When it comes to home makeovers, walls often get all the attention. But have you ever considered looking up for inspiration? Painting your ceiling a color is an often-overlooked design element that can completely transform a room.
By experimenting with color, you can turn your ceiling into a stunning focal point that adds depth, character, and a unique personality to your home.
Ceilings offer an often-overlooked opportunity to extend the design of a room upward. Whether you’re interested in creating striking contrasts, enhancing the coziness of a space with softer tones, or tapping into traditional color ideas, painting the ceiling can be a game-changer in your interior design. Below, we’ll explore 12 ceiling paint colors that break away from the norm and inspire a fresh approach to interior design.
1 – Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore
Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore is a rich, dark navy that adds a sense of drama and sophistication to any room. When applied to a ceiling, this deep blue can create a striking contrast with white walls, making the ceiling the star of the space. This color is ideal for rooms with a coastal theme, where the deep blue can evoke the feeling of an expansive sky or ocean.
In a modern, minimalist room, Newburyport Blue adds a bold touch that anchors the design without overwhelming it. Consider using it in spaces where you want to create a sense of intimacy and coziness, such as a study, library, or dining room. This color works particularly well with white or light gray walls, as the contrast creates a dynamic yet balanced look.
For a more luxurious feel, pair Newburyport Blue with metallic accents like brushed nickel or chrome. These reflective surfaces will catch the light and add a touch of glamour to the room. Additionally, incorporating textures such as velvet or silk in your furnishings can enhance the richness of the color, creating a space that feels both inviting and opulent.
Photo left: BENJAMIN MOORE, NEWBURY PORT BLUE. COURTESY FRANCES V. ISAAC PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo right: BENJAMIN MOORE, BLUE PORCELAIN. COURTESY JULIE SOEFER
2 – Blue Porcelain by Benjamin Moore
Blue Porcelain by Benjamin Moore offers a subtle, muted blue that brings a sense of calm and elegance to any room. This particular shade works beautifully in spaces where you want to create a soft and serene atmosphere, such as bedrooms or living rooms. It’s a great choice for homeowners who appreciate color but want to avoid overwhelming the space.
When choosing Blue Porcelain for a ceiling, consider pairing it with lighter walls, neutral furniture, and soft textiles. The muted nature of this blue allows it to blend harmoniously with various design elements without dominating the room. For those who enjoy a touch of luxury, this color can be paired with gold or brass accents to create a sophisticated, timeless look.
Ceiling lighting plays a crucial role in how Blue Porcelain will appear in your space. Soft, diffused lighting will enhance the calming effect of this color, while more direct lighting can bring out its richness. This color is especially effective in rooms with high ceilings, as it adds depth without making the space feel too enclosed.
3 – Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball
Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball is a warm, earthy shade that exudes a timeless charm. This color works exceptionally well in rooms where you want to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. When applied to a ceiling, Dead Salmon adds a layer of warmth and sophistication, making the space feel enveloping and serene.
This versatile color can be used in a variety of settings, from bedrooms to living rooms, and pairs beautifully with both traditional and contemporary decor. Its warm tones make it an excellent choice for spaces that feature natural materials like wood or stone. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic look or a more polished, modern aesthetic, Dead Salmon can adapt to your design needs.
When using Dead Salmon on the ceiling, consider pairing it with walls painted in complementary shades like soft grays, taupes, or even deeper shades of brown. The result will be a room that feels both grounded and luxurious. Additionally, incorporating textured fabrics like linen or wool in your furnishings can enhance the cozy vibe of the space.
PHOTO LEFT: FARROW & BALL, DEAD SALMON. COURTESY WELL X DESIGN
PHOTO RIGHT: BENJAMIN MOORE, YARMOUTH BLUE. COURTESY J. BIENVENU INTERIORS
4 – Yarmouth Blue by Benjamin Moore
Yarmouth Blue by Benjamin Moore is a light, airy shade of blue that has its roots in the Southern tradition of painting porch ceilings blue. Historically, this shade of blue was believed to ward off evil spirits, but today, it’s more commonly used to evoke a sense of calm and tranquility.
This shade is perfect for ceilings in entryways, hallways, or smaller rooms where you want to create a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a subtle, understated color that complements a wide variety of wall colors, from soft neutrals to darker, more dramatic hues. Yarmouth Blue can add a touch of whimsy to your space while remaining sophisticated.
