White beamed ceilings allow furnishings to shine, but colorful ones can steal the show, so which to choose?

The debate: leave a wood-beamed ceiling white, assuming it has already been painted over, or add color? White is an easy choice with reliable results. The lack of color removes the immediate attention from the ceiling and down to what is happening below. The picture above illustrates this. The eye goes to the sheen of the waxed wood armoire and the minimal fireplace.

Beamed ceiling – a case for white.

This hallway has an abundance of texture. The white walls and ceiling allow the patterns to stand out. It would be very elegant with all white curtains.

Jaime Parladé prioritized the furnishings in this living room.

Blue and white tile is the star of this Italian island home. The white ceiling keeps the decor from chaos.

Cathy Kincaid decided to paint this Dallas ceiling white. Maybe to keep the blue and white scheme clean and fresh, as it was a wood tone previously.

Beamed ceiling – a case for color.

Alternatively, there are some arguments to be made for a colored ceiling. Certain Spaniards make their point below.

Lorenzo Castillo loves a colorful beamed ceiling. He painted many of the ceilings in the Cristine Bedfor Guest Houses in Mahón, Menorca.

 

Jamie Parladé daringly painted this country house ceiling a brilliant coral.

This green ceiling simultaneously energizes and calms.

Bold ceiling beams give this 17th Parisian living room a jolt of present day.

A gorgeous green ceiling is not ashamed of being low.

Adding loads of this charm to this French sitting room is this naively painted ceiling with images of birds and water lilies.

Maybe the answer can be found in Lake Wales.

One walks into this George Washington Smith house to a double-height white foyer. The thick plaster walls and beamed ceiling show their quality construction by being all white. Painted tile, artwork, and  wrought iron show well against the demure background.

The same idea applies in the living room. Spectacular details of deep-set windows, thick beams, a simple plaster fireplace, and gleaming floors show off well.

But then there is room for fun with color in this sitting room.

The doors and beams are painted a muted turquoise. This room looks out to bright blue skies and a turquoise lake.

The answer I suppose depends on the house and the setting. The amazing Lake Wales house beautifully combines both choices. To see more of this house see here.

Casa V can help you with any ceiling dilemas.