Refresh Any Space By Painting the Ceiling (It's Easier Than You Think!)

And trust us — it makes a big difference.

By: Kayla Kitts

From: HGTV Color Guide

Related To:

Photo By: Jalynn Baker

Don't Forget the Ceiling!

Adding a soft hue to the ceiling can draw your eye up and make a small room feel much larger. Discover our tips for making this surprisingly easy transformation to your space.

BEFORE: Bland Dining Room

Does your dining room feel far from inviting? Spruce things up by painting the fifth wall — your ceiling — a bold, new hue.

Step 1: Paint the Walls

Start with a clean, blank slate. Apply a neutral coat of paint to the walls. (We chose a shade of white.) Now, you're ready to get started.

Step 2: Apply Painter's Tape

Use painter's tape to cover the crown molding around the perimeter of the ceiling. Be sure to work slowly around the corners.

Step 3: Paint the Edges

Remove the lid of the paint can and stir to ensure color consistency. Apply paint with a paintbrush, starting a few inches from the edge of the tape. Lightly brush the tip of the paintbrush's bristles over the newly painted area to create a feathered edge.

Step 4: Switch to a Roller

Use a paint roller with an extension pole to fill in the rest of the ceiling.

OUR COLOR PICK: BEHR Marquee Distant Star MQ5-31

Step 5A: Paint the Ceiling

Place a loaded paint roller in the corner of the room, and roll in one direction toward the opposite side of the room.

Step 5B: Get a Streak-Free Look

Our top tips for getting the look just right? Roll toward yourself but not directly over your head, and paint in parallel lines — not in a "W" or "V" pattern.

Step 6: Add New Lighting

Install a new light fixture that suits your style.

Step 7: Refresh Your Decor

If you really want to take your mini makeover to the next level, why not boost your decor, too? To create this farmhouse-inspired dining room, we swapped out the dated table, chairs, chandelier and buffet. Smaller, lighter furnishings (and new paint colors!) make the space feel much larger.

AFTER: Chic Farmhouse Style

Carry the new color of your ceiling throughout the room by choosing accent pieces that are a similar shade or pop against the neutral hue.

HGTV Urban Oasis 2020

Brother Vs. Brother

Halloween Decorating Ideas

Stylish Bathroom Designs

Cozy Brick Fireplaces

Fall Hanging Baskets

Refresh Any Space By Painting the Ceiling (It's Easier Than You Think!)

Related To:

Don't Forget the Ceiling!

BEFORE: Bland Dining Room

Step 1: Paint the Walls

Step 2: Apply Painter's Tape

Step 3: Paint the Edges

Step 4: Switch to a Roller

Step 5A: Paint the Ceiling

Step 5B: Get a Streak-Free Look

Step 6: Add New Lighting

Step 7: Refresh Your Decor

AFTER: Chic Farmhouse Style

HGTV Color Guide

Connecting Rooms With Color

Dining Room Pictures From HGTV Smart Home 2020 16 Photos

How to Paint Bright Mismatched Chairs

Building a Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving Unit

How to Paint a Graphic, Modern Kids' Room Ceiling Design

Paint Eclectic Chairs for a Cohesive Look