Here's Why You Should Consider Painting Your Ceiling Yellow

If you're convinced it's time to paint your ceilings, yellow is probably the last color you'd want hovering above your head. The idea alone might make you frown, and understandably so. Most of us want the ceiling to blend into the space. Yet, a yellow-painted ceiling does the exact opposite. It steals all the attention and easily dominates a room. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because it can also add a pop of fun and brightness to an otherwise drab interior. Oh, and the best part? You'll be greeted with a big, colorful hello whenever you step in.

Granted, this can feel a little too much for a room meant to feel calm and relaxing. Our advice is to test the waters somewhere you wouldn't mind a burst of energy. For some, that would be the entryway, home office, or sunroom. Others might find a sunny dose of yellow more fitting in the kitchen. Heck, you can even introduce this happy hue to your sleep space if you're feeling extra adventurous. A yellow bedroom design will instantly cheer you up every morning. The takeaway here: A yellow fifth wall is more versatile than you'd think. Just google "yellow ceilings" for proof.

First off, forget the notion that primary yellow is your only option. Whether earthy, citrusy, or buttery, there's a yellow shade for every decorating style. Say your design scheme leans warm and neutral. Something muted, like the Little Greene Madeleine, would add a subtle hint of color without veering away from the base palette. On the other hand, maximalist spaces might benefit from a brighter tone, such as Extreme Yellow by Behr. This will keep the room sunny even on gloomy days. Okay, but what if you're looking for a balance between vibrance and softness? Boom: Benjamin Moore's creamy Old World Romance has you covered.

We also love that yellow works beautifully with a range of hues (besides white and neutrals) — making it relatively easy to mix with existing décor. Some examples of color palettes to use if you're featuring yellow on your ceiling include blue, pink-red, and green. These could be anything from wall colors to pieces of furniture to accessories, like a navy sofa in the living room or emerald tiles in the bathroom, for instance. 

Remember, you don't have to paint your entire ceiling yellow if it sounds too much of a bold move for you. Start small with your ceiling trim or beams. Or, paint a yellow circle around your ceiling light for just the right amount of drama.