Creative Ceiling Painting

Use More Than One Color

• Using more than one color on a ceiling is an inventive technique that is not often considered. Use painter's tape to mark off areas that will be designated as a different color on the ceiling, or leave these areas white while painting the remainder of the ceiling in a different color. This technique adds depth and dimension to a ceiling. Darker colors should not be used on low ceilings, however, as this will make the room seem even shorter.

Create a Ceiling Medallion

• Traditional ceiling medallions can be expensive and difficult to install. Instead of using an actual medallion, paint one. Situate the medallion in the exact center of the ceiling, or around ceiling light fixtures. Choose a lighter color for this medallion if your ceiling is painted with a dark color, and the inverse if you have chosen a light color for your ceiling. A painted medallion adds drama to a ceiling.

Ceiling Murals

• Ceiling murals are usually reserved for cathedrals and historic homes, but that doesn't mean that you can't try this same technique on your own ceiling. If you have a talent for art, make a free-form painting on your ceiling. Common themes are clouds, stars, or birds. If you don't, you can use stencils to help you paint a design instead. Keep in mind that scaffolding is necessary to safely paint a ceiling mural; a ladder is not sufficient for this kind of work.

Painted "Molding"

• Crown molding typically requires some skill in installation, and the molding itself can be expensive. You can achieve the same effect by choosing a light paint color, such as white or ivory, and taping off the edges of the ceiling. Paint the rest of the ceiling in one color, and then remove the painter's tape to reveal your painted crown molding. This will create the illusion of added height to the room.