Painting ceilings?

[malibuconlee]

Is the ceiling flat or textured? If it's textured leave it be!!!

 

[DeniseinNS]

White.

 

[DawnCt1]

The entire back half of our house has cathedral ceilings with 2 sky lights in each of the three rooms. Years ago, the painter that we had suggested painting the walls S/W Dover white which was the same color as the walls. We did. I liked it. It didn't look "off white" but seemed to tone down the bright factor from "builders' white". When we put our house on the market this past year, the real estate agent told us that we absolutely had to repaint our ceilings WHITE. I had a hard time finding a white that wasn't "glaring or bluish" etc. but finally settled on Glidden ceiling white. Its a soft white. I like it and I am glad I did.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Its your room. Do what you want. I always say you are the one who lives there, so its ultimately up to you.

For me I don't need white ceilings but I'm not really a fan of having the ceiling painted the same color as the walls either. For example, we have a guest room that we painted yellow. Didn't want a white ceiling so we went blue. But then that inspired us to create a 1 wall mural LOL.

Now if I have crown trim around the edge of the ceiling then I could easily go the same color as the walls and break it up by painting the trim something different.

So if you want the same color on the ceiling then go for it. Its all about you. The worst thing that could happen is it gets repainted. But you could get 1 of those design cd's and try different paint colors on a picture of your room and get a feel for it beforehand. That way you'd be more confident and could avoid any possible repainting.

 

[Metro West]

White.

 

[SC Minnie]

I prefer white or antique white but when it's your house you can do whatever you want!

 

[arminnie]

a few years ago; the last time we painted-the sherwin williams rep told me that white ceilings were out-so since then we have painted the ceilings the same color as walls.

I like it.

Every decorator I have used for the last 15 or so years had told me that. I've moved a lot plus have two homes so that's been a few in different states.

But if someone likes white that is what they should use.

For a neutral color using the wall color in a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio with the white used for the trim color. The 3:1 ratio drove my painter crazy but it looked good.

For more bold color (like the deep red dining room or bright blue bedroom) a coordinating color like a tan was used. I am terrible at picking out colors so I rely totally on advice from people who have a clue. When I bought a place that needed all new paint in the early 90s I was just going to paint everything white so I wouldn't have to make a decision. HA!!! There must be 100s of "whites". I hired a decorator for 2 hours and that was the best money I ever spent.

 

[Tinkermommy]

I think it depends on the room.

I did hear that if you go with "white" choose a very light blue instead or a bluish white color.

It mimics the blue from the sky and makes a room feel taller. And we are used to seeing blue overhead, so it makes it more natural.

But really, do whatever you want. You can always repaint!

 

[JLTraveling]

I ran a painting/remodeling company for a number of years, and my vote is strongly against white. I chose "other" because I'm against using the same exact color as the walls as well. Ceilings can be any neutral, coordinating or contrasting color and it will look great, so long as you properly use a color wheel. Here's a list of About.com articles to get you started.

Incidentally, the theory about dark ceilings/dark colors making a room look smaller is an old wives' tale. The key is in the reflectiveness of the paints you choose coupled with strategic lighting (up lights for instance work wonders in combating shadowy corners). A subtle faux finish with a touch of glaze ups the reflectiveness dramatically. Little tips like that allow you to use bold color choices even in a tiny bathroom, never mind a 10 X 10 room. Once you learn to do it, you can even do a really bold color or faux finish in a small room that would be overwhelming and unwieldy in a larger space.

Good luck, whatever you decide!