Should You Paint Your Ceiling the Same Colour as Your Walls?

Why consider painting your ceiling the same colour?

This approach, often called colour drenching, wraps your room in one cohesive shade, blurring the usual boundaries between walls and ceiling. The result? A room that feels larger, calmer, and surprisingly modern. Imagine your entire room bathed in a soft, muted blue or a warm earthy tone –  it’s like stepping into a cosy cocoon that still breathes.

What to think about before you start

Not every room is a perfect fit for this look though. Natural light is a big player here. Rooms with lots of daylight tend to wear this style beautifully because the light lifts the colour, preventing it from feeling too heavy. In darker spaces, a deep colour on walls and ceiling can shrink the feel of the room rather than expand it.

Paint finish and tone

Another thing to keep in mind is the finish of the paint. Flat or matte finishes are your best friend here. They hide imperfections better than glossy paints and give a smooth, soft look that keeps the colour feeling rich but not overwhelming. If you want to use a darker, more intense colour, try mixing the ceiling paint with some white to lighten it just a touch. This way, the ceiling stays true to the wall colour but feels lighter and more spacious.

Real-life wins (and a few lessons learned)

We recently worked on a Victorian hallway where the client wanted to create a feeling of height and flow. By painting the walls and ceiling in a gentle dove grey with a flat finish, the space felt brighter and taller than before – and they loved how calming it was.

On the flip side, we once saw a space painted in a dark navy all over, but the lack of natural light made the ceiling feel like it was pressing down. The lesson? If your room is dark or small, choose lighter shades or keep the ceiling a shade or two lighter.

Tips to nail this look

• Test paint samples in your room at different times of day. Lighting changes everything.
• Prep thoroughly. Ceilings often have cracks and texture that flat paint can hide, but good prep work is essential.
• Think about the rest of your room. If your walls and ceiling are dark, keep your floors and furnishings lighter to balance the space.
• Use quality paint. Cheaper paints can look patchy and fade quickly, ruining the seamless effect.

Is this the right move for your home?

If you’re curious about how this style works in practice, we’ve got plenty of real-life examples to share. From historic homes to modern spaces, we’ve helped clients transform their rooms with carefully chosen colours and expert preparation that makes all the difference.

Painting ceilings the same colour as walls isn’t just about style – it’s about knowing how to make it work for your space, light, and lifestyle. That’s where our experience comes in. We handle the tricky prep and paint application, so you get a finish that looks effortless and lasts.

Get in touch with the team here