6 Ceiling Paint Shades That Will Completely Revitalize Your Space

Paint is one of the quickest and simplest ways to refresh a room. Forget about a down-to-the-studs renovation (which, let’s be real, will cost you a lot more in both money and stress). No other design update offers such a big impact for the effort. Whether you're finishing off the trim, adding color to a door, or painting an entire wall, one thing is certain: your room will feel completely transformed once you're done. And even if you've just painted the walls throughout your home, you might be missing one key area: the ceiling.

“Designers often call the ceiling ‘the fifth wall’ because it has just as much potential to change the look of a room as the other four walls,” explains designer Becky Shea. “The ceiling shouldn’t be an afterthought—it plays an essential role in the room's design ... When given the same attention as the walls, the ceiling can elevate the whole space and create depth that’s often overlooked.”

We've curated six designer-approved ceiling colors—along with key guidelines to keep in mind before picking up that paintbrush. From a soft blue reminiscent of a spring sky to a rich forest green that brings instant drama, these shades are sure to have everyone in your home looking up.

Key Considerations Before Painting Your Ceiling

While painting your ceiling is a fun way to experiment with design, it’s not a suitable option for every decor style or room. “It’s not ideal to paint the ceiling a different color than the walls in a room with very low ceilings,” advises Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors. “This typically makes the ceiling feel even lower, even if you opt for white on the ceiling and darker hues on the walls.” Instead, Barber suggests choosing a single color for both the walls and ceiling, even if the color is quite dark. “A darker color can make a small room feel cozy, while a lighter shade will create the illusion of higher ceilings,” she explains.

In addition, Shea encourages homeowners to continue evolving their design after making a bold statement with a painted ceiling. “It’s all about thoughtfully composing the room and layering elements around the ceiling to ensure the painted feature feels intentional and cohesive,” she says. “I love to complement a painted ceiling with luxurious textures—such as mohair, boucle, wool, and cashmere—that bring warmth and tactile depth to the room. Even within a more neutral palette, it’s crucial to introduce contrasts in textures or accents to keep the space vibrant and balanced. You want to create an inviting atmosphere that captivates, no matter the ceiling height or layout.”

Designer-Recommended Ceiling Paint Shades

Borrowed Light No. 235 by Farrow & Ball 

If you'd like to stay in more neutral territory, this barely-there blue—inspired by summer skies—is a great choice. “This soft hue is a favorite ceiling paint of mine to use in bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms,” says Barber. “It’s the perfect calming shade of pale blue that brings lightness and airiness to any room.”

Black Forest Green HC-187 by Benjamin Moore

If you're ready for a bit more drama, Shea recommends this deep green shade. “For this home office, our client envisioned a space that felt rich in tone, evoking the ambiance of a vintage library,” explains Shea. “We ultimately chose Benjamin Moore’s Black Forest Green because of its depth and complexity. It’s a color that feels layered and sophisticated, with a timeless quality. What I love about this particular shade is that it can stand on its own, without the need for dramatic contrasts or accents—it creates a sense of richness and elegance all by itself.”

Drop Cloth No. 283 by Farrow & Ball

If you prefer to keep your walls simple, you can still introduce a subtle variation in the ceiling color while remaining within the same neutral palette. “For rooms with high ceilings, it’s fun to paint the ceiling a few shades darker than the walls,” suggests Barber. “This creates a cozy, more intimate feel. A favorite pairing for this look would be Drop Cloth No. 283 by Farrow & Ball for the ceiling, with Shaded White No. 201 by Farrow & Ball for the walls.”

Iron Mountain 2134-30 by Benjamin Moore

Painting your ceilings black might seem intimidating—but this rich black shade (as seen on the walls above) has a cozy, welcoming vibe. “Iron Mountain by Benjamin Moore is a color I never get tired of,” says Shea. “I frequently use it because it’s so versatile, especially on millwork, where it truly stands out. The depth and texture of Iron Mountain strike a perfect balance between modernism and natural elements, which defines organic modernism. It’s that combination of sophistication and earthy warmth that makes a space feel both bold and timeless.”

Pink Drab No. 208 by Farrow & Ball

It’s your ceiling, so you make the rules—why not choose pink? “We love a pink ceiling,” says Barber. “Adding color in unexpected spots, like in a powder room, is always fun. Pink Drab No. 208 by Farrow & Ball is a soft, vibrant pink that changes its look depending on the room and time of day.”

Graphite 1603 by Benjamin Moore

For a more dramatic choice, Shea recommends Graphite 1603 by Benjamin Moore. This deep gray shade exudes a moody, classic charm, and pairs beautifully with antiques and vintage accents.