Should I paint my ceiling?

Errrr, yes of course! Next question ….. Only joking, settle in and let’s discuss all things ceiling …

Historically, ceilings were afforded much more importance than they are today in interior design. Period homes had high ceilings that featured ornate cornicing, decorative roses & mouldings, and were sometimes even embossed with patterns stretching the entire surface of the ceiling.

Ceilings were treated with the same attention to detail as the rest of the room.

Of course, unlike many modern homes, Georgian and Victorian houses had the luxury of high ceilings, meaning such features weren’t competing with other decorative elements. Nowadays the ceiling appears to have fallen from favour; they are lower and often smooth although sometimes developers get excited and add artex (bit of a design crime in my mind!) Combined with simple, unfussy cornicing and then literally like icing on the cake they’re almost always painted a standard trade white. How utterly boring! Come with me whilst we explore the potential you can unlock by breaking the mould and including the ceiling in your design.

1. Painting your ceiling brilliant white is not your only option

So many people I meet paint their ceilings white because they believe it is what you are “supposed” to do, after all, white is versatile, forgiving and helps to reflect light, making the low ceilings feel loftier and more open. Plus, white tends to go with everything so it can feel like a safe choice. However, the issue for me comes when people select a brilliant white which often can seem harsh and may not tone well with your wall colour.

2. It is the 5th and often largest wall in your room

Whether you go for a complete contrast by using a gloss paint (which will help bounce light around) or a bold colour contrast, a tonal match or using the same colour as the wall; you will create a much deeper and more considered design by introducing colour to your ceiling.

Design Credits: Dunning & Everard - Stephanie Russo - Margaret Ash Design

3. No interested in painting the ceiling, how about papering it?

Decorating your ceiling is not something you are going to want to do very often so how about choosing a papered design? Whilst all very different in style all 3 of the papers below have the effect of drawing your eye up so that you consider the whole room.

Softness is introduced with the clouds, fun to the very traditional kitchen with the checked pattern and cosiness by wrapping the wall and ceiling in the same design.

Design Credits: Summer Thornton Design - Mendelson Group - Kelly Hohla Interiors

We’d love to see how you’ve decorated your room including the ceiling, so do tag us in your social media posts @beckyharrisondesigns

Until next time,

Becky x