1x2 should work for you Actually to save $$$ you could use lath strips that are not as thick. The effect will be the same.

Thank you Beverly. Historically, we've used door stop too.

Paint the ceiling black.

Ohh boy! No black dominating ceiling please. Usually people use the same painting color for the walls and ceiling to make it visually higher. :-))

Remove crown molding (or keep it very thin).

Love that idea !!!!

No to the black ceiling. That only works when the height of the ceiling is already high.