Should I Paint My Ceiling And What Color Should I Use?
"Should I paint my ceiling and what color should I use?" is a common question in recent years. Traditionally it’s been assumed that ceilings must be painted white, but the times are changing. There’s no question that ceilings with vibrant colors that contrast with a room’s walls are an emerging and exciting trend. A ceiling with an unusual color can cast a lovely ambience over a room. Why not switch things up? Depending on the color you choose, your ceiling may give your room a striking and bold look, or a subtle and ethereal vibe. The sky (err, the ceiling), is the limit!
But before you begin, bear in mind that the old popcorn texture ceilings painted before the 1890’s often have large traces of asbestos that should be removed only by trained and qualified professionals. However, even if your ceiling was painted after that time and doesn’ t need asbestos popcorn ceiling removal, the process can still prove to be time-consuming, tedious, and messy. When you’ve successfully completed the removal and the ceiling installation, new skim coating or spackling must be applied also.
Now for the creative part. Be aware that because ceilings cover such a huge surface area in any room (the only other surface as big would be the floor), a colored one will influence the feel of your room substantially. You don’t need a big bold color to notice the effects of your ceiling. Play it safe at first, and experiment with mild monochromatic color schemes.
Tips for Ceiling Painting
-As a general rule use a flat sheen on the ceiling (eggshell on the walls, and semi-gloss on the moulding.
-It can be an excellent idea to use a variation of the color already on the surrounding walls (instead of using a comnpletely different color). Play it safe the first time around and maybe try contrasting a darker blue and lighter blue (as opposed to a dark blue and a bright red).
-lighter colors create the illusion of heightening the ceiling, while darker colors drop the ceiling. If you’re room feels cluttered, consider using a lighter shade. If you want to make it feel cozier and less expansive, use something a little darker.
-If the surrounding walls in your room are neutral, you might opt for a bold ceiling color. However, do this cautiously. The striking contrast between the wall and ceiling should be tied together by furniture that is coordinated with the ceiling. When done right, your room will exude a striking and beautiful harmony.
Other ways to maximize on the potential of your painted ceiling include adding decorative trim or molding. If you have high ceilings, your walls will look great with molding 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling. Extend the paint from the ceiling to the molding in order give a kind of draping effect. Another great idea is to frame molding around the ceiling in order to separate two separate colors. Ringed medallion shaped paint accents around a light fixture can also add uniqueness and flair to your ceiling.
There are a variety of options when it comes to ceiling painting and MB Jessee can help you with all of them. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or for help!
photo credit: simplyirresistibledesigns.blogspot.com/ image
