Vaulted Ceiling Colors Dilemma

6 years ago

See original paint colors by previous owner.

We are embarking on repainting because it needs new paint, and we have been struggling with the two rooms with vaulted ceilings.

Office: White ceiling, beige walls - i don't like the white/beige transition because it's not a smooth transition. I was thinking to paint the wall SW Agreeable Gray - should ceilings be white? same color as walls? or a lighter shade of Agreeable Gray? Agreeable Gray is the lightest in it's group.

Living Room: Is all the same color, which i like, spouse thinks it's too clinical, should we paint the walls, agreeable gray, and white vaulted ceilings? or should the whole living room be agreeable gray, would fireplace pillar be white? like the trim? Or pick a different color ...

the trim across the whole house will be white/semi-gloss.

your input is appreciated.

Featured Answer

calidesign

6 years ago

I would leave all the ceilings white, and paint just the walls, in both rooms. Before you choose a gray color though, be sure to try the samples in your space. With your warm wood floors, terra cotta fireplace tiles, cream carpet, and browns in the kitchen, I think a warmer white would look better. Warm whites, cream, beige, or light greens could all work.

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Comments (6)

chloebud
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I'm not sure how helpful these links will be, but your questions made me think of the blogger's pretty lake home. The living room with vaulted ceiling is all white and looks really nice. The basement family room ceiling's not vaulted, but I like the Agreeable Gray walls with white ceiling. I think she mentioned the white used was Extra White from Sherwin Wms.

https://www.thelilypadcottage.com/2018/05/lake-house-blue-and-white-living-room-decor.html

https://www.thelilypadcottage.com/2020/03/neutral-lake-house-family-room.html
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ljangell44
6 years ago
I would defiantly not paint the ceilings white, agreeable gray all the way, its a great color!!
chloebud
6 years ago
I agree with calidesign...keep ceilings white.
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
6 years ago
I personally generally dislike plain white ceilings with colored walls, especially "ceiling white", but a white that has subtle color often looks terrific. You can certainly go with painting walls and ceiling the same (and paint the fireplace pillar the same as the bookcases and trim) or even the ceiling same as the trim if there is a connection between them.

Take calidesign's advice and carefully test out your gray in the house. Paint colors have a way of changing once they are on the wall. You don't necessarily need to get a lighter shade for the ceiling because it will look different anyway.

Ask the paint store to recommend a ceiling color if you decide to try a different shade. Also search "color on ceiling". I have often mentioned that in my kitchen, the walls are a pale aqua, but the ceiling is painted in Valspar "Transparent" which looks a blue in the can but on the ceiling is a warm neutral - after 6 years I am still so pleased with it.
shellcontest
6 years ago
I’d only paint that 5 foot fireplace wall to make it stand out. That’ll help it pop. Go for a deep color in a neutral tone...like a dark greige.