Should My Ceilings and Walls Be Painted the Same Color?

A man paints a room and ceiling white.
What You'll Need
Paint
Brushes
Rollers
Masking tape
Paint trays
Drop cloths
Brush cleaners
Eye protection
Adequate ventilation
Painting music
What You'll Need
Paint
Brushes
Rollers
Masking tape
Paint trays
Drop cloths
Brush cleaners
Eye protection
Adequate ventilation
Painting music

When painting a ceiling, choosing the right color can really make or break a room. But should you paint a ceiling the same color as the corresponding walls? Or go with something entirely different? While every situation is unique, there are plenty of good reasons why you should consider painting your ceiling and walls the same color. Here is a quick guide on choosing the right color for your ceilings.

Light vs. Dark Colors

There are several reasons why you should consider painting your walls and ceilings the same color. As a general rule of thumb, lighter colors draw your attention upward, making a room appear larger. Darker shades help shrink the appearance of the room. Before you consider painting your ceiling the same color as your walls, think about the characteristics of your room and what you want to achieve with the color. If the ceilings are high, for example, you may consider going with a darker hue to make the room feel cozier.

Similar Paint Hides Odd Angles

A man paints a room blue.

Rooms that are small or feature odd angles can really benefit from a singular color. Painting the walls and ceilings the same color can hide these angles because the transition from the wall to the ceiling is less noticeable. You can hide the odd angles more by going with a darker color, as natural shadows will help conceal the upper portions of the ceiling. A darker tone will also move the attention away from the ceiling.

Painting Is Faster with Similar Colors

Using the same color for the walls and ceilings is much faster than using different kinds of paint. With the same hue, you do not have as much masking to do. You can avoid wasting time swapping out colors, and you do not have to worry about painting straight lines when the color transitions. If you only have a limited time to devote to painting, then using the same color might be exactly what you need to get the project done on time. Patching up scratches and imperfections is easier because you only have one color to worry about.

Using the Same Paint Is More Affordable

You can save a lot of money using the same color for the walls and ceilings of your home. Because you are using the same color, you end up with a lot less waste than having to buy a slew of cans of different colors. Not only does this result in extra savings in your pocket, but it is also better for the environment because you are not wasting as many materials.

Different Colors Can Change the Aesthetics of a Room

Gray wall against a white ceiling.

Using different colors of paint is one way you can change the initial appearance of the room. If the walls are a slightly darker hue than the ceilings, the eye will naturally be drawn upward. This can make a small room look larger in appearance, whereas painting it the same color would have the opposite effect. At the same time, painting a ceiling with a darker color than the walls can make vaulted ceilings less intimidating. It can also open up a room without making it seem too closed off.

So Should You Paint The Ceilings The Same Color As The Walls?

Choosing the right color for your ceiling really depends on your situation and the needs of the room. If you want to hide odd angles or make the ceiling disappear, then you should strongly consider painting the ceiling the same color as the walls. This is also useful if you are on a strict budget or need to finish the project in a short time period. If that is not the case, then you might be able to get away with painting the ceiling a different color, especially if the room has tall ceilings.