Ceiling paint colors
Top picks for the ceiling
6 editor's picksAll ceiling colors at every brand
60 colors · 4 families15 colors per family, spread across the LRV range so each section has tonal variety. Tap any swatch with a curated guide for full spec and cross-brand matches.
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About ceiling paint colors
Ceilings are the largest single surface in any room and almost always painted plain white by default. Color choice on a ceiling can transform a room: a slightly-pink ceiling adds warmth across the room, a sky-blue ceiling extends daylight, a tone-matched ceiling makes a small room feel taller.
The picks below cover the canonical white-ceiling options plus the color-ceiling alternatives that work without going gimmicky. Soft warm whites for most rooms. Pale sky and haint blues for porches and traditional houses. Tone-matched ceiling (paint ceiling the same color as walls but in a flat sheen) for moody rooms that want to feel enveloping.
Ceiling paint colors — frequently asked questions
What color should I paint my ceiling?+
Default safe choice: soft warm white (BM White Dove, SW Alabaster) — slightly warmer than the wall trim, slightly lighter than the wall. For moody rooms, paint the ceiling the same color as the walls in a flat sheen ("color-drench") to create an enveloping feel. For traditional houses with character, a pale haint-blue or soft warm pink ceiling adds subtle warmth.
Should the ceiling be lighter than the walls?+
Usually yes — a slightly lighter ceiling reads as "open" and reflects light back into the room. The exception: moody rooms (dark dining rooms, primary bedrooms with a saturated wall color) that benefit from a same-color ceiling for an enveloping feel. Traditional houses with crown molding can handle a slightly darker ceiling if the crown is white.
Is flat or eggshell better for a ceiling?+
Flat for most ceilings — it hides imperfections in old plaster and drywall, and ceilings get less wear than walls. The exception: ceilings in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms that see steam should use eggshell or satin for cleanability and moisture resistance. Skip semi-gloss on ceilings entirely; the reflection emphasizes flaws.