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.
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.
More from: