7 Ceiling Paint Colors You'll Regret, According to Interior Designers

Bright Yellow

Yellow often symbolizes happiness, but when it comes to your ceiling, it can be a bit of a mood killer. Interior designer and architect Daniel Joseph Chenin warns that bright, saturated yellows, like lemon or canary, are an unexpected ceiling faux pas.

Due to yellow’s reflective properties, it can cast a disorienting, almost overwhelming glow, intensifying artificial lighting and warping your perception of the room’s size. “In spaces meant to evoke calm and balance, such as bedrooms or living rooms, this color throws off the visual equilibrium, making the ceiling seem lower and creating a sense of chaos,” he says.

Powder Blue

There’s a lot to love about powder blue and other soft pastels, like mint green—they're often peaceful and bring a sense of calm and lightheartedness to a room. However, on a ceiling, these shades can often feel a bit insubstantial.

Chenin explains that powder blue, in particular, can evoke the feeling of a washed-out sky. “Instead of creating a soothing atmosphere, it introduces an almost dreamlike quality that disrupts the room's sense of depth and stability,” he says. “This is especially problematic in spaces with modern or minimalistic designs where the lack of weight in the color makes the space feel flat and disconnected.”

Beige

Beige and cream colors are timeless choices for walls, offering warmth and versatility; when they're extended to the ceiling, they can have less-than-stellar results. According to interior designer Kellie Richardson, painting both the walls and ceiling in the same beige or cream tone can leave a room feeling flat and monotonous.

“When there’s no contrast, the space loses dimension and visual interest,” she says. “These colors, while neutral, can drain energy from a room, making it feel lifeless, dull, and uninspiring.” Without variation, the room risks becoming too uniform, lacking the dynamic balance that gives a space personality and depth.

Dark Navy

Dark colors like navy, black, deep green, and rich purple can add drama, sophistication, and a moody elegance to a room’s design when used thoughtfully. However, Richardson says it's best to avoid these dark colors unless the room is exceptionally spacious and filled with natural light. 

"Darker tones have a way of visually lowering the ceiling, making the space feel smaller and more enclosed," she says. Instead, opt for lighter, softer versions of navy, or create a custom shade.

Red

Few colors make a statement like red, but on a ceiling, it might be saying the wrong thing. “Red has a way of taking over,” says Chenin. “It draws attention upward in a way that disrupts the room’s harmony.”

The designer warns that red can even make a space feel oppressive: “It creates a sense of heaviness and pressure that’s not ideal for comfort.” If you’re drawn to red, it’s best reserved for accents or walls—anywhere but above your head.

Neon Orange

Orange can be a warm, inviting color for a ceiling, bringing energy and vibrancy to a space—but there’s a big difference between a rich burnt orange and a bright neon one. 

“Neon orange is a tricky choice,” says Richardson. “It’s overly intense and can quickly overpower a room's design.” Instead of enhancing the space, it reflects harsh, unnatural light onto walls and furniture, distorting the color palette and making everything look jarring.

If you’re set on orange, go for a soft, warm terracotta or a muted peach to bring a cheerful, inviting feel—without taking over the room.

Metallics

Metallics are a favorite in interior design, adding elegance and drama when used sparingly. From the soft glow of copper to the sleek sophistication of silver, these finishes bring texture and depth to a space. But when it comes to ceilings, metallics can quickly go from chic to chaotic.

“Reflective metallics like high-gloss silver may seem like a shortcut to luxury, but they often backfire,” says Chenin. “They create distracting light hotspots and clash with matte or textured materials, undermining the room’s balance and warmth.”

For a polished look, reserve metallics for accents or details, where their shimmer won't overwhelm.