How To Paint Your Kitchen Ceiling Dark But Still Have It Be HGTV-Approved

Paint is an easy way to transform a room, especially when you think outside the standard four walls. For many homeowners, colorful shades go on the walls, while the ceiling is a complementing neutral, typically white. However, painting the fifth wall a color other than white is a simple way to add drama to the space. In fact, matching the ceiling and wall color can make the room appear larger as it creates a monochromatic transition that draws the eyes upward.

Painting the ceiling has become more popular in recent years, especially when using dark and moody colors, which have also been trending. While these darker shades can add drama, you have to be careful when painting both the walls and ceiling. Encasing the room in dark paint can make a space feel much smaller if not done correctly. For this reason, HGTV emphasizes the importance of balancing out dark paint with bright details and natural light.

Bring in bright neutrals like whites, beiges, and creams, along with vibrant complementing colors to allow more light details into the room. You'll also want to illuminate the space with as much natural light as possible. Allow sunlight to stream through the window and use reflective surfaces like mirrors, high-sheen stone, and metallic finishes to help bounce light around the space.

When choosing a moody color, many homeowners tend to gravitate to darker shades of blue and green, which tend to be the most livable and versatile. With blue, particularly, a crisp white can evoke a nautical theme, though creamier hues with warmer undertones can balance the color out without reminding you of the seaside. However, deep reds and purples can also be a great way to add dramatic warmth to the kitchen.

The balancing act between paint colors can be a way to get creative. In the kitchen, consider painting the lower cabinets a lighter accent color and the walls, ceiling, and upper cabinets a moodier shade. Similarly, you can also achieve the two-toned look with wainscotting on walls without cabinets.

Of course, your ceiling and walls don't have to match. Make your ceiling the room's feature by painting it a dark shade and painting the walls and cabinets a complementing lighter tone. This can be an excellent option for kitchens that don't have a lot of natural light and may feel too dark if completely covered in a darker paint.