DO CEILINGS HAVE TO BE WHITE?
Painting ceilings white is the traditional way to go, but it isn’t the only option. In fact, painting your ceiling with colour can earn you style points, despite what your decorator, builder or great Aunt Mable might have to say!
But maybe you need a little more convincing - or some ammunition to blast away the naysayers?
REASONS TO DITCH WHITE CEILINGS
Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely a place for white ceilings. They are classic for a reason. Just don’t believe that’s the only option, despite what your painter, builder or great Aunt Mable might be telling you.
Who says white ceilings aren’t the only way? Well, interior designers for one. They often call the ceiling the fifth wall. By that they mean that the ceiling is a decorating opportunity, just like having another wall. And that’s right, you guessed, it doesn’t have to be painted white!
CEILINGS THAT MAKE A STATEMENT
People around the world are beginning to question plain, white ceilings. ‘Statement ceilings’ was one of the fastest growing searches on Pinterest in 2017. While some options are ambitious (concrete and cement, anyone?) it’s possible to add some drama to your ceiling with a humble tin of paint.
Kimberly from Swoonworthy’s bathroom is a great example. Kimberly has added interest to her mainly white bathroom by adding dark paint that she's carried up on to the ceiling. Isn’t it lovely? Isn’t it chic?
The black ceiling adds interest and drama. Image: Swoonworthy
PAINTING WALLS AND CEILING THE SAME COLOUR
Yes, it’s okay to match wall and ceiling colour. It’s a trend that’s been growing in popularity over the last four years or so. Apartment Therapy wrote about it back in 2014.
This look is a favourite of mine and I love it even more if you fully commit and do all the woodwork too. Oh, and radiators as well unless you want them to be a feature.
I’ve done this in my bedroom:
A single paint colour throughout is soothing. Using white here would draw the eye to the low ceiling height.
No white ceiling in my living room, either. The walls and the ceiling are the same dark colour. You’ll have to peek through the mirror in the picture below to see what I mean!
Let me tell you why I’ve matched the colour on the walls and ceiling:
It looks awesome! OK, that’s not massively helpful (but it is true)
I have bold colour on the living room and bedroom walls. A white ceiling would be too much of a contrast. Your eye would jump there and there’s nothing interesting going on
Using a single colour paint is restful and soothing - walls blend into the ceiling, ceiling into walls. Are you relaxing just thinking about it? That’s because there are no hard, jarring lines
We have an angled ceiling in our loft bedroom and the single paint colour simplifies the shape. Walls and ceiling blend. If the ceiling were painted white, the fact that part of it is low and angled would become a focal point, and not in a good way
By the way, if you’re liking the bold walls in my bedroom and living room, make sure you check out my post with tips on how to make dark walls look amazing.
But back to ceilings. It may feel like a bold step, but once you try colour on there, I’m convinced you’ll be converted.
I definitely am. Rather than thinking long and hard about using colour on the ceiling, I’m more likely to think long and hard about using white again.
How about you? Has this given you a nudge (or the ammunition you need!) to move away from the standard white ceiling? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Victoria x
P.S. Don’t go yet!
Want more decor inspiration?
If you’re going for a bold look on your ceiling and want daring accessories to finish off the look, check out my post with the best stores for personality-packed interiors.
If you’re looking to boost your home’s overall style, check out my post outlining the 5 things that every stylish home does well. Get a cuppa, there’s loads to get stuck into!
Struggling to pin down your paint colours - or don’t know where to start? I’ve got some easy tips to get you going.
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