How to Paint a Ceiling Darker Than the Walls

White is not the only color that you can paint on a ceiling. Think of the ceiling as yet another surface to be decorated and painted in a room. The ceiling can draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of greater height or compress the space and make a high ceiling seem lower. Dark paint on the ceiling can make a space feel smaller and cozier. Paint your ceiling one shade darker than the walls or go for a bold statement with a deep, rich color.

Paint samples
Dust mop
Low tack painter’s tape
Plastic sheeting
Primer
Paint
Long-handled roller
Stepladder
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Run a dust mop along the ceiling to remove dust and debris. Particles on the ceiling will be magnified by the paint.
- 2
  Apply paint samples to the ceiling, close to the walls, with a paintbrush. Choose samples that are in the same color family but darker than the wall color. View the samples in different light throughout the day to determine which color you like best.
- 3
  Tape the walls where they meet the ceiling and any other areas that you don’t wish to paint. Remove any light fixtures and ceiling vents. Remove the furniture from the room. Cover the floors with plastic sheeting.
- 4
  Apply primer to the outside perimeter of the room with a paintbrush. Cut in about three inches from the wall. Have the paint store tint the primer to match your paint. This will reduce the amount of paint you have to purchase.
- 5
  Roll primer in the center of the room with a long-handled roller. Let the primer dry for four hours.
- 6
  Paint the ceiling using the same technique used to apply the primer. Apply two coats of paint. Let the first coat dry to the touch before applying the second. Let the paint dry overnight.

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