Tray ceilings are a great way to add some architectural interest and charm to your home. They can also create an opportunity to play with paint colors and lighting effects. Whether you want to keep it simple and neutral, or go bold and dramatic, there are many ways to paint your tray ceiling and make it stand out. Here are 15 inspiring examples of tray ceiling paint ideas that will make you look up and admire.
- Go Gray and Elegant
Gray is a versatile and sophisticated color that works well with many styles and palettes. Designer Shoshanna Shapiro chose Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray for this tray ceiling, which complements the wall color and the furniture. She advises to paint the vertical areas with the wall color and the horizontal areas with the ceiling color, and to avoid too much texture or detail in the tray ceiling if you want the light fixture to be the focal point. - Have Fun with Color
If you want to add some personality and flair to your room, don’t be afraid to use color on your tray ceiling. Shapiro says that adding color to the tray ceiling can make the room feel grander and more alive, as long as it works cohesively with your overall color scheme. Britt Design Studio used a vibrant blue for this tray ceiling, which contrasts nicely with the white walls and furniture. - Use Darker Tones for Contrast
Another way to make your tray ceiling pop is to use a darker color than the walls. This can create a focal point and a sense of depth in the room. Lacy Hughes of Julian Design suggests using a darker contrasting color that matches your color palette. In this dining room, she used a deep navy blue for the tray ceiling, which enhances the elegance and sophistication of the space. - Bring in Some Earthy Elements
If you want to create a cozy and warm atmosphere in your room, you can use some earthy colors and materials for your tray ceiling. Julian Design used a wood paneling for this tray ceiling, which adds some texture and warmth to the dining area. The wood also complements the wallpaper pattern and the furniture. - Keep It Fresh and Bright
A white tray ceiling can be a good choice if you want to keep your room fresh and bright. A white ceiling can also pair well with a colored wall, creating a nice contrast and balance. Ashley Montgomery Design used a white tray ceiling for this bathroom, which matches the floor tiles and the vanity. The white ceiling also allows the sage green wall to stand out. - Let the Details Speak for Themselves
Sometimes, less is more when it comes to painting your tray ceiling. If your tray ceiling has a lot of architectural detail and structure, you may want to keep the paint color neutral and simple, so that you don’t distract from the beauty of the design. Georgia Zikas used a white paint for this tray ceiling, which lets the details shine and speak for themselves¹. She also says that keeping the paint color neutral allows the design in the rest of the room to do the real talking. - Use Two-Tone Colors for Interest
If you want to add some interest and dimension to your tray ceiling, you can use two different colors for the lower and upper parts of the tray. This can create a nice visual effect and draw attention to the ceiling height. In this dining room, they used a beige color for the lower part of the tray ceiling, and a light blue color for the upper part. The two-tone colors also match well with the dining set and the area rug. - Go Double for Drama
If you want to make your tray ceiling even more dramatic and impressive, you can go for a double tray ceiling design. This means that you have two layers of recessed ceilings, creating an extra depth and height effect. In this dining area, they used a double tray ceiling with wood beams and metal details. The double tray ceiling also creates a perfect frame for the stunning chandelier. - Add Some Lighting Effects
One of the benefits of having a tray ceiling is that you can add some lighting effects to enhance its appearance. You can use recessed lights, pendant lights, or even rope lights along the edges of the tray ceiling to create some ambiance and mood in your room. In this media room, they used bold pendant lights that highlight the design of the tray ceiling. The pendant lights also match well with the sleek couches and TV stand. - Use Molding for Elegance Another way to enhance your tray ceiling is to use molding to create some elegance and detail. Molding can also frame your tray ceiling and make it look more refined and sophisticated. In this living room, they used molding for the tray ceiling, which matches well with the fireplace and the furniture. The molding also adds some texture and contrast to the tray ceiling design.
- Use Wood for Warmth Wood is a natural and warm material that can add some coziness and charm to your tray ceiling. You can use wood paneling, planks, or beams to create some texture and contrast on your tray ceiling. In this game room, they used wood for both the tray ceiling and the floor, creating a inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The recessed lights also illuminate the wood tray ceiling and make it stand out.
- Use Metal for Modernity If you want to give your tray ceiling a modern and sleek look, you can use metal for some shine and flair. Metal can also reflect light and make your room feel brighter and spacious. In this kitchen, they used metal details on the tray ceiling, which match well with the wood cabinets and the light fixtures. The metal also adds some interest and dimension to the tray ceiling design.
- Use Wallpaper for Pattern If you want to add some pattern and color to your tray ceiling, you can use wallpaper for a fun and easy way to transform your ceiling. Wallpaper can also create a stunning visual effect and make your tray ceiling look like a piece of art. In this living room, they used a blue sky wallpaper for the tray ceiling, which freshens up the space and complements the furniture. The wallpaper also creates a nice contrast with the white walls and moldings.
- Use Red for Drama Red is a bold and dramatic color that can make your tray ceiling stand out and create a statement in your room. Red can also create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, especially in a home theater or media room. In this home theater, they used a dark red octagon tray ceiling, which gives the room a dramatic effect. The red also matches well with the curtain, rug, and pillars.
- Use Trim for Clean Lines If you want to keep your tray ceiling simple and elegant, you can use trim instead of molding to create some clean lines and definition on your tray ceiling. Trim can also create a nice contrast with the paint color and make your tray ceiling look more refined and polished. In this media room, they used trim for the tray ceiling, which matches well with the contemporary style of the room. The trim also frames the light fixtures and draws attention to them.
As you can see, there are many ways to paint your tray ceiling and make it a beautiful and unique feature in your home. You can use different colors, materials, lighting, and patterns to create a tray ceiling that suits your style and personality. Whether you want to keep it simple and neutral, or go bold and dramatic, you can find a tray ceiling paint idea that will make you look up and admire. We hope you enjoyed these 15 inspiring examples of tray ceiling paint ideas and found some inspiration for your own home.
