How to Make Your Tray Ceiling Shine: 15 Paint Ideas to Consider

Tray ceilings are a beautiful architectural feature that can truly elevate the look and feel of a room. Whether you’re looking to highlight a stunning light fixture or bring a pop of color to your ceiling, there are endless possibilities when it comes to painting your tray ceiling. In this article, we’ll explore 15 gorgeous tray ceiling paint ideas that will inspire you to get creative with your home decor.

Table of Contents

1. Say Yay to Gray with Shoshanna Shapiro

Designer Shoshanna Shapiro from Sherwin-Williams recommends using Agreeable Gray for your tray ceiling. She suggests painting the vertical areas with the wall color and the horizontal areas in the ceiling color to create a cohesive look. If you want to highlight a statement light fixture, keep the box-up feature simple to let the lighting fixture shine.

2. Play With Color

Don’t be afraid to have fun and add a pop of personality to your tray ceiling with color. Adding layers of color and texture can make the room feel more vibrant and grand. If you have existing wood beams, consider staining them a darker hue to create a striking contrast.

Tip:

Experiment with bold colors to make a statement.
Layering colors can add depth and interest to the space.

3. Incorporate Deeper Tones

Lacy Hughes of Julian Design suggests using deeper colors to define your tray ceiling and make it stand out. Adding a contrasting color to the tray ceiling can make it a focal point of the room while complementing the overall color palette.

4. Bring Earthy Touches

Create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your dining room by incorporating earthy tones into your tray ceiling. Pairing a patterned wallpaper with a complementary ceiling color can enhance the ambiance of the space.

5. Pair Colors for Relaxation

Incorporate a white ceiling with a colored wall to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in any room. The contrast between the ceiling and walls can add visual interest and architectural flair.

6. Keep It Fresh and Neutral

For a timeless and elegant look, designer Georgia Zikas recommends keeping your tray ceiling paint color neutral. This allows the architectural details to stand out while creating a cohesive design throughout the room.

7. Create an Airy Feel

Designer Sherry Hayslip suggests using lighter colors for tray ceilings to create a sense of airiness and spaciousness. Adding proper lighting fixtures can enhance the illusion of a floating ceiling and make the room feel more open and inviting.

8. Embrace Dark Colors

If you prefer a bolder and more dramatic look, consider painting your tray ceiling with a dark color like Sherwin-Williams’ Black Fox. Dark ceilings can create the illusion of taller ceiling heights and add depth to the room.

Tip:

Dark colors can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in larger rooms.
Consider using dark colors in rooms with ample natural light to prevent the space from feeling closed-in.

9. Let Lighting Take the Spotlight

Highlight a show-stopping light fixture by keeping your tray ceiling light in color. This allows the lighting to be the focal point of the room while adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

10. Stay Neutral in Great Rooms

In large spaces like great rooms, neutral paint colors on tray ceilings can complement the overall design and furnishings. Neutral tones create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere for entertaining and relaxation.

11. Add Depth to Contemporary Spaces

Tray ceilings can add depth and visual interest to contemporary spaces like kitchens. Consider painting the tray ceiling a contrasting color to create a modern and sophisticated look.

12. Opt for Crisp Whites in Kitchens

White tray ceilings can enhance the crispness of modern kitchens while adding a touch of warmth and sophistication. Pairing white ceilings with traditional elements can create a harmonious blend of styles in the kitchen.

13. Highlight Natural Wood

Bring warmth and texture to your entryway with a natural wood tray ceiling. Wood ceilings can add a cozy and inviting touch to the space while complementing the overall design and decor.

14. Match Your Mantel

For a cohesive and seamless look, consider painting your tray ceiling the same color as your fireplace. This creates a sense of continuity and flow throughout the room, tying together different elements of the space.

15. Wallpaper It

If painting your tray ceiling isn’t your style, consider using wallpaper to add texture and visual interest to the space. A subtle gray wallpaper can create a classic and stylish look while enhancing the overall design of the room.

In conclusion, tray ceilings offer a unique opportunity to experiment with color, texture, and design in your home. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant colors or subtle and neutral tones, there are endless possibilities to transform your tray ceiling into a stunning focal point. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and make your tray ceiling shine with these paint ideas!