I can’t even believe we are at week 4 of the One Room Challenge. It feels like this is the week on almost all our projects that I can really start to see the design come together. For us that had everything to do with the ceiling. Yes, you totally read that right. In this space the ceiling is doing all the talking. Its dark, it’s moody and it’s everything my heart wanted and more!
But before we go any further, be sure to catch up on our boys room makeover by visiting week 1, week 2 and week 3.
I honestly couldn’t be happier with how it has all come together. When Michael and I started chatting about how the dark ceiling would truly transform the space we realized that painting a ceiling dark does have an art to it. An experience we wanted to share just in case you’re dying to have a dark ceiling or even wall, you too can make your moody dark space come true.
ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES TO PAINTING A CEILING
- Paint (sheen is important when dealing with a ceiling)
- Drop cloths
- Roller
- Roller Cover
- Brush
- Paint cup
- Paint tray
- Paint tray liner
- Tape
- Patience

HOW TO DIY A DARK CEILING
- Prep your space. We can not stress this enough. Proper prep will make or break your paint project. Start by laying drop cloths on your floor and over any windows (window treatments) and doors. For a ceiling, this is pretty much all that matters.
- Be sure to remove any lights or smoke/carbon monoxide detectors that are secured to your ceiling.
- Open your paint, stir in each direction, and pour a bit into a paint cup.
- Begin your first cut around all of the edges. It is a really fun process…(insert sarcasm emoji).
- Once you’ve cut the entire perimeter it is time to roll. So pour some paint into your paint tray, load your roller with some paint and begin to roll.
- Make your way across the entire perimeter and allow time to dry.
- Repeating steps for your 2nd coat of cutting and rolling.
- Allow time to dry…I like to give it a full 8 hours when dark.
- For dark and tricky colors (especially red) a third coat is an absolute must. I find that cutting a 3rd time is not always necessary. But you make the call.
- Allow the final coat to dry and inspect in all different times of the day and night to ensure you’ve covered well. If a 4th coat is needed, apply.
We hope you enjoyed this tutorial! And in case you haven’t yet, head over to the one room challenge and check out all the other fun design projects happening there.
Till next week!
Much love-
Danielle & Michael


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