Painting a ceiling with a contrasting color gives the illusion of more space.
Small rooms, particularly if they also have low ceilings, can feel very cramped. However, with the right color choices and the use of additional design enhancements, these rooms can feel larger and give the illusion of being more spacious than they actually are. Careful color choices are key when it comes to designing small rooms. Interior designers often refer to ceilings as the "fifth wall," and making the most out of this space can change an entire room.
Avoid Dark Colors
Dark colors on a ceiling in a small room make the space feel cramped and give the impression that the ceilings are lower than they are. Choose a light color palette for ceilings, especially if the ceilings are pitched. Light colors such as white or ivory help create the illusion of a taller space, particularly if the walls are a slightly darker color.
Try Contrasting Colors
Contrasting colors also can give the illusion of more space. If you paint your walls a darker color, choose a much lighter contrasting shade for the ceiling. For example, if you paint the walls a light olive green, an ivory ceiling would be a good contrast. Avoid contrasting colors that are in a different tone, however. If the walls are a warm tone, the ceiling should also be a warm tone but a lighter color.
Using Borders
Decorators sometimes use borders to create the illusion of height in a small room. However, this can have the opposite effect, particularly if the borders are a bold or dark color. Try a light-colored border that complements the shade of the walls as well as the shade of the ceiling. In the example of light olive green walls with an ivory ceiling, a border that incorporates both colors in muted tones could give the appearance of more height in the room.
Other Design Ideas
You can use color in a variety of ways to enhance the ceiling in a small room. Consider hanging bold-colored draperies at least a foot over the existing window to give the appearance of height. In small rooms with low ceilings, hang bold-colored pictures slightly below eye level to trick the eye into thinking there is more space above.
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