How To Paint a Ceiling

Painting a ceiling can transform any room, adding character and visual interest while creating the perfect backdrop for the rest of your design. Whether you're looking to refresh tired paintwork or make a bold style statement, painting your ceiling is one of the most impactful DIY projects. With the right preparation, tools and paint, you can achieve impressive results that will elevate any space.
 

Step-by-step guide to painting a ceiling

It doesn’t matter if you’re painting the ceiling the same colour as your walls or opting for a contrasting, colourful ceiling – the process is the same. Follow these steps to achieve professional results on your ceiling paintwork. 

1. Prepare your space

Clear the room of any furniture and wall art, and lay down dust sheets to protect the floor. If you have furniture that can't be moved, push it to the centre of the room and cover it with sheets, and remove or cover light fixtures where possible.  

To protect areas that won’t be painted, apply a low-tack masking tape around edges, cornices and fixtures. If you’re not painting the walls, cover them with plastic sheeting. These crucial preparation steps help create clean lines on your ceiling paintwork and prevent accidental paint splashes. 

At this stage, you should also make sure you have these essential tools on hand: 
 

• Small step ladder
• Broom
• Cloths
• Paint roller and tray
• Cutting-in brushes
• Extension pole
• Sandpaper (fine grit)
• Low-tack masking tape

2. Clean and inspect the ceiling

Use a clean broom to remove cobwebs and dust from the ceiling, then wipe it down with a damp cloth to catch any remaining debris. Check for any holes, cracks or imperfections in the ceiling that may need attention. 

3. Fill and sand imperfections

Apply filler to any holes or cracks and allow it to dry completely. We recommend using Polycell’s Multi-Purpose Polyfilla – a shrink and crack-resistant interior filler. Once dry, sand down any rough patches or filled areas to create a smooth, even surface for painting.

4. Cut in around edges and fixtures

Using a cutting-in brush, designed for painting precise lines and edges, paint around fixtures and edges where a roller can’t reach.  

5. Apply the first coat using a roller and extension pole

Using a roller with an extension pole is the best way to paint a ceiling. Depending on the ceiling height, you may also need a step ladder. Fill your roller tray with paint and attach the extension pole. When painting a ceiling with a roller, we recommend starting from a window or corner and working in small sections of about one metre at a time. Load your roller evenly and apply paint in a 'W' pattern. Work quickly from section to section to maintain a wet edge and avoid overlapping marks. 

6. Apply a second coat if needed

Allow the first coat to dry completely before assessing the paint coverage. If a second coat is required, repeat the same process explained in step 5.

7. Clean up

Once the paint is completely dry, carefully remove masking tape and dust sheets, clean your tools and return your furniture to its original position. 

Tips for painting ceilings in different rooms
 

• Living rooms. Choose colours that complement your existing décor and consider the room's natural light. Darker ceiling colours can make large spaces feel more intimate, while lighter colours brighten up the space. 
• Bedrooms. Opt for calming, restful colours that promote relaxation. Consider how the ceiling colour will look during the day and at night in natural and artificial light. 
• Kitchens. A wipeable paint, like Dulux Easycare Kitchen Matt, is the ideal choice for ceiling paintwork.  
• Bathrooms. Use specialist bathroom paint that’s moisture-resistant to keep your ceilings looking fresh for longer. We recommend Dulux Easycare Bathroom Soft Sheen in your chosen shade.
• Kids’ bedrooms. Consider fun, playful colours that aren’t overstimulating for sleep. Use washable paint formulations for easy cleaning, like Dulux Easycare Washable & Tough Matt. 
• Home offices. Workspaces benefit from colours that enhance productivity, creativity and concentration while reducing eye strain.  
• Dining rooms. Consider how ceiling colours will affect the ambience during meals and when you’re entertaining guests, especially under artificial lighting in the evenings. 

Best paint for ceilings

When selecting ceiling paint, opt for high-quality emulsion paints. Dulux ceiling paints have the following benefits: 
 

• Matt finishes. We recommend Dulux Matt emulsion paint for ceilings, as matt finishes help hide imperfections and don't reflect light in ways that highlight flaws.  
• Moisture resistance. Essential for bathrooms, kitchens and other high-humidity areas, Dulux Easycare Bathroom Soft Sheen is the ideal moisture-resistant ceiling paint. 
• Good coverage. Dulux ceiling paints provide excellent opacity in just one coat when applied over similar colours. 
• Easy application. Formulated to minimise dripping and splashing, our ceiling paints make overhead application straightforward. 
• Durability. Dulux paints are durable and formulated to resist yellowing, cracking and peeling to maintain your ceiling's appearance over time.  

Ceiling paint colour ideas

Choosing the right colour for your ceiling can dramatically impact how your space looks. While white remains a classic choice, coloured ceilings can add personality, create visual interest and even make the space look bigger. Discover our favourite ceiling paint ideas here to find your perfect colour palette. 

Black ceiling paint ideas

Black ceilings create dramatic, sophisticated spaces that can make rooms feel intimate and cosy. Opt for Rich Black in your preferred finish – our most popular black interior paint. This bold choice works particularly well in: 
 

• Modern dining rooms. A black ceiling creates an elegant backdrop for dinner parties, especially when paired with statement pendant lighting or chandeliers. 
• Cosy bedrooms. Painting your bedroom ceiling black creates a cocoon-like atmosphere perfect for relaxation, especially when you add textured fabrics and warm lighting. 
• Luxurious bathrooms. A black colour-drenched bathroom is modern and sophisticated. Paint the walls, ceiling and trim in the same shade, then introduce contrast with white fixtures and tiles for a striking, hotel-inspired feel. 

Blue ceiling paint ideas

Blue ceilings are calming and soothing while adding visual interest without overwhelming a space. Here are some design ideas to try: 
 

• Pastel blue bedroom ceilings. Shades like Coastal Grey create a serene, cloud-like atmosphere that promotes sleep and relaxation. 
• Navy blue living room ceilings. Sapphire Salute adds sophistication and depth, working well with both traditional and contemporary living room designs. 
• Teal bathroom ceilings. Teal Voyage evokes the sea, while adding a spa-like quality to the space.  

Brown ceiling paint ideas

Brown ceiling tones create warm, earthy environments that feel grounding and sophisticated. Consider these ceiling paint ideas for different rooms: 
 

• Warm taupe living room ceilings. Perfectly Taupe provides a neutral backdrop that complements both warm and cool colour schemes. 
• Grey-brown bedroom ceilings. Knotted Twine creates a cocoon-like environment that feels soothing and restful while remaining modern and sophisticated. 
• Caramel-toned kitchen ceilings. Malt Chocolate complements natural wood or cream cabinets and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere for cooking and hosting.  

Grey ceiling paint ideas

Grey ceilings offer versatility and modern appeal while providing a sophisticated neutral backdrop for a range of other colours. Get inspired by these grey ceiling paint ideas: 
 

• Charcoal bedroom ceilings. Natural Slate creates a sophisticated, hotel-like atmosphere that feels both modern and timeless. 
• Green-grey home office ceilings. Tranquil Dawn creates a calming atmosphere that enhances focus while bringing a contemporary look to your home office. 
• Warm grey living room ceilings. Pebble Shore is the perfect neutral that allows artwork and furniture to stand out while adding subtle sophistication. 
   

Looking for more design inspiration and DIY tips? Discover how to colour drench a living room, which involves painting the ceiling, walls and trim in the same shade for an impactful design.