Be conservative in your selection of ceiling color.
The ceiling is not a place to get radical with a color choice. That said, if you are going with some powerful colors on your walls, the ceiling is a place that can add a bit of fresh air. Deep colors like maroon can make a strong statement, but can also make a room oppressive. By going with a lighter color, you can ease the impact a little while maintaining the verve of a vibrant color. For rooms that get a lot of light, a bright ceiling can help reflect light back into the room.
Instructions
1. Pick your room color first. Your will depend on your room color, and as the ceiling is not in the general field of view most of the time, it will be subordinate to the room color.
2. Select the same color as the wall color if it is not too dark and the room does not stand in need of a lot of extra light. A Navajo white, or similar off white, is fine on the ceiling and will help the room cohere, especially if the ceiling is low. If you are going much darker than an off white, consider a lighter color than the wall color.
3. Use a color in the same family for mid-tone wall colors. Often you can just select a lighter color from the swatch sheet. For example, if your walls will be wheat or a light terra cotta, select a color of the same hue that has more white in it. An exception might be if there is a high ceiling and you want to make the room more homey, or if a consistent color is important to the decor.
4. Use a lighter color of the same hue for strongly colored walls. A tangerine wall, for example, could be coupled with orange cream. The bit of orange in the pastel color for the ceiling maintains the consistency of color, while lightening the room and feel.
5. For dark rooms, use a light neutral. For example, a chestnut-colored wall would naturally fit with a white with a bit of yellow ocher or a hint of burnt sienna. For maximum lightness, go with ceiling white.
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