Many two-story homes have angled walls and slanted ceilings that are inherent in rooms beneath the peaked roofline. While slanted walls can create a snug and cozy feel, the negative effects can include a choppy visual plane and difficulty placing furniture and art.
My Nashville clients were in desperate need of a master bedroom makeover. As recent empty nesters, the couple wanted an upstairs space that was all their own. One of the things we needed to address in this room were the angled walls and slanted ceilings. Because the “ceilings” come down so far into the room, painting them white gives the impression that the ceiling is lower than it actually is. Here is the bedroom before:
before
We chose a sandy wall color to brighten the space and to act as the backdrop for the blues and creams we wanted for the new color scheme. Instead of leaving the ceiling white, we wrapped the sand color onto both the slanted angles and uppermost part of the ceiling. Here’s what might surprise you: when you paint your ceiling the same color as your walls (providing that there is no crown molding between the wall and ceiling), the ceiling color will appear a half shade lighter than the wall color. So it looks as though you’ve painted the ceiling a half a shade lighter, while it is actually the same color as the walls. The result? A ceiling that appears higher and a room that feels bigger because it’s no longer visually dissected by the white ceiling that started two-thirds of the way up.
One of the first things we chose for this room was this beautiful blue upholstered bed with brass nailhead detailing. The pair of chests on either side are much better choice than the typical small end tables that we often see in typical bedrooms. The scale of these are so much nicer for a queen- or king- size bed, plus they provide lots of storage for reading material and clothing.
Here’s a before shot from the opposite side of the room facing back towards the entry. The room you see beyond was converted into a fabulous closet as a part of the upstairs renovation.
before
The finished design is a sophisticated and peaceful space with a large walk-in closet opposite the entry. The entire upstairs is now a private master suite, so using french doors on the closet is not an issue, and it allows more natural light from the window in the new closet to flow into the master bedroom.
We brought in gold accents in this fabulous floor lamp and side table for the new reading corner.
I love the shape of this chair. And the fabric? FORGET ABOUT IT! It is so gorgeous, I could just eat it up.
Here’s another before shot. You can see how low the slanted ceilings come into the space. It looks all kinds of dreary, really.
before
The higher headboard and the continuation of the wall paint onto the angled ceiling makes the room feel so much better, right?
The gold accents continue with the circular mirror that dresses out a previously awkward angled wall.
And these fabulous lamps? We originally bought these for the entryway, but found they looked even better in the bedroom! The rectangular shades fit nicely against the wall, and the curved sculptural bases of the lamps soften the angles of the room, as does the gold mirror I just showed you.
Would you believe these lamps are from HomeGoods??? They were a great score!
We mixed the bedding for a custom look. The symmetry of this arrangement creates a serene and comfortable place to sleep.
The master bathroom was also renovated during this time, requiring the door to move several feet to the right. We found a beautiful piece of art that my client really loved at a local home furnishing store.
The last piece of the puzzle was this uber-cool wood ottoman. Would you believe I found this at HomeGoods? I would have purchased another if there had been one. It’s truly beautiful.
Oh, and I almost forgot. Rather than choosing a typical beige, I chose a soothing gray-blue patterned carpet for the flooring in the entire upstairs master suite.
My work here is done! Hopefully you can see how the choice of painting the walls and slanted ceilings the same color really paid off.  Literally. They paid me good money for this.  😉
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Wow! What a difference just by using the same paint color on the ceiling and walls!! I love learning these fool- the- eye “tricks” of the trade! I also notice that the tall headboard and oversized “nightstands” also seem to distract from the low ceilings, and create the illusion that there is plenty of space and headroom—which actually seems counter-intuitive to what you would normally expect!!
I love the beautiful fabrics you choose!!
Thanks for posting this.
I vote that this is one of your best makeovers ever ! The flow is now perfect, the paint and colors are beautiful. The furnishings and accents are comfortable yet elegant. Kristie, I do believe you are the perfect “go to” expert for difficult solutions like this. The before and after is remarkable. I hope this gets picked up in print for you !!
You are so kind to say that, Mary!!! I’m glad you like it. I must say, I really enjoy solving problems in challenging spaces. It’s just more interesting!! 🙂
I agree with Mary. This is my favorite room that I’ve seen of yours!
I guessed right! It makes a huge difference to the feel of the room. What a good idea to turn the upstairs into a private get away with a big walk in closet.
Kristie, in a normal” room, would painting your ceiling the same color as your walls make it feel more spacious?
YES, Joanna, as long as there is NO crown molding between the walls and ceiling, and the paint color is fairly light.
