Do ceilings need to a shade lighter than the walls?

Question

I have all the wall colors picked out I just can't decide on the ceilings. Everyone gives me a different opinion when I ask. Some say same as the walls, others say go one shade lighter but same color as walls, and others say WHITE. I'm have a light tan color in the kitchen so I am thinking that the ceiling could be the same since it is a lighter color. But the other rooms are a dark brown, a medium brown and a green what do I do there?

Answer 1

I just did my kitchen a light tan color and was worried about doing the ceiling the same color, but I did it anyway and it turned out great. Looks nice and didn't make the area appear any darker or smaller than before.

Answer 2

I agree with SunonLea but would like to add to her comment. Most paint manufacturers now have websites with rooms where you can do the walls and the ceiling and choose which you like best. It helps enormously to see the effect before investing in a lot of paint. Anything light will cause a ceiling to look higher and naturally the opposite is true of darker paint. I have a home built in the 40's and the ceilings are not only low but irregular. I painted them all a very pale blue to match the sky. It not only makes the ceilings feel taller but also tricks the eyes into thinking the room is somewhat larger, too. If you have crown molding and/or wainscoting, this will usually be white (along with the doors and trim) but again there are no rules about that. Many of these websites will also explain colors which enhance sleep, study, creativity,digestion, etc. What's most important is what appeals to your senses. Go with your gut instincts about the colors, though. You are the one who'll be living with them, although, you can change them if you get tired of them. Good luck and enjoy.

Answer 3

i say don't paint them the same color as the wall!
whether you go (flat) white or colored on the ceiling is a matter of personal choice. if your ceilings are vaulted or higher than the regular 8 feet, then i say go for it, but i think a regular height ceiling would appear lower with even a shade or two darker than the walls.

Answer 4

There is no one 'right' answer. But there is some helpful information that will help you to make the 'right' decision for you. Light colors do help keep a room brighter, but we don't always want a brighter space. Dark colors help a surface receed. Maybe you have seen a dark ceiling in a restaurant. You might be able to tack a dark sheet/light sheet up to the ceiling to give you something to base a decision off of. And always look at look at magazines. Good luck.

Answer 5

And keep in mind that the color of the ceiling tends to reflect that color onto people - my sister painted her ceilings in a yellow-based beige-y tan and we ALL look washed-out and a little bit ill.

Answer 6

Sounds like you want to live in a cave, Paint the cielings WHITE

Answer 7

lighter, [white] the celing will reflect light and make the room brighter

Answer 8

No.