how do i decrease the width and raise the ceiling height of a room?

Question

If i were to paint a large room with an average high ceiling, would I use dark colors on the walls to achieve the illusion of a smaller room and a light color to lift the ceiling? Or do darker colors create more depth in a room?

Answer 1

The most cost effective way to decrease the width is to add in a closet. The doors can be sliding and decorated with a wal paper so as to lessen the appearance of a closet.

Raising the ceiling is more complex and costly. It really depends on the construction of the ceiling, which way the joists run, if its concrete, or whatever. If you want the appearance of a higher ceiling try using some of the stick on mirrors available at most home improvement centers. This one is not easy to answer. Have a home interior decorator and a contractor provide you free estimates and go from there. They may be able to provide some cost effective recommendations.

Answer 2

Vertical lines make a room seem higher. This can be achieved with stripes or even tall slender mirrors or paintings placed on the walls. Darker colors make a room seem smaller.

Answer 3

Paint the walls and the ceiling the same color and your eye will be fooled as to where the ceiling starts therefore your eye wont be immediatly drawn to the low ceilings. If you can afford it you could also add crown molding at the ceiling.

Answer 4

Here is an article that may be helpful in answering this question.

Answer 5

a big couch and a sledgehammer.