White

• White is the traditional choice for ceiling paint color. Painting your ceilings white can help reflect light in dimly lit areas. White paint can also make a ceiling feel taller. When set against bold colors, white is crisp and sharp. Against light colors, white reflects light to make spaces feel large.
  
  Some people are reminded of a doctor's office when they look at a white ceiling. If you feel this way, but still want a traditional ceiling, choose from hundreds of shades of off-white and neutral colors.
  
  

Paint Finish

• Most ceilings are painted with flat paint. Eggshell and satin are two other paint finishes that can be used on your ceiling. Understand the condition of your ceiling before choosing a satin or eggshell finish. These finishes can magnify imperfections. If no imperfections are present, alternative paint finishes can add an illuminating feel to a room. If you paint a ceiling a color other than a neutral color, an eggshell or satin finish can soften the overall look.
  
  

Textured Ceilings

• A textured ceiling can make your home appear dated, but it is difficult and costly to remove texture from a ceiling. Make your textured ceiling pop using two different paint colors. Tape plastic tarps on your walls using blue painter's tape. Use a paint sprayer to paint your ceiling a single color.
  
  After the paint dries, use a paint roller to roll on a second color that is one or two shades lighter or darker than your base coat. Make sure your roller isn't saturated with paint. Move the roller in a single direction. Do not move the paint roller back and forth. If done correctly, the top coat will not entirely cover the base coat of paint. The end result will be a multi-colored ceiling that almost looks as if it has been sponge-painted. Use bright colors for more pizazz or neutral colors to add a more subtle flair to your ceilings.
  
  

Color Inspiration

• Ceilings don't have to be the same color as your walls. If your room is in need of a pop of color, take a look at your accessories. Use a color featured in the upholstery of your furniture or the pattern of your carpets as the inspiration for the color of your ceiling. Keep the color light, as a dark ceiling will make a room feel shorter and smaller.
  
  

Decorative Finishes

• Sometimes a coat of a single color of paint is not enough. Sometimes you may desire a more decorative ceiling. In this case, paint a mural on your ceiling. Or hire a faux finisher to make your ceilings look like copper, aluminum or even marble or wood. Faux finishes look spectacular in multi-dimensional or coffered ceilings.