Make ceilings a dramatic statement in decor

Interior designer Scott Salvator doubles the impact and heightens the drama of this New York City dining room with the effective placement of a mirrored ceiling.

Using pattern, texture, colour, and architectural details, it's possible to make a room seem smaller or larger, wider or narrower, cooler or warmer, lighter or darker. It's also possible to disguise imperfections. Knowing all this, why is it so rare for homeowners to apply their enthusiasm for decorating to ceilings, when the results can be so impressive? After all, you wouldn't dream of ignoring the floor and yet it's partially hidden by furnishings and carpets. In contrast, the ceiling is almost always totally revealed, giving it a dominant presence in every room.

Whether it's a mirrored ceiling reflecting an elaborate dining room table, painted glass hovering above an elegant ensuite, or an upholstered ceiling enveloping a media room, there is life beyond standard white paint. Here are some ideas on how to get the decorating results your room deserves and create a canopy of beauty overhead.

Playing with proportion

Ceilings typically fall into one of three categories: too high (newer suburban homes), too low (older city homes) or just about right in height, but lacking character. Here are some options for each scenario.

If ceiling is too low, create the illusion of height.

• Add vertical stripes using wallpaper or painted by hand. Make sure stripes are at least one-and-a-half inches wide.
• Display a series of artwork in vertical rows.
• Hang draperies close to the ceiling, rather than right at the top of the window frame.
• Create tall narrow panels using moldings, and paint moldings in a colour similar to wall colour.

If ceiling is too high, visually modify the proportions of the room.

• Add a picture rail or strip of molding 18 inches below ceiling. Paint the portion above the molding in the same colour as the ceiling.
• Paint the ceiling in a darker shade than walls.
• Create a drop ceiling and install cove lighting.
• Add a layer of drywall to the center of the ceiling. Cut drywall 3 inches shy of the ceiling's size and install in the center. Paint the portion of the original ceiling that is still visible (it's now acting as a frame) in a complementary colour to the walls.
• Create wide panels with moldings. Paint moldings in a contrasting colour to emphasize width.

If ceiling is just right, give it a more distinguished presence.

• Wallpaper the ceiling for a dramatic or cozy effect. Avoid small patterns, which will look finicky.
• Highlight the last string (innermost edge of molding where it touches the ceiling) in silver or gold leaf.
• Add a band of brass, chrome or copper to the inside edge of crown molding.
• Install a 1-inch picture frame inside the innermost edge of molding.

Ceiling Myths

• A white ceiling is always right. Although this myth has incredible staying power, pairing a white ceiling with dark walls such as navy blue or burgundy is never a good choice. The intense contrast is far too demanding, attracting attention and in essence becoming the focal point for the room. Plus, brilliant white is a 20th-century invention. Older, traditional homes work better with cream or ivory ceilings when lightness is desired.
• Mix wall colour into white paint to create a custom ceiling colour. Sounds simple, but colour mixing is complicated - that's why there are more than 2 billion paint colours for you to choose from. The real problem with this, if you get a leak and the ceiling needs to be touched up, it will be impossible for you to match the colour you created. Choose a distinct colour for the ceiling.
• Flat paint is the best choice for ceilings. If you love a matte finish, flat paint may be the right choice. However, I will often use a pearl or satin, even a semi-gloss sheen for ceilings. The extra sheen sparkles in daylight and in the evening with artificial lighting. One disadvantage: the higher the sheen the more perfectly the ceiling has to be prepped. Your painter will hate this idea.
• Ceilings should always be lighter than walls. This is often the case, but not the only option. When you are looking to create drama or a cozy atmosphere, the darker ceiling colour works to your advantage. I like this look especially in dining rooms and powder rooms. In other cases, the ceiling in a colour similar to wall colours creates a calm, cohesive atmosphere.
• Keep ceilings plain and simple to calm rooms that are busy with pattern. Rooms that are filled with colour, pattern, and texture benefit greatly by including the ceiling in decorating plans. A white ceiling in a room like this looks as if it's been forgotten.