Good Colors for a Short Ceiling

White

• White is one of the best colors for a low ceiling. This color reflects light well, and helps make a room feel taller, especially if the walls are painted in a different, darker color. Use white in rooms that are otherwise painted in cool tones, such as blue, green or red. White is a neutral color and can be used with just about any other color, even though it's primarily a cool color, particularly if the shade of white has blue undertones.

Ivory

• Ivory is another light color that's ideal for short ceilings. This is particularly true in a room with neutral painted walls, such as brown, tan, beige or sage green. Ivory is considered a warm color and will help create a feeling of warmth in the space that stark white cannot. Ivory has strong undertones of yellow, so it won't work well with colors that have a cool tone.

Light Colors

• You can use other light colors, but they should be pale and several shades lighter than the wall colors to give the visual effect of creating more space. For example, if the walls are painted navy blue, a very pale light blue will work for the ceiling. If the rooms are painted green, go several shades lighter to a very pale green. Ideally, just a hint of color should be seen to make the room feel taller than it is.

Other Effects

• In addition to paint color for ceilings, other effects can help draw the eye upward and create the feeling of more space. Ceiling moulding or trim painted in a contrasting color will accomplish this goal. Borders can also be used but shouldn't be overly busy; it's best to go with a solid color. Patterns may have a lot going on and the effect can be distracting. The intention is to raise the eye to the ceiling -- not the border itself.