Why You Should Really Paint Your Bedroom Ceiling
A few years ago, I was helping build homes with Habitat for Humanity. My job was to paint everything — the walls, any built-in shelving, and the ceilings. I left every job splattered with paint (thank god for hats), but with a great sense of accomplishment. And that was the only time I ever painted ceilings.
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But according to real estate agent Ryan Hardy in Chicago, it might be time to rethink not painting ceilings in homes (once they’re built and you’re living in them, of course) — especially if you’re considering painting a bedroom ceiling.
“Painting a bedroom ceiling instantly refreshes the space,” Hardy says. “While ceilings don’t get the normal wear and tear that walls do, paint still tends to fade overtime. If you’ve updated the wall color, it’s probably time to freshen up the ceiling as well.”
You’ll want to choose the color wisely, though. Hardy recommends a crisp matte white so it will appeal to as many buyers as possible. It’s a great neutral option, he says, especially if you have vaulted ceilings and a neutral wall color as well. “It will give the illusion of the ceiling being even higher since you won’t have any color transitions to draw your eyes away from looking up,” he says.
Hardy also notes that a subtle light blue can do really well on a bedroom ceiling. It’s not a color that’s super common, but it’s both relaxing and cheerful and is a great accent to off-white or cream walls. Another unique choice is to wallpaper the ceiling, which can add a lot of personality and design when done properly.
There are a few color and design schemes you’ll want to stay away from, though. “This should go without saying but I really wouldn’t recommend anything in the primary color family,” Hardy says. “When you’re lying in bed a bold accent [ceiling] doesn’t create a great relaxing vibe. Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, a peaceful place to unwind after a long day.”
He also recommends avoiding dated design schemes, unless retro is the look you’re going for. “I would stay away from any ornate stenciling,” Hardy says. “It screams ’90s’ and will just be another item on the list that a potential buyer will note they have to update, paint, or change.”
