43 best paint colors for the ceiling

Most people forget the ceiling. They think of it as just… white. Blank. Out of sight, out of mind. But here’s the thing I’ve learned over and over again: the ceiling can make or break a room.

I always tell my clients—the ceiling is your fifth wall. It’s not just there to close off the top of the room. It holds light. It reflects mood. It shifts how high or low a room feels.

Choosing the right ceiling color can make the whole place feel fresh, calm, cozy, or even taller.

And yet, so many homes just go with “builder white” — the cheapest, brightest white the contractor had in the van. That’s not a choice. That’s a default. And in design, the default rarely gives you the feeling you’re really looking for.

The right ceiling color can:

• Make a low room feel higher
• Soften harsh lighting
• Add warmth or coolness without touching the walls
• Highlight trim and crown molding
• Create flow between spaces

I’ve worked in hundreds of homes, and I always notice when a ceiling color is either too stark or too dull. That tiny shift — just a warmer white or a cooler tone — can take a room from “meh” to “this feels good.”

So in this list, I’m giving you my go-to ceiling paint colors. These aren’t just trendy or pretty names. These are the colors I trust, recommend, and use in real projects.

And yes, whites are not all the same. Not even close.

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What to Think About Before Choosing Ceiling Paint

Before picking a color from the list, here’s what I always ask my clients to think about. Because ceiling paint isn’t just about choosing a white that “looks fine.” It’s about making sure the room feels the way you want it to.

1. How Tall Is the Room?

• Low ceilings? Go lighter. A soft white or pale tone can make it feel higher.
• High ceilings? You have more options. A mid-tone or even a dark color can cozy it up and make it feel more grounded.

In one project, we used Hale Navy on a 12-foot ceiling with white walls. It was dramatic, but it made the room feel warmer — not cold or echoey.

2. What Kind of Light Comes In?

• North-facing rooms tend to have cooler light. I lean toward warmer whites like Alabaster SW 7008 or Swiss Coffee OC-45.
• South-facing rooms are sunnier. Cooler whites or grays like Chantilly Lace OC-65 or Paper White OC-55 help balance the warmth.
• Artificial light only? Think about the bulb temperature. Yellow lighting? Skip yellow-toned whites. LED cool lighting? Avoid icy whites or it can feel sterile.

3. What’s Happening on the Walls?

If your walls are bold or colorful, a clean white ceiling can look crisp. But sometimes, a soft white with a similar undertone blends better.

I once had a client with green-gray walls. We tried a bright white on the ceiling, and it looked… wrong. Swapped it for Nebulous White SW 7063 — perfect match.

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4. What Mood Are You After?

Color gives off feeling. Even whites do.
Ask yourself:

• Do I want this room to feel soft and cozy? Go with warmer whites.
• Do I want it fresh and clean? Try cooler whites or grays.
• Do I want contrast and drama? A darker ceiling could work.

5. Don’t Ignore the Finish

Always go with flat or matte finish on ceilings. It hides flaws and doesn’t reflect light in weird ways.
According to Sherwin-Williams, flat finishes are best for ceilings because they “reduce light glare and hide surface imperfections.”

Alright, now we’re ready for the fun part — the actual colors!

14 Best Ceiling Paint Colors from Sherwin-Williams

These aren’t just whites. Some are warm, some are cool, some are even bold — but all of them earn their spot.

1. Ceiling Bright White SW 7007

This one was literally made for ceilings. It’s clean and bright without being too cold. I love it in newer builds or when the trim is also a crisp white.

Tip: Use this in open-concept spaces to keep things feeling connected but still fresh.

2. Extra White SW 7006

Very cool and bright. It works best with modern or minimal interiors — especially when paired with cool wall colors like gray, blue, or black.

3. Pure White SW 7005

If you don’t know where to start, start here. This one is my go-to for clients who want a clean look but don’t want it too stark. It works with both warm and cool palettes.

4. High Reflective White SW 7757

This is Sherwin-Williams’ brightest white. Like, bright bright. I only use it when a room has a ton of natural light or when everything else is ultra-modern.

Caution: It can look harsh in low-light rooms.

5. Snowbound SW 7004

Soft, with a pinkish undertone. I like this one in bedrooms or nurseries with creamy walls. It makes everything feel calm and gentle.

6. Alabaster SW 7008

One of their most popular whites. It has a warm base that doesn’t go yellow. Great in older homes or rooms with wood tones.

Architect Joanna Gaines called Alabaster her favorite neutral for a reason. It just works.

7. Greek Villa SW 7551

A little richer than Alabaster. This one brings warmth and makes ceilings feel less sterile. I’ve used it in dining rooms and cozy kitchens.

8. Shoji White SW 7042

It’s not white-white. It’s more of a beige-y greige, but for the right room — wow. It adds instant softness to high ceilings.

9. Spare White SW 6203

Cool and muted. It works when the walls are gray or taupe. I like this one for bathrooms and laundry rooms.

10. Nebulous White SW 7063

Cloudy and soft. It has a gray base but still reads light. I’ve used this in master bedrooms where the goal was calm without being boring.

11. On the Rocks SW 7671

This is a light gray, but in bright light, it can pass as a pale ceiling tone. I like it with crisp white trim and navy walls.

12. White Flour SW 7102

Warm, clean, and not too yellow. I’ve used this in farmhouses and cottages — places where you want that homey feel without heaviness.

13. Iron Ore SW 7069

Yes, this is almost black. And yes, it’s a ceiling color. It adds serious drama to rooms with tall ceilings, especially paired with white or natural wood.

