ceiling with white to create a beautiful contrast and a pleasing balance.

⊗ Light: Make sure your space has an abundance of natural light. Painting the ceiling of a dark room with little natural light will make it look like a cave.

Image Source: 47ParkAvenue

Different Painted Ceiling Configurations to Try:

⊗ The “Broad Brush”: Walls and ceilings are painted the exact same colour. This seamless effect, where walls flow directly into the ceiling without interruption, creates a sense of completion and a feeling that you are enveloped by colour. This works best with lighter shades and gentle hues.

⊗ The “One-Shade Darker”: The ceiling is painted the same colour as the walls but one or two tones darker. This effect gives your room an almost ombré, paint chip / deck effect. Use light to light-medium tones.

⊗ The “Kickstand”: The ceiling and a single wall are painted the same colour. This effect elevates the walls and ceiling by drawing the eye up the painted wall towards the ceiling. Here you can attempt a brighter colour for a playful and unusual room feature.

⊗ The “Ceiling with a Skirt”: The ceiling and cornice are painted in the same colour. You can also extend the paint effect further downwards to create a broad skirt or band of colour all around the walls of your room. This effect adds a sense of snug intimacy and cosiness.

⊗ The “Contrast”: The ceiling is painted in a bright or vivid pop of colour paired with white walls and mouldings to create a bold contrast. Be warned – this option is not for the faint of heart.