(Ceiling) Pale Moon OC-108, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Walls) Quiet Moments 1563, Aura Interior, Eggshell | (Trim) Steam AF-15, Advance, Semi-Gloss
Ceiling Paint Color Ideas & Inspiration
(Ceiling) Pale Moon OC-108, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Walls) Quiet Moments 1563, Aura Interior, Eggshell | (Trim) Steam AF-15, Advance, Semi-Gloss
While there is no single reply to “What color should I paint my ceiling?” your quest for the just-right ceiling paint color is about to get easier.
Considered by many homeowners and designers to be the “fifth wall,” ceilings offer an expansive canvas to get creative with color. Whether you go with a tried-and-true white paint color or add personality and architectural interest with a vibrant hue, ensure you’re choosing the best ceiling color for your space with our helpful tips.
How to Choose Your Best Ceiling Paint Colors
We love a classic white ceiling, but there’s something about an unexpected ceiling paint color that can enhance the character of your room in a refreshing, charismatic way.
Keep in mind that lighting and the direction your room faces will have a large effect on how ceiling paint colors appear, so we highly suggest sampling your choices before you make a final decision.
Time-Tested & True: White Ceiling Paint Colors
Ceiling paint color trends come and go, but white ceilings are beloved for a reason: Not only do white ceilings make smaller spaces feel larger, but they provide a blank canvas for any decor and set off vibrant wall colors beautifully.
For seamless color flow, select a white paint color for your ceiling that shares a similar undertone as the walls.
Some of our tried-and-true favorite white paint colors for ceilings:
Cloud White OC-130
White Dove OC-17
Decorator's White OC-149
Colors Used in Image
(Wall) Steam AF-15, Aura Interior, Eggshell | (Ceiling) Steam AF-15, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Kitchen Ceiling) Seedling AF-450, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Kitchen Walls) Lucerne AF-530, Aura Interior, Eggshell
The Best Gray Ceiling Paint Colors
We love a gray paint color for its innate ability to balance any space. From bedrooms to living rooms to mudrooms, gray is versatile and sensible while fitting the design of many homes.
Given the range of gray paint colors that Benjamin Moore offers, choosing a hue for your ceiling may feel daunting. Think about what mood you’re trying to set. Lighter grays soothe and relax, while darker hues add sumptuous luxury.
Classic Gray 1548, Gray Mist 962, and Wish AF-680
Dash of Pepper 1554, Chelsea Gray HC-168, and Ashwood Moss 1484
Colors Used in Image
(Ceiling) Chelsea Gray HC-168, Aura Interior, Matte | (Walls) Mountain Peak White OC-121, Aura Interior, Matte
Look at Lighter Ceiling Colors
A lighter painted ceiling can help to visually “raise the roof” in any size room. Painting the ceiling with a lighter shade, often a variant of the wall color, is a clever design choice.
Benjamin Moore’s Color Preview® Collection offers a balanced catalog that provides gradations of color, making it an excellent choice for finding hues that provide subtle contrast and depth while maintaining the unity of existing colors.
Colors Used in Image
(Ceiling) Monterey White HC-27, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Wall & Trim) Elmira White HC-84, Aura Interior, Eggshell
Contrasting Ceiling Paint Colors
Nothing says “look up” more than a contrasting ceiling color scheme. Whether you opt for bright walls and a neutral ceiling or a vibrant ceiling with lighter-hued walls, you’ll be creating a lively space for friends and family to gather. Need a place to start? Consult the color wheel for complementary hues that work best together.
We love these contrasting color combinations for ceilings:
Gardenia AF-10 (walls) with Head Over Heels AF-250 (ceiling)
Collingwood OC-28 (walls) with Hampshire Gray HC-101 (ceiling)
Cloud White OC-130 (walls) with Cumulus Cotton 2063-70 (ceiling)
Colors Used in Image
(Ceiling) Savannah Green 2150-30, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Walls) White Heron OC-57, Ben Interior, Matte
Celebrate the Celestial: Blue Ceiling Paint Colors
Reminiscent of open skies and serene, tranquil environments, a blue ceiling is a long-standing design tradition and a homeowner favorite. Rich navy and deep blue or blue-green tones, like Naples Blue 2057-30, shown here, blur the boundaries of a room, making it look endless yet intimate, while lighter blues are fresh and airy, helping to bring the outdoors in and encourage reflection at the end of the day.
Some of our favorite blue paint colors for ceilings:
Iceberg 2122-50
Soft Chinchilla 2135-50
Stained Glass CSP-685
Colors Used in Image
(Ceiling) Naples Blue 2057-30, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Walls) Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20, Aura Interior, Satin | (Trim & Door) Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20, Advance, Satin | (Crown Molding) Naples Blue 2057-30, Advance, Satin
Embrace Pastel Paint Colors for Ceilings
Pale and pastel paint colors are known to flatter walls, so why wouldn’t they do the same for ceilings? With a refreshing, positive vibe and endless versatility, pastel ceilings can bring Zen to bathrooms, bedrooms, and anywhere that needs a little extra light. Try one in a nursery or kids’ room for a supremely soothing space.
Pastel hues for ceilings we love:
Palest Pistachio 2122-60
You Are My Sunshine 302
First Light 2102-70
Colors Used in Image
(Ceiling) Chesapeake Blue CW-595, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Upper Walls) Ewing Blue CW-585, Aura Interior, Matte | (Lower Walls) Market Square Shell CW-30, Aura Interior, Matte | (Trim) Harwood Putty CW-5, Aura Interior, Semi-Gloss | (Table & Chairs) Harwood Putty CW-5, Advance, Semi-Gloss
The Case for the Dark Ceiling Paint Color
A darker ceiling can be a great design feature and push the “wow factor” of any room. If you want to go with a darker color on your ceiling, consider using a paint color that is two to three shades darker than your walls. Rooms with dark ceilings feel cozy and comfortable, making them a welcoming respite.