14. Peppercorn SW 7674

Charcoal, but softer than Iron Ore. If a room needs mood but not full darkness, this is your color. I’ve used it in offices and powder rooms with huge success.

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12 Best Ceiling Paint Colors from Benjamin Moore

Some of these are soft and subtle. Others are bold and moody. But every one of them earns its place for a reason.

1. Chantilly Lace OC-65

This is their cleanest, purest white. It doesn’t lean warm or cool. I use this when everything else in the room is crisp — black hardware, marble, chrome.

Architect Candace Mary Griffin calls it “the perfect gallery white.”

2. Super White OC-152

Cool and strong. Not icy, but very bright. I use it in modern kitchens and entryways where natural light bounces off everything.

3. Simply White OC-117

This one has a subtle warmth that makes it great for ceilings in rooms with wood tones or warm lighting. I’ve used it in living rooms where we wanted white without a sterile feeling.

Fun fact: It was Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year in 2016.

4. White Dove OC-17

I’ve painted more ceilings with this color than I can count. It’s soft, warm, and plays nicely with almost any wall color. Works in both new and older homes.

5. Decorator’s White OC-149

Cool with a hint of gray. I like it for ceilings when the walls are strong colors — navy, forest green, charcoal. It keeps things light without clashing.

6. Cloud White OC-130

Soft and slightly creamy. This is a cozy choice — I use it in bedrooms and reading nooks. Works beautifully with beige or warm-toned walls.

7. Atrium White OC-145

It has a pink undertone, so it’s best with warmer color palettes. I’ve used it in vintage homes with old wood floors and warm brass accents.

8. Steam AF-15

Neutral and relaxed. It’s a great in-between when you don’t want something too white or too gray. I’ve used it in open floor plans for a gentle ceiling tone.

9. Horizon OC-53

Soft gray with a whisper of blue. I recommend this when clients want something different on the ceiling but don’t want to go full gray.

10. Calm OC-22

The name says it all. It’s subtle, peaceful, and feels very soft. I’ve used this in nurseries and bathrooms where everything needs to feel gentle.

11. Silver Satin OC-26

Cool, pale gray with a bit of lavender. It’s clean and modern. I like it in rooms with glass, metal, and minimal decor.

12. Swiss Coffee OC-45

Warm and creamy. This one is very popular in California homes. It’s easygoing and soft, and works great with beige, taupe, or wood walls.

According to a Zillow analysis, homes with “neutral tones like Swiss Coffee” sold for $5,000+ more on average.

Best Warm Whites for Ceilings

Warm whites make a room feel soft, welcoming, and a little more lived-in. I use them when a room has:

• Wood floors or wood furniture
• Warm-toned lighting
• Beige, cream, or earthy wall colors

Here are my go-to warm whites:

1. Alabaster SW 7008 – Creamy and balanced. Works almost anywhere.
2. Greek Villa SW 7551 – A little richer. Great for cozy kitchens or dens.
3. White Dove OC-17 – Soft but clean. I use it a lot in older homes.
4. Cloud White OC-130 – Warm, easy, and not too yellow.
5. Swiss Coffee OC-45 – Creamy and calming. Very popular in west coast homes.
6. White Flour SW 7102 – Light but with warmth. Lovely in bedrooms.

Pro tip: Always test warm whites with your lighting. Some bulbs can pull out too much yellow if you’re not careful.

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Best Cool Whites for Ceilings

Cool whites help a room feel clean, sharp, and fresh. I use these when:

• The walls are cool-toned (gray, blue, black)
• There’s a lot of natural light
• The style is more modern or minimal

My top cool whites:

1. Chantilly Lace OC-65 – Crisp and clear. Never feels heavy.
2. Extra White SW 7006 – Very bright. Works great in modern spaces.
3. Super White OC-152 – Bright with a cool edge. Sharp against dark walls.
4. Decorator’s White OC-149 – Clean with a touch of gray. Perfect for contrast.
5. Ceiling Bright White SW 7007 – Made for ceilings. Bright without looking cold.
6. High Reflective White SW 7757 – The brightest of them all — great for big spaces.

Cool whites reflect more light. They’re great for making ceilings feel higher and rooms feel bigger.

Best Soft Grays & Off-Whites for Ceilings

Sometimes you don’t want pure white — you want just a hint of something. These shades add quiet depth without pulling attention.
I use these in:

• Rooms with layered neutrals
• Spaces that need softness but not warmth
• Modern homes where white feels too stark

My go-to picks:

1. Balboa Mist OC-27 – Soft and barely gray. Looks beautiful in natural light.
2. Calm OC-22 – Gentle and subtle. I love it in bedrooms.
3. Nebulous White SW 7063 – A cloudy off-white that blends in smoothly.
4. Silver Satin OC-26 – Cool, pale gray with elegance.
5. Classic Gray OC-23 – Has warmth, but still reads neutral. Great in living rooms.
6. Paper White OC-55 – Light gray with the tiniest blue hint. Clean and quiet.

These colors won’t scream for attention, but they make the room feel more designed.

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What the Ceiling Says About Your Home

The ceiling isn’t just the top of the room. It’s part of the story. It can make a room feel taller, softer, cleaner, cozier — or just more finished.
When someone walks in, they may not notice the ceiling color right away. But they will feel it.

My advice?

Don’t treat ceiling paint like an afterthought. Give it a purpose. Even if you choose white, choose the right white.

And if you’re stuck, here’s what I always tell my clients:

“Match your ceiling color to the feeling you want from the room — not just the wall.”

Because that’s where the real design magic happens.

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