And if there is crown molding, what do you recommend?
Great question, Beth. If there is crown molding, you must change the ceiling color – either white like the trim, or a different color than wall color. NEVER do the same color on walls and ceiling when there is crown molding – it just looks lazy, like the whole thing was sprayed by the builder and then crown put up.
I love the transformation. You did an exceptional job and I appreciate the advice. Where did you find those adorable lamps on the night stands? Also, I don’t think I ever received the pet proofing decorating information and would love to read it.
Nancy,
Thanks! The lamps were from Home Goods (I think I included that in the post?). I will check with tech support to make sure you get access to the pet-proof decorating!
Oh my! I have room just like this, a FROG! Finished room over the garage, however mine is not “finished.” It is the dumping ground-storage space. Fortunately, the ceiling is painted just like you recommend. I was able to glean a few decorating tips for the space and most of all inspiration. Thank you so much- I do enjoy your posts.
Paula,
Maybe it’s time to kiss that frog! 😉
This is fantastic! What a serene space.
Did I read this correctly that basically the (1) lower walls, (2) slanted walls, and (3) flat ceiling were all painted one color? I think I did that in my first house after college just so I wouldn’t have to buy more paint, lol!
I’m glad you like challenges! I feel that way about statistics and logistical questions to solve. But the challenge of space planning in an akward, asymetrical (not in a good way) 1200 square feet ranch for 4 people, 2 aquariums, 2 rabbits, 2 home offices, 1 sensory gym, 1 art studio, 1 homeschool, too much clutter and no storage constantly leaves me drained. I am in awe of your brilliance in solving creative challenges!!!
I’ve come to the conclusion that the less house (aka money) you have the more you need expensive solutions like custom designed furniture to make things work and multi-task. When even IKEA items are too big you know you have a problem, lol!!
Thanks for sharing the inspiration 🙂
That does sound like a challenge, Melissa! Your best bet is built-in storage like bookcases/cabinetry. And of course furniture that works double or triple duty in regards to function.
Very insightful! I deal with these ceilings all the time in older remodels. I just finished one where the painters painted the walls and ceiling Revere Pewter, but I never thought about how much taller the space seemed until you mentioned it:). Less work for your painter too!
Yes – although in large, light-filled rooms I might suggest they switch from eggshell finish (walls) to flat finish (for ceiling). In these under-the-attic rooms, a little eggshell finish is good all over because it bounces a bit of light around!
Can I paint the room revere pewter in a smaller room ?
That’s my favorite color!!!
Sure Rita, if you have good natural light!
I have two regular size double hung windows in the bedroom. It’s approximately size is 11 x 13
Did the revere pewter on the ceiling look dark?? I do have two windows in my bedroom
Hi Kristie,
I concur! lol I always recommend painting rooms with slanted ceilings a light color and then taking that color all the way around. My fave mistake is where there’s that strip of horizontal ceiling that they leave white. It always looks strange to me, like a race track or something. xo
Yes! RACE TRACK. I am also against RACING STRIPES – you know, the ones in the tray ceilings!
This is such an awesome makeover, Kristi! Your posts are inspiring, and they’re also a lot of fun! “…And the fabric? FORGET ABOUT IT! It is so gorgeous, I could just eat it up.” That brought a smile to my face! Nothing like tasty fabric…: )
Thanks, Susanne!
My daughter’s bedroom is shaped just like that master bedroom. Looks like we have a new project for ourselves-running the wall color up onto the slanted parts and the ceiling. I had no idea that it would appear lighter. Thanks for the timely and extremely useful info!
Once again you knocked it outta the park my friend! Beautiful transformation!!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
Looks great! I love that fabric too- gorgeous! Good tip to share about painting the walls and ceiling same color to make appear larger.
Thanks so much, Kelly. Yeah, I kinda want that chair for MYSELF.
Love the makeover! What paint color did you use? It looks serene.
We have a bonus room with slanted walls, and about 15 paint colors tested on them. I’ve had a couple of colors that I like, but everything up the slant looks so much darker than the part below the slant. We only have one window and have very little natural light. Do I need to go lighter? Some of the shades are already pretty light. Any suggestions?
wow, how absolutely perfect!!
Can you tell us the sandy paint color? It’s exactly what I’m looking for.
I was wondering the same thing… would revere pewter all over be too dark in a medium size bedroom ? Would it have the same effect?
