Timeless Painted Ceiling Ideas

Ceilings are an integral part of any room, so it’s important not to overlook this area during your renovation project. From bold ceiling paint colours to classic white ceiling paint, your room can be transformed in no time at all. Explore our guide to find painted ceiling ideas you’ll love.

Why paint your ceiling?
 

When you’re refreshing the walls around your home, it’s important to pay the same attention to your ceiling. Like any other paintwork, ceilings can become discoloured over time, making the room feel gloomy or tired. If you’re looking to add visual interest to any space, coloured ceilings can make a bold statement.

How to choose your ceiling colour
 

Ready to choose your ceiling paint? Our Creative Director, Marianne Shillingford, shares her expert advice to help you find the perfect ceiling colour for any room:

“A bright, white ceiling can create the illusion of more space and light, making a room look bigger than it is, especially if you have low ceilings. Alternatively, you could contrast the walls with a bold ceiling colour or use the same colour as the walls for continuity. Both designs can add drama and personality to a room while creating a cosy feel.”

When choosing ceiling colours, consider how different shades can affect your mood, especially in bedrooms or bathrooms where you will likely notice the ceiling more. Discover the best paint colours for your wellbeing in our guide to find the perfect wall and ceiling combinations.

Ceiling paint Ideas
 

Explore our favourite accent ceiling paint ideas below, from colour drenching to two-tone designs and bold ceiling stripes.
 

1. Colour drenching
 

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Colour drenching is an impactful painting technique that envelops the space in one shade. Whether you love rich jewel tones or soft pastels, painting your walls and ceiling in the same shade will create a cosy, cocoon-like feel – ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms.

2. Two-tone designs

The two-tone trend is a simple way to add style to any room. By painting your ceiling and walls in contrasting shades, you’ll elongate the space and introduce more colour into the design. Whether you’re looking to add depth to a small bedroom or create a talking point at your next dinner party with a two-tone effect in your dining room, this is a versatile option.

3. Bold ceiling stripes

Taking advantage of your fifth wall gives you an opportunity to showcase your creative side, so why not try a statement ceiling stripe? Painting the wall and continuing to the ceiling creates a unique look, letting you play with depth and proportions. Learn how to paint ceiling stripes in our step-by-step guide.

Your ceiling painting schedule
 

Wondering how to paint a ceiling? Follow our painting schedule to transform your ceiling in just two days – the ideal weekend project!

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Cloth or sponge
• Rollers, brushes and trays
• Dust sheets
• Masking tape
• Step ladder

Then, follow these steps to keep your ceiling painting project on track and ensure professional results:

1. Clean your walls and ceiling using a damp cloth or sponge to avoid dirt or dust ruining your paintwork.
2. Lay down your dust sheets to protect your flooring and furniture from paint splashes.
3. If you’re painting the ceiling a different colour to the walls, apply masking tape to the joints between the walls and ceiling to get a clean finish.
4. Start by painting the ceiling, as paint splashes could spoil the finish on your walls. Paint any intricate or hard-to-reach areas with a brush, then cover the rest of the ceiling using a roller, making ‘w’ shapes for the best and quickest coverage.
5. Leave to dry overnight and recoat as required.
6. Once the ceiling is done, it’s time to paint the walls following the same process.

The best paint for ceilings
 

Dulux ceiling paint is formulated to hide imperfections, delivering a long-lasting finish that’s stain- and moisture-resistant after just one coat. The best ceiling paint is flat and doesn’t reflect light, so opt for matt, silk or soft sheen formulas.