Flat, white paint. Who decided that ceilings would be so boring? Do they need to be? Why is it that nearly everyone paints their ceilings white, and they use flat paint to do it?
It is certainly not a lack of creativity or artistry that causes people to paint their ceilings white. Instead, their are practical and aesthetic reasons that support this common choice for ceiling paint. That said, however, you are not limited to flat, white paint for painting your ceilings. We will begin by looking at the reasons for typical ceiling paint choices, and then explore some ideas for other possibilities.
Why Choose Flat Ceiling Paint?
When interior paint is described as being “flat,” this means it has no sheen, or reflectiveness, to it. Surfaces painted with flat paint tend to look dull and uniform. In contrast, interior house paints that have sheen to them will tend to reflect more light, giving the surface a more lively, eye-catching look. They typically have more depth and variety to the surface, based on natural and artificial lighting at different times of day.
If flat paint is so dull looking, why do people use it on ceilings? One reason is that flat paint is good for hiding surface imperfections. If you use reflective paint on the ceiling, blemishes will be more noticeable, but flat paint helps them escape attention.
An additional reason to use flat paint on ceilings is that we typically want people’s eyes focused on the walls, furnishings and décor. Glossy paints attract attention and draw the eye, which is not what we generally expect from a ceiling.
Can You Use Glossy Paints on Ceilings?
Though it is not a common choice to use glossy paints on ceilings, it can be a great option in some cases! If you have a room that is very stylish in its design, a glossy ceiling can be the perfect way to top it off! As you ponder the idea of reflective paint on the ceiling, consider the following factors:
The shape of the room: if you want to use a paint that draws attention to the ceiling, make sure it is a ceiling that merits attention! It should be a room with a regular shape (square, rectangle, oval…) rather than a shape with unexpected angles and shapes.
The smoothness of the ceiling: because reflective paints draw attention to blemishes, you only want to use them on a highly uniform surface. If your ceiling needs some touch up before it can be coated with a glossy paint, ask your interior painting contractor about skim coating.
The overall style of the room: a glossy ceiling is definitely a modern look, and it does not fit with all styles. You can use it in formal dining rooms or classy living rooms, but it should probably be avoided in rooms with a casual or traditional vibe.
Interior Paints Have Different Levels of Glossiness
Keep in mind that you are not making a simple choice between totally flat or ultra-high gloss. There is a spectrum of options in ascending order of reflectiveness: eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, glossy. If you want to go a little beyond the typical flat white, but you are not ready for a glossy finish, you can choose one of the in-between options for a subtler look.
Different Colors for Painting Ceilings
Just like you are not limited to flat paint, you can also look beyond white interior paint for your ceilings. You can use neutral tones like beige, gray, and even black, or you can use a different shade of your wall color on your ceiling. If you want ideas for ceiling paint colors, you can try browsing photos online, or ask at your local paint store. Finally, your local interior painting contractor can also help you explore the options for your paint colors.
Cherry Hill Painting
For residents of New Jersey and the Philadelphia region, Cherry Hill Painting is a name you can trust for excellent painting quality and unbeatable customer service. We offer a wide array of interior and exterior painting services, including wallpaper removal and kitchen cabinet refinishing. Call our office for your free estimate for interior painting today!