When you are looking at a room, the thought of changing the color of your ceiling paint is probably the last thing on your mind. For most people, the only time they even think about painting their ceiling is when they get spots of different color paint on it from painting their walls!

But the ceiling is important. It makes up the “fifth wall” in a room and gives a feeling of completeness. No matter how high or low your ceiling is, it has a vital role in each room.

Unfortunately, people still avoid painting their ceilings any color other than white, either because they think they can’t or they’re intimidated by working against gravity.

Well, today we are going to talk about how to change your ceiling paint color and “elevate” the look of any room.

 

Can You Paint Your Ceiling a Different Color?

Yes!

Chances are, your current ceiling is a simple white color. And with good reason. White is a fantastic color for your ceiling, for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

White paint reflects more light than other colors, which can help make a room feel more welcoming. It can even make a room feel larger than it actually is.

A wood-stained look is a great way to change your ceiling paint color while keeping a neutral color palette.
A wood-stained look is a great way to change your ceiling paint color while keeping a neutral color palette.

However, there are situations where you can opt for a different color. Rooms that have a lot of natural light, walls with a monochromatic neutral color scheme, and rooms with ceilings at least 9 or 10 feet tall, would be good options for a darker color.

Regardless of the color paint you choose, opt for a flat or matte finish. Glossier paints tend to reflect too much light for a ceiling and can be distracting.

Here are some of our other favorite ceiling paint colors:

Blue Ceiling

Color us delighted! Blue is often associated with the sky and the great outdoors, so any lighter shade is an excellent choice for ceiling paint. It will open the room up visually and make up for an incredibly calming space.

Yellow Ceiling

Rare is the person who can ignore a yellow ceiling—which is the point! It is a bright and cheerful color. When you have gray or neutral color walls, adding a yellow ceiling can add a pop of color to a room.

Brown tray ceiling in foyer

Brown Ceiling

Have some dark brown wooden floors? Pairing those with a brown ceiling can help add a cozy feeling, perfect for bedrooms or home theaters. You’ll likely want to go with a lighter shade of brown than what’s on the floors.

Red Ceiling

We can bet you did not expect this color here! Red can be an intense color. However, if done with style, it can contribute to some dramatic results. If you want your guests to gasp in amazement each time they enter a particular room, add red to your color palette—you will be surprised by how good it will turn out!

Grey tray ceiling in room with light grey walls and white trim

Match the Wall Color

If you’re still unsure, a safe bet is to match your current wall color—either in the exact same shade or a slightly darker/lighter hue—and accent with some white trim.

 

What Is The Difference Between Ceiling Paint And Regular Paint?

When buying paint for your ceiling, don’t opt for the same type of paint you use on your walls. There are differences between ceiling paint and regular paint! While it’s possible to change your ceiling paint color with the leftover cans from painting the walls, but most professional painters find that it’s worth it to reach for the ceiling paint instead.

Ceiling paint is much thicker than regular wall paint. It is designed to have a smoother finish and is easier to apply. Most ceiling painters use flat, matte acrylic paint. Wall paints tend to be glossier, a feature you probably don’t want in your ceiling.

The thicker ceiling paint is also going to splatter less than regular wall paint, creating less of a mess and making clean-up much easier.

 

How Do You Paint a Ceiling?

The steps to properly paint a ceiling are very similar to the ones needed to paint any other wall in your house.

  1. Clear the room as much as possible and use plastic sheeting to protect furniture and the floors from paint splatters.
  2. Sand the ceiling first to prepare the surface for the paint.
  3. Start with a primer to cover any flaws and block stains.
  4. Using a brush, start at the edges of the ceiling (be careful not to get paint on the walls).
  5. Once the edges have been painted, use a paint roller to cover the rest of the ceiling.
  6. Wear protective gear that includes safety glasses and a cap (to avoid splatters).

And with the help of this list, you are good to go!

popcorn ceiling with hvac vent

Can You Paint a Popcorn Ceiling?

Popcorn ceilings have fallen out of style in recent decades, but many homes still have them. Popcorn ceilings have a bumpy appearance, which helps to hide imperfections in the ceiling. The bumps also help to break up sound waves, cutting down on the chance of hearing any echoes in a room.

They also almost always come in white.

Does that mean you have to pay to get the popcorn ceiling removed before switching up your ceiling paint color? No!

It is easier, cheaper, and faster to paint your popcorn ceiling rather than have it removed! In addition, it will completely refresh the aesthetic without breaking the bank. Not to mention the mess you will be avoiding!

How To Paint a Popcorn Ceiling

First, clean the popcorn ceiling with a brush. Be careful not to knock off too much of the popcorn texture. It’s inevitable that you’ll knock off some, but try to avoid clearing large areas.

Once the ceiling has been cleaned, make sure you have enough paint. One of the best paints for a popcorn ceiling is an interior acrylic latex paint. You’ll need more paint to cover a popcorn ceiling than you would for a flatter texture, so pick up a little extra paint while you’re at the store.

Then, paint the ceiling using a roller with just a slight amount of pressure. Be careful not to knock any of the popcorn off while painting, and go back through and fill in any gaps or spots you missed with a brush.

 

Conclusion

As you think about changing up the paint in your room, don’t forget about the ceiling paint! Adding a fresh coat of paint can be the finishing touch for a new room, or even add a splash of color that captures the attention.

When you are ready to spruce up your place, Scott McDonald Painting is here to make your dreams come true! We can commit to helping you choose an excellent ceiling paint that would match your wishes and preferences. Our attention to detail and complete dedication to the work are what make us worthwhile.

Feel free to contact us today, and let’s start improving your home together!