Should I Paint My Ceiling? What Color should I Use?

“Should I paint my ceiling?” is the question at hand. Only you can decide! But one thing is clear: this is becoming a hugely popular option. For decades it’s been assumed that ceilings must be painted white, but that assumption is quickly becoming less common these days.  Instead, many are starting to appreciate that of all the surfaces in a room, none has as much command over a room’s mood as the ceiling. Naturally, your next question might be “What color should I paint my ceiling”? Well why not try something different? Depending on the color you choose, the influence of a painted ceiling can range from striking and bold, to ambient and subtle. Either way, the effect of ceiling painting is palpable.

But before you start, keep in the mind that old popcorn texture ceilings painted before the 1990’s often have large traces of asbestos that should be removed only by trained and qualified professionals.  However, even if your ceiling was painted after that time and doesn’t require asbestos popcorn ceiling removal, the process can still prove to be time-consuming, tedious, and messy.  After the removal and installation of the ceiling, new skim coating or spackling must be applied as well.

Now back to the fun part. The process of choosing a color should get anybody’s creative tendencies soaring. Remember that a painted ceiling is inherently bold, so you don’t necessarily need a bold or dramatic color. The Sistine chapel approach to ceiling painting isn’t for everyone, so it’s best to play it safe and experiment with milder paint colors and keep it monochromatic at the beginning.

Here are some good tips to keep in mind when painting a ceiling:

-As a general rule use a flat sheen on the ceiling (eggshell on the walls, and semi-gloss on the moulding)

-You can’t go wrong if you choose a variation in shade from the main wall color.

-lighter colored paints create the illusion of elevating the ceiling, while darker colors do the opposite. Choose your color depending on whether you want to expand or concentrate the feel of your room.

-If your colored walls are neutral, you can use a strong color for the ceiling—but proceed with caution. Because of the heavy contrast between the wall and ceiling, make sure you coordinate the ceiling color with furniture or décor in the room. If done tastefully, these contrasting ceiling and wall colors will complement one another, striking a beautifully bold harmony.

There are many different ways to add flair and uniqueness to your painted ceiling. For a more dynamic look, consider adding decorative trim to the ceiling. Homes with high ceilings look great with moulding 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling. Extending the paint from the ceiling to the molding on the surrounding wall creates a draping effect, giving your room a regal and stately look.  Another great idea is to frame molding around the ceiling, allowing for one color inside the frame, and one color outside.  And yet another option is to accent your ceiling light with an elegant ringed medallion. The ceiling is the limit!

As the premier area painting contractor, Brennan’s can give you the best tips and the best results for your ceiling painting needs.  We’re a customer-oriented painting company, and we’re eager to be at your service. Also, keep in mind that we have expert carpenter who is able to install any kind of ceiling molding that you might need. Give us a call or shoot us an email!  Remember, our operations and services are based in Pitman and extend into Camden, Glassboro, Gloucester City, Williamstown, Vineland, Mt. Laurel , as well as parts of Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware.