Weekend Project: How to create a colourful ceiling

If you think you’ve only got four walls to work with when decorating, think again. Your ceiling can act as a fifth wall, offering a blank canvas for you to add more colour and creativity to a room.

If you’ve read our Colour Lookbook, you’ll already know that painted ceilings are one of the top trends for 2020. We talked about ceiling colour and ceiling paint ideas, and why so many homeowners are aiming high this year.

In this Weekend Project, we’re showing you how easy it really is for you to paint your fifth wall, thanks to our ceiling painting tips.

Why you should paint your ceiling

Too often a neglected area of your home, painting your ceiling will not only add a new dimension to a room – it’ll take your home’s interior décor to new heights.

Depending on the technique you use and the ceiling colour you choose, painting your ceiling can create the illusion of a bigger space, or perhaps a standout focal point, or even subtly enhance a small space.

It’s a bold move, but with our ceiling paint ideas, you won’t ever look back… you’ll only be looking up!

4 ceiling paint ideas to inspire your Weekend Project:

Aim high with our Colour of the Year 2020

One of the reasons so many people love our Colour of the Year 2020, Tranquil Dawn, is its ability to work so well with other shades. Just like you see here. The soft green pairs perfectly with the sugary pastel shade of Faded Damson. Both separated by a white band for added WOW factor.

Match your ceiling with your walls

Who says traditional white has to be your default ceiling colour? Use Dulux Matt ceiling paint to decorate your ceiling and walls in bold hues like Copper Blush. Painting both areas in the same shade will create a cosy, cocoon-like feel – perfect for bedrooms.

Take on the two-tone trend

The two-tone trend is a simple way to add style to a room. By painting your ceiling and walls in contrasting colours, you’ll elongate the space. Here we used Summer Pecan 3 and Gentle Moon to add depth and character to this box-sized bedroom.

Make a statement with a ceiling stripe

Taking advantage of your fifth wall gives you the opportunity to showcase your creative side. Why not try a statement ceiling stripe? Painting the wall and continuing to the ceiling creates a sense of drama – and a talking point around the dinner table. The colours you see here are Pressed Petal, Nutmeg White and Blossom White.

Takeaway Tip: Peach and pinks will complement Tranquil Dawn, our Colour of the Year 2020, for a relaxing, stylish space.

Follow our steps and create your own statement ceiling stripe in only two days:

What you’ll need:

• Wet sponge
• Roller & tray
• Dust sheet
• Masking tape
• Step ladder
• String
• Coloured chalk

Keep things on track:

Saturday morning

Clean your walls using a wet sponge to avoid dirt or dust ruining your paintwork.

Saturday afternoon

Lay down your dust sheet to protect your flooring. Using a roller, paint your walls in Nutmeg White, making ‘w’ shapes for the best and quickest coverage. Leave to dry.

Sunday morning

Measure and mark out the space behind your table using a step ladder to reach the ceiling. Rub chalk along a length of string. Stretch the string across the wall and ceiling then secure it with masking tape at each end. Check the string is straight, then ping it to leave a chalk line across the wall. Remove the string and masking tape along your perfectly straight lines.

Sunday afternoon

Again, lay down your dust sheet to protect your flooring – particularly the section beneath the ceiling area you’re painting. Fill the marked space with Pressed Petal, leave to dry then apply a second coat. While the paint is still slightly wet, peel away the masking tape to reveal crisp edges.