Updating ceiling help
by
Rick
+13
I have an old small farm house and the ceilings are what looks like thinner with hard wood flooring. They are pretty dark . I have cleaned with vinegar , bleach and a scrub brush. they did clean up a bit but a hundred years of aging they are dark. The walls are vertical planks and have a beautiful patina . I will be putting laminate on the floors due to past issues. But alas I need ideas for the ceilings to brighten the rooms a bit but not stark.
14 answers
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I would say pick a color and paint them
DP
on Sep 27, 2016
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I'd say sand them down and use a light opaque stain.
Renee Davidson
on Sep 27, 2016
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You can white wash them with watered down paint.
William
on Sep 27, 2016
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I would choose a paint or stain based on what color the laminate floor will be.If you have an idea of the floor,take a sample with you to get a visual . Then make your decision.
Janet Pizaro
on Sep 27, 2016
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Oh my gosh - these are amazing! I would whitewash them like this! Be sure to post photos of what you do - can't wait to see it!
Cindy Hagemann
on Sep 27, 2016
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oh wow old tongue and groove ceilings beautiful..i would be painting them. my grandmother has these in her farm house they are all stained and then shellac
Wylie
on Sep 28, 2016
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Chances are the ceilings are rather greasy from cooking and have cigarette smoke from years gone by. If the wood is shellacked which was common in older homes then you have that to deal with. Count yourself lucky if you don't. After that select a colour that you will like for years. In the South high gloss paints were the norm, but I would select a slightly harder finish than a flat so you'll get a tad more reflection if you don't like the gloss look. Nice moulding in the corners would help the transition to the walls. Paint it the same colour as the ceiling but in an even harder finish. From your description, it doesn't sound like crown moulding would be appropriate, something a bit smaller perhaps and less ornate would probably be more in keeping with the style of the room. Think about any changes you might like to make to the ceiling before you start this, perhaps add a ceiling fan or add some lights?
PRESIDENTSAC
on Sep 28, 2016
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I would not match the floor. I would go lighter. Especially with the wood walls, and now floor you need to have that ceiling ' lift up' the room. Pickle-ing' with a thinned out paint or dry brush technique or staining it would keep a more rustic look. (I would seal it afterwards to prevent kitchen wear.) If you want a more modern look, go bright enamel white. In either case consider putting in a tiny bit of pink or butter yellow tint to the white, as it will give a 'glow' to the room.
Johnchip
on Sep 28, 2016
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Reminds me of my mother's home. She ended up screening in the front porch along with a knee wall. It'll be wonderful when you're done.
PRESIDENTSAC
on Sep 28, 2016
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I would use a power sander and take off the top layer of wood and then see how beautiful the wood is before determining if you wish to varnish, white wash or just paint out.
Bernadette Staal
on Sep 28, 2016
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I would sand it down first. Then once you see what it really looks like, either a coat or two of clear finish, or a dry rubbing of a tinned cream colored paint. Just use a rag to rub it on and off. You should get an aged, white wash look. Good luck.
Sharon
on Sep 28, 2016
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Hi Rick. I think the idea for a "white-washed" effect would be beautiful. The wood walls are nice, and you're adding laminate floors so there will be a lot of natural wood tones already. White wash on the ceiling would make the rooms brighter and tie in nicely with the charming rustic nature of the house. You could even tie in the white-washed ceilings with some painted white furniture accents, or use a light accent rug or fabrics on upholstered furniture.
Pam Mariner Good
on Sep 29, 2016
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Yes, I would go with a white washed effect.
Susan Bowers
on Sep 29, 2016
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Try a little Formby's refinisher. It might lighten it enough. It will take off some of the stain. Whitewashing always looks good though.
Tricia Jackson Jones
on Nov 03, 2016
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