Should You Paint Your Ceiling Black?
Black decor is here to stay—and it's showing up on ceilings! Here's how to make the dramatic look work for you.
Black ceilings are one of the biggest—and most surprising—trends of 2023, according to a trend report from Houzz. Part of the appeal is that this idea flaunts convention. This show-stopping look makes a statement and is a great way to show that you’re not afraid to go daring with your designs.
Is a black ceiling the trend you never knew you needed to try, or is it one to pass by? We spoke to an expert for his thoughts on whether this is a good idea, as well as how to best implement the look if you’re inspired to go for this bold style.
Meet Our Expert
Javier Burkle is the founder of Burkle Creative, a boutique designer interior design firm based in Dallas, Texas.
Why We're Seeing Black Ceilings Lately
If we had to pick one color to define the word chic, it would have to be black. A little black dress is a closet staple, and a tuxedo is as timeless as it comes for menswear. However, one thing you might not have thought you wanted in black is your ceiling.
Javier Burkle, founder of Burkle Creative, agrees that black is perennially chic. “Most of the time, I think painting something black is a good idea. Black gives a different dimension to things, and it adds a lot of character.”
If embracing this dramatic shade is nothing new, why are we suddenly seeing it on so many ceilings? Burkle has some thoughts on this as well.
""Thinking of ceilings as the 5th wall has become more popular in general, and it’s a great thing!""
Javier Burkle, Burkle Creative
“We always think of our ceilings as a space to do something interesting whether it is painting it, wallpaper, or adding some molding or design,” says Burkle.
This sort of design philosophy ties in well with the current maximalist trend of making every inch of your home an opportunity to let your personality shine and being generally willing to buck commonly accepted design rules and embrace individuality.
Black Decor Is Here to Stay
If there's one thing fashion has taught us about black, it's that it goes with everything. Black is a neutral, making it easy to integrate into most color schemes, but that still leaves a lot of questions about implementation. Fortunately, Burkle was able to address some of the most common concerns that come up when considering this look.
It is easier to picture black in a modern home, but does black work with houses of different eras and aesthetics?
"I think this trend goes with almost every style. I did a black plaid in my library, and it is a 1940 bungalow, but we have also done glossy black at a client's mid-century house. It's all about the room, the lighting in the room, and the mood you are going for," explains Burkle. This sort of eye-catching style would also be right at home in a Victorian home or whimsigoth design, depending on the other elements in the decor.
One of homeowners' most significant concerns is that black will make a ceiling feel low. How can you pull off this trend to ensure it doesn't make your space feel too dark or claustrophobic?
"It's all about the balance with the windows, the lighting that is used, and the furnishings that bring some of those dark tones from the ceiling down to the room," says Burkle. You can also accentuate the room's height with floor-to-ceiling curtains and full-length mirrors to offset any lingering fears of the room feeling heavy.
Try This Bold Look at Home
Do you need to use any specific material to pull off this look, like high-gloss paint, for example?
"It does not have to be a high-gloss paint, I actually like my ceilings in a flat paint unless we are looking for a dressier look. High-gloss and the reflection give you a lot more light if it's a smaller space," says Burkle.
Is there a way to wade into this trend if you're feeling a little timid?
"If you are not totally sure, start with painting your moldings black … and make sure you like the effect. Also, it doesn't have to be a solid black paint, it can be a black pattern wallpaper, that adds a fun texture or pattern to a ceiling. And lastly, everything painted black just turns into a lot more character and depth, so it might take some time to get used to it, but give it a chance," suggests Burkle.
Related: We Put 29 of the Best Removable Wallpapers to the Test, and These 9 Won't Damage Your Walls
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