Painting a room requires you to make a lot of decisions, starting with the paint colors. This decision is made even harder if you choose different colors for the walls and ceilings. 

Keep reading for help deciding whether you should paint the ceilings the same color as the interior walls. 

Advantages of Painting Walls and Ceilings the Same Colors

Sticking with the same color for the ceilings that you use on the walls is often easier and more affordable. Using the same color keeps you from needing to pick an extra color, which saves time and energy. You are also likely to end up with less leftover paint, making it more cost-effective.

If the room has crown molding near the ceiling, consider using the same color for the ceiling and walls. Sticking with the same color can help make the room appear larger by drawing the eye to the crown molding and limiting the transition between the walls and the ceiling.

Even without crown molding, you may make the room appear larger when using a light color. Painting the walls and ceiling the same light color can create a seamless look and open the room.

Using the same color on the ceilings is also recommended with angled ceilings that lead to upper levels, such as a loft or finished attic. Choosing the same color can create a sleeker appearance and can help hide transitions in the slope of the ceiling. 

In some situations, you may want to make a room appear smaller or cozier. Using the same color on the ceiling and walls can help achieve this look, especially when using a darker color. 

Advantages of Painting Walls and Ceilings Separate Colors 

Choosing a different color for the ceiling of the room can help create more contrast and a more dynamic appearance. You can create more of a separation between the ceiling and walls when using separate colors.

Using separate colors may also make the room appear larger when using a darker color on the interior walls. Darker walls can make rooms appear smaller. Combining dark walls with a light ceiling helps draw the eye upward, so you focus less on the depth of the room and more on the height.

When using separate colors for the walls and ceiling, white is often used for the ceiling. White helps hide small imperfections in the ceiling. If you have an old plaster ceiling with many small bumps, using white paint can create a smoother appearance. 

Using a light color for the ceiling is also recommended when using bold colors. For example, painting the walls and ceiling a dark red or gray may overwhelm the senses. A light-colored ceiling can add contrast and keep the dark walls from becoming too overwhelming.

Some people also prefer the high-contrast look of using separate colors for the walls and ceiling. It gives you the option to choose more than just one color and tie more elements together. For example, the color that you choose for the ceiling may also look good on the trim.