White ceilings seem to be the default everywhere you look. Even in homes with walls painted non-traditional colors, such as those painted with bright or dark palettes, the ceiling almost always remains white. Why is this?
White ceilings are favored by homeowners and realtors because white reflects natural light and makes a room appear brighter and larger. Painting ceilings is also difficult, more so than painting walls. The ceiling usually remains white even if the walls in the same room are painted colors other than white.
The rest of this article will explore the reasons behind ceilings behind painted white, the logic behind these reasons, and situations where painting the ceiling is a good idea.
Why are Ceilings Usually Painted White?
Ceilings are usually painted white for two reasons: the first is that it helps reflect natural light and make a room seem brighter and roomier. The second reason is that ceilings are difficult to paint, especially high, vaulted, or textured ceilings.
Reflection of Natural Light
White ceilings are so common because they do the best job of reflecting natural light. This makes a room seem larger and brighter, which is especially important for people buying or selling a home.
Because brighter rooms usually seem larger than darker painted rooms of the same size, the illusion of extra space raises the home value and makes it more likely to sell. White ceilings are also a nice, neutral paint choice that most people will resonate with. Few people want to buy a home that they will have to repaint and renovate to make into their own.
Ceilings are Difficult to Paint
Ceilings are much more difficult to paint than walls. The hours high up on a ladder, the repetitive motion of the paint roller along the ceiling, and the sore, painful muscles resulting from keeping your head tilted back for extended periods of time all attribute to the consensus that painting a ceiling is a miserable job – and that’s just if your ceiling is perfectly smooth, low, and flat.
For those with high, vaulted, or textured ceilings, painting can go from a miserable job to a near-impossible nightmare. It is almost always easier to keep the ceiling white – which most construction companies have as the default – than to paint it another color. Especially if you ever plan on selling your home.
When Should I Paint my Walls and Ceiling the Same Color?
When deciding whether to paint your walls and ceiling the same color, the size of the room and the atmosphere you wish to convey are important considerations. Dark or light paint colors are more highly recommended when choosing to paint the ceiling and walls the same color, while medium paint tones are usually detrimental and not recommended.
The following instances may be beneficial for having the same color for the walls and ceiling.
- Small rooms – while it’s usually not recommended to painte a smaller room dark paint color, since it usually makes the room seem smaller than it would with light-colored paint, painting the ceiling and walls a dark paint color in a small room can invoke feelings of coziness and intimacy.
- Lighter paint colors make a small color appear roomier. This is particularly effective with painting small bathrooms, as it creates the illusion of being roomier.
- Large rooms – painting the walls and ceiling the same color in a large room, either with light or dark paint, can tie the room together and give a feeling of unity. This is helpful if you want to showcase your furniture and other decor, as the unified room color will draw viewers’ attention to the center of the room.
- Asymmetrical or vaulted ceilings – painting the ceiling and walls the same color in rooms with unique ceilings can simplify the room and make it seem less overwhelming.
When Should the Ceiling be a Lighter Paint Color than the Walls?
If you want to paint the walls of a room but the concept of painting the ceiling seems daunting, keep the following in mind to help you feel more comfortable with your decision to leave the ceiling alone.
- You prefer simplicity
- You desire a subtle, low-contrast look
- Most paint colors on walls pair best with a white ceiling – plus it may prevent you from regretting or feeling overwhelmed by your paint choice.
When Should the Ceiling be a Darker Color than the Walls?
While unconventional, there are some who choose the paint the ceiling a darker color than the room’s walls. Depending on the type or size of room, this can be beneficial.
- White-walled rooms – painting the ceiling a dark paint color will give a bold, high-contrast look to any room.
- Rooms with decorative trim – if you have crown molding or decorative trim, a dark ceiling can help accentuate and draw attention to these details.
- You want a cozy feel – a darker ceiling will give your room a cozy, intimate feeling. This is even true of high ceilings, which can ordinarily make a room feel too big or impersonal.
When Should I Keep my Ceiling White?
If you are considering painting your ceiling, regardless of whether you plan on painting your walls as well, the following are some key factors you should consider before picking up a paint roller.
- Your room has a lot of bright, high-contrast colors – this can be the walls, the furniture, the decor, or any combination thereof. If this is the case, it is unlikely the color you paint your ceiling will pair well with the room’s existing color combinations.
- It is the ceiling of the living room or kitchen – in common, shared spaces, simpler is usually better. This is especially true if you plan on changing up your furniture or decor in any way, as future color combinations may not pair well with a ceiling painted a color other than white.
- You have a textured or imperfect ceiling – textured ceilings are a difficult endeavor to remove and replace, which must be done before painting. If the ceiling has holes, water stains, or any other kind of visible damage, painting may only exacerbate the imperfections.
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