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:

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.