Incorporating Yarmouth Blue into your ceiling design can also help create a cohesive flow throughout your home. By using this color in transitional spaces like hallways or stairwells, you can guide the eye upward and make the entire space feel more open and connected. Pair this color with white or off-white trim for a classic, clean look that highlights architectural details.
5 – Majestic Blue by Benjamin Moore
Majestic Blue by Benjamin Moore is a an enigmatic shade of teal that echoes the understated grandeur of the ocean that adds a touch of elegance and drama to any room. This color is particularly effective when used on coffered ceilings, where it can accentuate the architectural details of the space. In a kitchen or dining room, Majestic Blue can create a striking contrast with white cabinetry or trim, adding a sense of depth and dimension.
For a more cohesive look, consider using Majestic Blue as an accent color throughout the room. You can achieve this by incorporating it into your furniture, accessories, or even artwork. This color is especially effective in spaces with high ceilings, as it adds a sense of grandeur without making the room feel too dark or closed in.
When choosing lighting for a room with a Majestic Blue ceiling, consider fixtures that feature warm, soft light to balance out the richness of the color. Pendant lights or chandeliers with gold or brass finishes can add a touch of glamour, while more industrial-style lighting can create a modern, edgy vibe.
PHOTO LEFT: BENJAMIN MOORE, MAJESTIC BLUE. COURTESY DANA SCHWARTZ DESIGN
PHOTO RIGHT: SHERWIN WILLIAMS, SWIMMING. COURTESY Interiors by LH
6 – Swimming by Sherwin-Williams
Swimming by Sherwin-Williams is a vibrant, playful shade of blue that brings a sense of energy and freshness to any space. This color is perfect for rooms that are directly connected to the outdoors, such as sunrooms, porches, or even bathrooms. The bright, lively hue evokes the feeling of a clear, sunny day and can make any room feel more open and airy.
Using Swimming on a ceiling can create a bold statement, especially in spaces that feature lots of natural light. The color will reflect the light, making the room feel brighter and more inviting. Pairing this color with white or light-colored walls will enhance the feeling of openness, while incorporating darker accents can add a touch of contrast and balance.
For a more cohesive look, consider using Swimming in conjunction with other natural elements like wood, stone, or plants. This color works beautifully in spaces that have a connection to nature, as it brings the outdoors inside. Additionally, using natural fabrics like cotton or linen in your furnishings can enhance the relaxed, breezy feel of the room.
PHOTO LEFT: BENJAMIN MOORE, AUTUMN COVER. COURTESY MICHAEL MUNDY
PHOTO RIGHT: SHERWIN WILLIAMS, INDIGO BATIK. COURTESY ELLEN RENEE PHOTOGRAPHY
8 – Indigo Batik by Sherwin-Williams
Indigo Batik by Sherwin-Williams is a deep, moody shade of blue that creates a sense of intimacy and sophistication. This color is perfect for spaces where you want to create a cozy, enclosed feeling, such as bedrooms, studies, or lounges. When applied to a ceiling, Indigo Batik can make the room feel more intimate and inviting, especially when paired with warm, soft lighting.
This color works particularly well in spaces with a modern or minimalist design, where the deep blue can create a bold contrast with lighter walls and furnishings. To enhance the richness of Indigo Batik, consider incorporating textures like velvet, leather, or faux fur in your furniture and decor. These materials will add depth and dimension to the room, making it feel even more luxurious.
When using Indigo Batik on the ceiling, consider keeping the walls and trim light and neutral to avoid making the space feel too dark or enclosed. This color pairs beautifully with soft grays, whites, or even lighter shades of blue, creating a harmonious and balanced look. Additionally, incorporating metallic accents like gold or copper can add a touch of warmth and glamour to the room.
9 – Shamrock by Sherwin-Williams
Shamrock by Sherwin-Williams is a bold, vibrant shade of green that adds a touch of drama and personality to any room. This color is perfect for ceilings in small, discrete spaces like butler’s pantries or bar areas, where it can create a sense of luxury and opulence. When applied to a ceiling, Shamrock adds a touch of color without overwhelming the space, making it feel more intimate and inviting.