Some of our go-to dark ceiling colors:
Chambourd AF-645
Luxe AF-580
Narragansett Green HC-157
Colors Used in Image
(Ceiling) Gloucester Sage HC-100, Ben Interior, Semi-Gloss | (Walls) Collector’s Item AF-45, Ben Interior, Eggshell | (Trim) Gloucester Sage HC-100, Ben Interior, Semi-Gloss
Highlight Architectural Details
A beautifully painted ceiling attracts attention to architectural features like crown molding and tray or vaulted ceilings. Elegant color choices like dark green or black help to highlight both the height and angles of distinct ceilings. Here, Regent Green 2136-20 on the ceiling and trim comes to life against White Dove OC-17 on the walls, lending breathtaking openness to this living room.
Try one of these eye-catching ceiling paint colors to elevate your space:
Shadow 2117-30
Colonial Verdigris CW-530
Modern Romance CSP-435
Colors Used in Image
(Ceiling) Regent Green 2136-20, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Walls) White Dove OC-17, Aura Interior, Matte | (Trim, Window Mullions & Doors) Regent Green 2136-20, Aura Interior, Semi-Gloss
Cozy Ceiling Paint Colors
Like a warm blanket of color, cozy ceiling paint colors will bring a blissful atmosphere to any room, no matter how large or small. Blue, white, or gray is an excellent place to start, and add versatility for decorating. For extra comfort, try a hue in our hygge color palette or use a monochromatic color scheme, like we did here with Antique Pewter 1560.
Our coziest paint colors for ceilings include these soothing hues:
Thundercloud Gray 2124-40
Angelica AF-665
Gray Cashmere 2138-60
Color Used in Image
(Ceiling) Antique Pewter 1560, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Wall) Antique Pewter 1560, Regal Select Interior, Matte | (Trim & Door) Antique Pewter 1560, Regal Select Interior, Semi-Gloss | (Island) Antique Pewter 1560, Regal Select Interior, Satin/Pearl
Painting Ceilings and Walls the Same Color
A monochromatic wall and ceiling combination, especially in a vibrant hue like Savannah Green 2150-30, evokes a warm vibe. Other hues we love building monochromatic color schemes around include:
Hale Navy HC-154
Almond Beige 2101-40
Pashmina AF-100
If you move forward with an all-one-color look, consider using an ultra-flat finish on the ceiling to create subtle design interest against higher-sheen walls, or experiment with a semi-gloss ceiling in a nod to chic design.
Colors Used in Image
(Ceiling) Savannah Green 2150-30, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Wall) Savannah Green 2150-30, Ben Interior, Eggshell | (Trim & Fireplace Mantel) White Heron OC-57, Ben Interior, Satin/Pearl
What Is the Best Paint for Ceilings?
For virtually flawless ceilings in any color, we recommend ultra-flat Waterborne Ceiling Paint. Waterborne Ceiling Paint hides common imperfections and reduces glare, is formulated to minimize spatter, and dries quickly so you can get back to enjoying your space faster.
Sticking with a classic color scheme and painting the ceiling yourself? Insl-X® Color-Changing Ceiling Paint offers added accuracy, going on as a light pink color that shows missed spots and drying to white in a gorgeous flat sheen. Talk to the experts at your locally owned Benjamin Moore store to see which product is right for your project.
Colors Used in Image
(Ceiling) Teacup Rose 2170-50, Waterborne Ceiling Paint, Ultra Flat | (Ceiling Trim) Teacup Rose 2170-50, Ben Interior, Semi-Gloss | (Walls) Honeybee CSP-950, Ben Interior, Eggshell | (Trim & Window Mullions) Honeybee CSP-950, Ben Interior, Semi-Gloss
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Ceiling Paint Colors
Browse our collection of ceiling paint colors to find your perfect shade for your room or project.
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Waterborne Ceiling Paint
Experience an ultra-flat finish designed to hide common ceiling imperfections for a look that is virtually flawless.
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Buy a Paint Sample
Test your paint colors from morning to evening, under both natural and artificial lighting conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best color to paint your ceiling is a color you love, but a general thought to keep in mind is the mood you want to set in the room. Lighter paint colors, like white or neutrals, add airiness, making rooms feel larger and more open, while darker paint colors can make things feel cozier or add a touch of drama and mystery.
No matter what you choose, remember that colors appear differently depending on lighting and the direction your room faces, so we encourage you to sample your choices before making a final decision.
White is a classic choice for ceiling paint, but opting for a bolder color can help to highlight architectural details and bring vibrancy to your space. Browse our most popular ceiling paint colors to find the perfect shade for your project.
For low ceilings or small spaces, you can’t go wrong with a white paint color like Chantilly Lace OC-65, Simply White OC-117, or Steam AF-15. These hues will help to visually open the room, giving the illusion of higher ceilings and ample space.
A monochromatic wall and ceiling combination, especially in jewel tones, makes even large rooms feel intimate and cozy. For luxurious ambience, try a purple like Sanctuary AF-620 or Black Raspberry 2072-20, or layer in a white paint color in different sheens for dimension and texture.
Most designers and homeowners opt to use an ultra-flat paint, like Benjamin Moore Waterborne Ceiling Paint, to complement walls with a higher sheen. If you’re looking to try something different, a semi-gloss ceiling can add plenty of visual interest.
A note: Using higher sheens on ceilings can have a major payoff, but it can be difficult to perfect, so we suggest hiring a painting contractor to make sure your project is a success.