This upstairs suite is beautiful! There isn’t one thing about it I don’t like! And that chair! — was it another amazing Home Goods find? It looks like it may be a reupholstered, vintage piece. Back in the day, my sister and I shared a room in our converted attic and it had slanted ceilings. All those years ago, my Mom taught us that painting the entire room one color would make it seem more spacious. But our room was turquoise, not sandy beige ?
Joanne,
NO – the chair is NOT HomeGoods. We found it at Bliss Home in Nashville. Your momma taught you well!
Wow, I am glad I stumbled upon your blog! I am about to paint two room upstairs in a built out attic space… I am going to use this trick in both rooms! Thank you!
Please tell me where you found those amazing dressers!
Is the rule about the same paint color on the walls, slant and ceiling only for lighter colors? I want to paint my master bath Revere Pewter and my master bedroom Guilford Green, there’s no crown molding in either, should the ceilings be the same color? I also plan to use August Morning in a half-bathroom, would it be too much color on the walls and ceiling both or is that OK?
I was wondering the same thing about revere pewter… it’s my favorite color!!
I really like your writing style and how you express your ideas. Would like to see some other posts on the same topics! Thank you.
I want to paint both my sons room wickham gray which is a light color they both have slanted walls due to the dormers however they both have crown molding do you still suggest painting the ceiling gray or white?
We’re facing the same issue right now, creating an apartment for my Mom over our garage. I’m having trouble picking the color and am wondering if a sagey-green would work all over or if it has to be a warm, creamy color? I would LOVE to know what color that creamy color is in this room. Would you please share? Thank you! Love your creations!
My thought…the color is BM Sail Cloth
The color looks great. In one picture it looks more yellow and another picture it looks more neutral. Could you describe the color BM Sailcloth and it’s undertones? I’m really considering changing from revere future to BM sale cloth.
I have not read all of the comments and questions below so hopefully I am not being redundant. But I have an odd shaped ceiling in my living room with is 18×21 in a house I am buying. It has an open doorway to kitchen, one wall very high windows (all being two story) and a large fireplace at the other end. Do I paint this all one color? Ex. Light grey? My bedroom is also odd shape but not as small as the one shown.
Just wondering if the slanted part of the walls should be painted in the flat paint (same as the actual ceiling) or in the eggshell color (same as the walls)?
Rita,
I prefer to treat the slant like the walls – so eggshell finish like the walls beneath!
I’m glad I found this discussion. We are finishing a very long (28′) narrow (10.5′) closet with a sloped ceiling and narrow flat ceiling area.
Should the paint finish be eggshell or semi (which might reflect a bit more light?). In your opinion would a light sage-y gray green be to cool for the color?
Leslie,
I’d definitely do eggshell for the walls and ceiling of a closet like that. Semi-gloss might be a little weird! A light sage green sounds great. 🙂
Kristie – this is fab. What would you recommend on the staircase ceiling which comes up from the normal wall/ceiling ground floor to this slanted ceilinged area? White to match the ground floor ceilings or cornflower white to match walls. We are using cornflower white for all the walls thoughout and after your inspiration for the ceilings upstairs too :))
Thank you!
I love your advice for painting everything the same color. I have the same situation with slanted ceilings. But I’m thinking of using a denim blue. It’s a guest room. Decent natural light. I feel like I’m seeing more dark paint lately. Also, what about painting the floor trim the wall color also?
Thanks!
Hi Leslie,
The only time I paint walls, ceiling, and trim the same (when speaking of a dark color) is when it’s a small intimate space where I want drama. Like a library, office, or small seating room. A guest room would be a good place to do this, as it’s not a room that is used all the time or needs a ton of light. Just be sure to use the correct sheens – eggshell or matte for walls and slants, flat for ceilings, and semi-gloss for trim! Best of luck on your guest room and let us know how it turns out!
What about using a very light gray instead of the light sand? My accessories will be ivory, pink and dark gold.
Yes, any light paint color would work!
Sure, I’d recommend the same placement regardless of what light neutral you choose. 🙂
Hi, I will be using Navajo White by Benjamin Moore for the room above my garage. I am making it into a bedroom. I will be painting the walls and trims the same color and would have painted the completely slanted ceiling Ceiling White, but now I will paint it the same color as the walls after your awesome suggestion. This all leads to one question…. do you suggest at all mixing a white ceiling paint with the Navajo White at 75% Navajo with 25% ceiling white or even 50% / 50%? Thank you so much for your help! I am asking because if I do not do that then I would paint the whole room Navajo White, walls, slated ceiling (no flat ceiling in this room), and trims. Don’t know if that would be too much. Thanks.