We tackled a small foyer ceiling refresh recently, and since many of you spotted it in the background of yesterday’s post, we wanted to share the full details. We actually completed this update before our larger kitchen painting project, but that post got published first because it was just too exciting to hold back. The foyer is a relatively compact space, so unlike the big-room ceiling jobs that leave you sore, this one was quick and satisfying. I rolled most of the ceiling while Sherry cut in the edges, and two coats later the whole space felt renewed.
If you’ve ever wondered how to approach a small ceiling paint job, there are a few simple takeaways: prep well, use leftover paint if the color and sheen work for the room, and tackle the cutting in first so you can roll the field efficiently. For this foyer we already had paint on hand, so it was a straightforward refresh rather than a full renovation.
For the color decision, we went one shade darker on the ceiling than the walls. Sherry found a photo that inspired us and convinced me to try a slightly deeper tone. We used leftover Revere Pewter, which sits on the same swatch as the foyer wall color, Edgecomb Gray. Both colors are popular greige choices for their warm, versatile undertones, and they pair well together — the walls remain soft and airy while the ceiling adds a subtle contrast that gives the space more depth.
In photos the ceiling sometimes reads a touch darker or grayer than it appears in person. Lighting and camera settings can exaggerate shadows and make the color feel heavier. In real life the darker ceiling is clearly distinct from the walls but not oppressive — it just adds a bit more dimension and a finished look above the chandelier that made the whole foyer feel less like it was wearing a fancy outfit with messy hair.
We typically choose a flat finish for ceilings because it hides imperfections, but the leftover Revere Pewter we used was in eggshell. That slight sheen reflected the window light nicely, giving the ceiling a gentle glow that kept the foyer feeling airy rather than closed in. The trade-off is that eggshell and other low-sheen finishes can reveal imperfections more readily than flat paint, so it helps if the ceiling is in good condition to begin with. In this case, the foyer ceiling was smooth and in good shape, so the eggshell finish worked in our favor.
If you’re deciding between flat and eggshell for a ceiling, consider these points: flat will mask seams, texture, and minor dents better; eggshell offers durability and a subtle sheen that can brighten a space; and your choice should factor in the ceiling’s condition and how much light hits the room. When we pick paint specifically for a ceiling—like in our kids’ rooms—we usually lean toward flat to minimize the chance that flaws will show. That said, lighting and color can change how a finish reads: sometimes an eggshell ceiling looks almost matte depending on the light and the hue.
We’re also increasingly fond of colored ceilings rather than a default white. A soft non-white ceiling can make a room feel cozier and more intentional. In our sunroom we chose a pale blue that adds personality without overwhelming the space. In busier rooms, like a kitchen with two-tone cabinets and paneling, a white ceiling may still be the best choice to keep the visual balance calm. It’s all about context and how the ceiling interacts with the walls, trim, and natural light.
Our Favorite Paint Colors
If you’re struggling to pick the right paint color, we’ve written detailed posts about the shades we return to again and again. These deep-dive articles cover undertones, coordinating trim colors, and photos in different light so you can get a realistic sense of each option:
- The 12 Best White Paint Colors
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White
Psst— Want to know where we got something in our house? Click the button below to shop our home items.