A painted ceiling in a fresh hue adds an unexpected element to a room and makes it that much more special. It can add architectural interest to a humdrum space, or elevate the look with a subtle hint of pattern or texture. Here are some of our favorite ceilings, ranging from the demure to the downright decorated.
Why not continue the rich teal paint color of the walls right up the ceiling? It creates a subtle cocooning effect in this principal bedroom .
Photographer: John Gruen
Source: House & Home March 2018
Designer: Garrow Kedigian
If color on your ceiling seems a bit daunting, try a glossy finish instead, which immediately transforms a neutral surface from bland to brilliant!
Photographer: John Gruen
Source: Maison & Demeure March 2018
Designer: Garrow Kedigian
Watercolor wallpaper on the ceiling feels like another piece of art in this chic dining room.
Tour this hotel-inspired condo on H&H TV .
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: H&H TV
Designer: Emilia Wisniewski, Studio 1Nine1
In this grand Palm Beach oasis, a stylish wood pattern is a unique way of playing up the high ceilings.
Photographer: Jessica Glynn
Source: House & Home October 2019
Designer: Haynes-Roberts; Architecture by Addison Mizner
The 3D pattern on this ceiling plays up the rug below and adds a touch of European elegance.
Photographer: Jessica Glynn
Source: House & Home October 2019
Designer: Haynes-Roberts; Architecture by Addison Mizner
A subtle statement wall adds texture to this serene bedroom . Having the wallpaper continue from the wall onto the ceiling is a dynamic way to add visual flow to a room.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home January 2019
Designer: Cathy Radcliffe & Teigan Jorgensen
Looking to make a bold first impression in your entryway ? Adorn your ceiling with a “notice me” pattern, because even small spaces deserve big style.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home April 2019
Designer: Shirley Meisels
Wallpaper doesn’t always have to be the focal point of a room. The subtle vine pattern on this ceiling draws the eye up in this otherwise neutral space.
See more of this timeless abode on H&H TV .
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: H&H TV
Designer: Emilia Wisniewski
Warm yellow lights were added to the border of this ceiling to show off its intricate tile detailing. They also tie into the color scheme of this trad living room for a cohesive look.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home January 2019
Designer: James Davie
The geometric pattern on this ceiling plays off the block crown molding lining the walls and gives the classic library a heritage feel. “It’s an extravagant, one-off room, so I was able to bring in deep, rich brown, scarlet red and cobalt blue,” says designer James Davie.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home January 2019
Designer: James Davie
A pale pink ceiling pairs perfectly with the blush armchair in this seaside principal bedroom , while the white wooden beams mimic the stripes on the wallpaper.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home May 2019
Designer: Tommy Smythe & Lindsay Mens Craig, Sarah Richardson Design
In designer Karen Cole’s 1970s cottage, the kitchen got a humble makeover with the light blue beadboard on the ceiling that echoes the light blue lower cabinets. Raw wood shelves add some warmth to the cool white tile backsplash.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home August 2013
Designer: Karen Cole
Designer and TV host Alexandra Hutchinson sees the ceiling as the “sixth surface” in a room and used this one to its full potential. Bright blue paint accented by a white ceiling medallion helps draw attention to the stunning pendant light, a neat trick to help accent feature lighting.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home August 2013
Designer: Alexandra Hutchinson
Using a warm grey-blue on the ceiling and walls above crisp white panelling helps make a feature of the sloped ceiling in this bedroom.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home July 2014
Designer: Natalie Hodgins and Kate Stuart, Sarah Richardson Design
This ceiling is painted a slightly lighter shade of mint green than the wall color, which finishes the look without overwhelming and works nicely with the charcoal grey below.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home May 2013
Designer: Sarah Hartill
In an unexpected move, Tara Fingold used grasscloth on the ceiling of her formal dining room to add texture and interest. The square shape echoes the dining table below and creates a cozy environment.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home June 2012
Designer: Tara FIngold
With brightly colored bar stools, a richly hued rug and navy blue fridge, white walls temper the splashes of color. But over the dining area, hidden in between the dark wood beams, a navy ceiling peeks out and helps tie it all together.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home March 2016
Designer: Natalie Hodgins and Kate Stuart, Sarah Richardson Design
The coffered ceiling of this great room ties the blue and white decorating scheme together. The light ceiling also helps soften the dark wood flooring.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home October 2013
Designer: Sarah Richardson Design
Looking the opposite way, the ceiling color of the great room ties in with the silvery-blue walls of the adjoining dining room and kitchen. This makes the rooms feel distinct yet cohesive.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home October 2013
Designer: Sarah Richardson Design
A deep indigo paint color on the walls and ceiling of Drake General Store co-founder Carlo Colacci’s living room creates a cozy vibe.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home January 2015
Designer: Carlo and Laura Colacci
For a contemporary and moody feel, the homeowners painted the walls and ceiling of their family room the same glossy grey to add drama. Soft furnishings add texture and depth.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home Feburary 2015
Designer: Kim Lambert
Instead of going with the classic whitewash used elsewhere in this Muskoka, Ontario, cottage, designer Cameron MacNeil opted for a dramatic dark ceiling in the screened-in room. The expansive walls of windows and stone fireplace add enough light to keep things feeling open and airy.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home June 2015
Designer: Cameron MacNeil
For the main floor powder room at his seaside retreat in Chester, N.S., designer Philip Mitchell painted the panelled walls and pitched ceiling in a rich, warm olive hue. With shadows from the light of the nautical sconces, it almost creates a striped design effect, drawing the eye upwards.
In the kitchen of her Barbados vacation home, designer Colette van den Thillart opted for a fun, beachy vibe. The ceiling was painted in stripes of pink and white, which picks up on the upholstery of the nearby cushions and also evokes the idea of striped beach umbrellas.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home May 2013
Designer: Colette van den Thillart
In her pint-sized 400-square-foot studio condo, Alison Pringle broke all the rules and went bold. In the main living space, Alison brought the sky-high views inside with a cool blue ceiling.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home September 2014
Designer: Alison Pringle, Baker Ballard Interiors
Looking at the living room and windows, it’s clear how much light reflects off the ceiling, which means the color and overall ambience of the space will change as the light does.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home September 2014
Designer: Alison Pringle, Baker Ballard Interiors
Never one to shy away from color, James Davie’s office is brimming with complementary hues. Picking up on the green accents in the table and chairs, the green ceiling provides a nice foil against the bright pink carpet.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home January 2015
Designer: James Davie
In the entryway of a Florida vacation home, the clean white decor is given some energy with a very pale blue ceiling. It’s soft enough not to overwhelm the space, but makes enough of an impact to stand out.
Photographer: Jessica Glynn
Source: House & Home May 2016
Designer: Ashley Waddell and Courtney Whatley, Olivia O'Bryan Design
In this country estate, designer Christie Hansen had the cypress ceiling pickled to remove the orange tint. As well as giving it a more serene look, it also preserves the knots and wood grain to provide some visual depth.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home October 2010
Designer: Christie Hansen
Author: Jessica Flower & Jenna Wilhelmsen