This color works particularly well in rooms with a traditional or eclectic design, where it can complement rich, warm-toned decor and furnishings. Pairing Shamrock with natural materials like wood or leather can enhance the luxurious, sophisticated feel of the space, while incorporating bold patterns or textures can add a touch of personality and charm.
When choosing lighting for a room with a Shamrock ceiling, consider fixtures that feature warm, soft light to balance out the richness of the color. Pendant lights or chandeliers with a vintage or industrial design can add a touch of character to the room, while more modern fixtures can create a sleek, contemporary look.
PHOTO LEFT: SHERWIN WILLIAMS, SHAMROCK. COURTESY JULIE SOEFER
PHOTO RIGHT: BENJAMIN MOORE, Mediterranean Breeze . COURTESY MICHAEL MUNDY
10 – Mediterranean Breeze by Benjamin Moore
Mediterranean Breeze by Benjamin Moore is a pleasing powder blue that conjures the relaxed elegance of breakfast by the Mediterranean Sea. This shade brings a sense of calm and tranquility to any room. This color is perfect for ceilings in bedrooms, bathrooms, or even kitchens, where it can create a serene, spa-like atmosphere. When applied in a high-gloss finish, Mediterranean Breeze takes on a vibrant, energetic look that adds a touch of drama to the space.
This color works particularly well in spaces with a coastal or Mediterranean design, where it can complement light, airy furnishings and decor. Pairing Mediterranean Breeze with white or light-colored walls will enhance the feeling of openness and serenity, while incorporating natural elements like wood or stone can add a touch of warmth and texture.
When choosing lighting for a room with a Mediterranean Breeze ceiling, consider fixtures that feature soft, diffused light to enhance the calming effect of the color. Pendant lights or chandeliers with a coastal or Mediterranean design can add a touch of elegance to the room, while more modern fixtures can create a sleek, contemporary look.
11 – Pineapple Cream by Sherwin-Williams
Pineapple Cream by Sherwin-Williams is a soft, light shade of yellow that adds a touch of warmth and brightness to any room. This color is perfect for ceilings in children’s rooms, nurseries, or even kitchens, where it can create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. When applied to a ceiling, Pineapple Cream adds a touch of color without overwhelming the space, making it feel more open and airy.
This color works particularly well in rooms with a modern or minimalist design, where it can complement light, airy furnishings and decor. Pairing Pineapple Cream with white or light-colored walls will enhance the feeling of openness and serenity, while incorporating natural elements like wood or stone can add a touch of warmth and texture.
When choosing lighting for a room with a Pineapple Cream ceiling, consider fixtures that feature soft, diffused light to enhance the cheerful, inviting feel of the color. Pendant lights or chandeliers with a modern or minimalist design can add a touch of elegance to the room, while more playful fixtures can create a fun, whimsical look.
PHOTO LEFT: SHERWIN WILLIAMS, PINEAPPLE CREAM. COURTESY STYLISH PRODUCTIONS
PHOTO RIGHT: SHERWIN WILLIAMS, DEBONAIR. COURTESY JULIE SOEFER
12 – Debonair by Sherwin-Williams
Debonair by Sherwin-Williams is a cool sophisticated blue generates an air of classic charm and drama to any room. This color is perfect for ceilings in bedrooms, living rooms, or even dining rooms, where it can create a sense of elegance and comfort. When applied to a ceiling, Debonair adds a touch of color without overwhelming the space, making it feel more intimate and inviting.
This color works particularly well in rooms with a vintage or eclectic design, where it can complement classic decor, wallpaper and furnishings. Pairing Debonair with natural materials like wood or leather can enhance the cozy, nostalgic feel of the space, while incorporating bold patterns or textures can add a touch of personality and charm.
When choosing lighting for a room with a Debonair ceiling, consider fixtures that feature warm, soft light to balance out the coolness of the color. Pendant lights or chandeliers with a vintage or industrial design can add a touch of character to the room, while more modern fixtures can create a sleek, contemporary look.
By considering these creative ceiling paint colors, you can elevate any room in your home. Whether you’re drawn to the soft sophistication of Blue Porcelain, the dramatic depth of Newburyport Blue, or the playful vibrancy of Swimming, there is a ceiling color for every style and space. Let your ceiling become an integral part of your design vision, transforming your home into a cohesive, personalized retreat that reflects your unique taste. With so many options to choose from, the ceiling is no longer just an afterthought – it’s a canvas for creativity and expression.