Dark ceilings with light walls are a bold look that, dare we say it, has taken over from the accent wall as a way to bring some drama to any room. Yes, painting your ceiling dark can seem like a daring move, but as our experts suggest, it isn't necessarily so. A deep, moody hue can bring a layer of personality to a space, especially when juxtaposed with a light-toned wall. We spoke to our experts to weigh in on the pros and cons of a dark ceiling with light walls and they offered some great insights that could help convince you, one way or another, on this trending paint idea.
SHOULD YOU PAINT DARK CEILINGS WITH LIGHT WALLS?
The answer is yes and no, depending on the size, scale, and style of the room. Largely, dark ceilings work wonderfully well in double or triple-height rooms or ones that have a traditional, period look. Dark ceilings are also great if you want to highlight a wonderful cornice work on the ceiling, a whimsical arch, or a statement crown molding feature.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF A DARK CEILING WITH LIGHT WALLS?
When it comes to painted ceiling ideas, there's enough proof out there to see how it can be beautiful. But in some cases it can also hamper your home's look and vibe. Based on what you intend for the room, choose to paint the dark ceiling... or not. 'Dark ceilings can be transformative in a room,' says Emma Deterding, founder, and creative director at Kelling Designs. 'They bring down the height and make a room moodier and much more atmospheric, whilst also adding a cozy and dramatic feel. It's a really brave design choice and is something that's not for the faint-hearted.'
WHAT COLORS SHOULD I USE?
When looking for the best ceiling colors to pair with your walls, a good place to start is to look at two tones of the same color. So, a deep, dark green contrasted with light green on the walls. This can help the ceiling feel at home in the room, and offer an on-trend monochromatic look.
CONSIDER PAINT EFFECTS, TOO
Have a small family room? A quaint powder room? Give this small space a jewel box-like look with dark ceiling paint that runs to the walls. Yes, color drenching or going monochromatic in a dark tone can give depth to the room and make it seem cozy and inviting.