How to Overcome the Challenges of High Ceilings

Paint the ceiling a dark color. You can visually bring down the height of the ceiling by placing a dark color on it. Use a color that coordinates or complements the existing color of the walls. For example, if you have beige walls, paint the ceiling a rich chocolate brown. For blue walls, choose a navy for the ceiling.

Place decorative artwork on the walls. Vibrant art prints, ornate mirrors and dramatic wall hangings will bring the focal point of the room to eye level. Avoid hanging these items too high on the wall --- eye level for the top of the frames is best.

Place a border around the center of the room. Another technique to draw the eye down is a decorative border or chair rail placed at a height between 4 to 5 feet off the floor. Once again, the focus shifts from the towering ceiling to the middle of the room.

Paint the walls a dramatic color. To really draw the focus in the room down, paint your walls with a vibrant color such as red, orange or a dark green. In a large room, this won't feel overwhelming and it will make the space seem more intimate.