You might have noticed that white-painted ceilings have been falling out of favor in recent years, as we lean towards either more experimental color schemes, or simpler spaces where visual harmony is key. That said, a classic white ceiling still undoubtedly has its place; the trick is knowing how it will alter the light, proportions, and general aesthetic of the room in question.
One handy thing to know about a white ceiling is that it can help to increase the sense of height in a space. This effect works best when part of a pale, neutral palette, so the contrast between walls and ceiling remains subtle. When combined with a stronger shade on the walls, a white ceiling creates a sharp horizontal line where the two colors meet, which can actually detract from the height of your space. It’s worth noting that painting the cornicing and coving in the same hue as the walls will also help to make the ceiling feel higher. And, if white doesn’t appeal, try painting the ceiling in a complementary shade that’s a lighter than the walls for a similar effect.
