It’s tough being a ceiling. They’re one of the most overlooked and underutilized surfaces in the interior design world. A new color trend is hoping you’ll do just the opposite by considering your ceiling as the “fifth wall” and painting it black. Black ceiling paint applied by a skilled interior painter can help you design around tall ceilings, can create a unique design, and can even hide the less desirable elements of your ceiling. In this article, our professionals dive into when black ceiling paint is the right choice for your home. 

If You Have High Ceiling but Want a Cozy Space

Our brains love high ceilings but they can also create some unique design challenges. A professional painting project can help make the room feel unified. A room with soaring ceilings can feel sterile and empty if left unaddressed. Homeowners most often paint ceilings white to reflect light, which in turn makes a room feel brighter and larger. Rooms with black ceilings can better connect what’s up with what’s down to create a cozy, intimate space.

A dark ceiling paint color like Benjamin Moore’s Midnight (2131-20) can add warmth and make your ceiling appear as if it were lower which in turn allows you to have lots of vertical space without sacrificing on coziness. 

If You Want A Unique Design Element

You can use black paint to define an area. Think of it as an area rug on your ceiling. It’s a creative solution to divide up the space so you’re free to decorate however you want. Light or neutral colors work best for furnishings when going dark on your ceiling. It’s worth investing in a dramatic light fixture to showcase your bold ceiling choice.

“Open floor plans are highly sought after, but once people move in it can take some work to figure out how to make the home work best for your lifestyle,” says Dennis Merillat, owner of CertaPro Painters® of Burnsville.“Creating a black color block on part of the ceiling is a creative way to express division of space while not losing any floor space with furniture you don’t actually want.”

If Your Space Has Geometric Designs

If you’re lucky enough to have some amazing architectural elements built into your space, a black ceiling can highlight your home’s character. For example, painting black in white space between coffered ceiling beams, millwork or crown molding can add visual interest, greater depth and emphasize the uniqueness of the details. Beamed, barrel-vault and cathedral ceilings are other good candidates for a black color scheme.

“If you have beams that create geometric shapes on your ceiling like squares or rectangles, adding black to the equation is the perfect opportunity to really make those pop and create a statement on your ceiling,”  says Dennis Merillat, owner of CertaPro Painters® of Burnsville. “Painting existing beams white and what’s around them black creates a dramatic contrast that allows each component to be noticed.”

Painter’s Tip: When you want paint applied around beautiful beams or ornate molding, it’s important the application is done skillfully to protect the existing elements of your home from drips and spills. 

If You’re Looking to Hide Ceiling Elements

A ceiling painted black is great at concealing stains and all the “stuff” running along your ceiling. A fresh pop of black color can help you achieve that industrial style. Sherwin-Williams’ Caviar (SW6990) is a dark hue that can help you accomplish your basement painting goals. Or if you want to stick with the traditional paint colors like Black (2132-10) by Benjamin Moore, this will add an easily workable color scheme to whatever your design style is.

Black ceilings are also great for commercial spaces. The dark shade makes a space feel more inviting, hides equipment, and minimizes the messes your equipment might make.   

Get Started on Your Black Ceiling Paint Project

Anyone who has ever wanted to paint a wall white has learned that there are a lot of colors options. The problem is the same for selecting a paint color for a black ceiling. It turns out, things aren’t always so black and white. Or, perhaps you’ve decided black is too intimidating a color for you. That’s okay! There are plenty of great options to choose from when it comes to painting your ceiling. The color consultants at CertaPro Painters® can help you navigate the sea of black swatches to find one that achieves your home goals.

CertaPro Painters® can help you get add a black ceiling to your next interior paint project. Call 1-800-689-7271 or get a free estimate today to discuss making your “fifth wall” a statement piece.