5 Innovative Ideas to Update Obsolete Tray Ceilings
Tray ceilings are like fine lines and wrinkles…
My house was built in 2000, and as it approaches the twenty-something mark, certain features now signal the age of the house. For example, the Mediterranean architectural features, including interior columns. Then we have the irregularly-shaped kitchen island, a desk workspace in the kitchen. The canned lighting in the bathroom. And, of course, the tray ceilings in the master bedroom.
Why were tray ceilings ever a thing?
It makes no difference because—whatever the original reason for the style choice—I am stuck with it now. Because I don’t love the feature, and I am convinced that it shrinks the appearance of the room, I am seeking options to minimize its impact. Any and all suggestions are welcome in the comment section!
Option 1: Renovate and remove the tray ceilings
Renovation represents the most expensive, time-consuming, and specialized option. Tearing out a ceiling and replacing it with a new, non-tiered ceiling is certainly not a DIY project for me. Although getting rid of some of the canned lighting wouldn’t be something that I would be opposed to.
Unfortunately, I suspect that our tray ceiling is hiding duct work, so that option is out for me.
Option 2: Paint, using the same color tone as the walls
This is the option that I have been living with since first painting the room, and it honestly minimizes the impact of the ceiling to some extent. Part of my issue is that I’m tired of the current wall color—it is the same as we had in our last home—and I want to change it. Therefore, this is the time to change the entire look of the room, including the tray ceiling.
For the walls, I used Benjamin Moore Beach Glass (#1564) in eggshell. For the first tier and the ceiling, I used Benjamin Moore Healing Aloe (#1562), also in eggshell. The crown trim is Benjamin Moore Winter White (#2140-70), although in retrospect, the visual impact would have been lessened by painting the wood trim the same shade as the ceiling.
Option 3: Paint the ceiling a darker color than the walls
I haven’t considered this option seriously for my room, since the room feels somewhat small. The room also receives full sun during the day, and dark colors just feel like the wrong choice. However, I came across a few sample photos on houzz.com that had a good result with this paint technique.
Option 4: Paint the tiers and tray ceiling white
This is probably the option that I prefer for my master room. I’m considering painting everything above the first level of crown molding in a white eggshell, which will visually expand the ceiling, making the room feel more spacious. I’m also planning to paint the walls with Benjamin Moore Moonshine (#2140-60), which I have used throughout the rest of the house. The shade is a very pale gray with green undertones, and it shows well with the full sun.
Option 5: Paint the tier the same color as the wall, and paint the ceiling white
I have seen this paint combination in many homes this age, and it offers a consistent and predictable option. However, my room has layers of crown molding between each tier, and I think that this approach will only draw attention to the tray ceiling detail.
I have experimented with the Benjamin Moore Personal Color Viewer, to try the new wall paint colors on before committing. This will be my next major project for my home, and it will be exciting to see the final results!
Are you stuck choosing paint color or solving a design dilemma? Call me directly–a discovery call is complimentary and no-obligation! I love a challenge and would be thrilled to help you!
336-707-7324
Hillary McAlhany is the owner of Gate City Design. She is a certified professional home stager/redesigner, E-designer & color expert. Although she is based in North Carolina, she offers remote design services outside of the central North Carolina region.
