Wall and Ceiling Color Combinations 2017: Expert Tips for Modern Spaces: 1 Minute to Find Winning 2017 Wall and Ceiling Color Matches

Wall and ceiling color combinations in 2017 revived rooms with a balance of tranquil tones and impactful contrast—giving homeowners versatile ways to express their style beyond plain whites. If you ever felt stuck with basic ceiling colors, you weren’t alone. That year, I guided a Los Angeles client to pair a dusty pink wall with a milky eggshell ceiling in her compact apartment, and it was transformative: her once-cramped space radiated vibrancy and calm. So, which combinations led the pack in 2017—and how are they still inspiring designers today?

The essence of 2017 wall and ceiling pairings was twofold: create visual harmony while encouraging subtle or bold transitions between surfaces. For walls, hues like tranquil dove gray, blush pink, and misty blue dominated, setting the base for ceilings in creamy white or soft pastel contrast. Pros often recommended “greige” (a perfect balance between gray and beige) for walls, a look lifted by pairing with nearly imperceptible blue or pearl ceiling shades—a look that remains fresh even in today’s interiors.

However, for those craving drama, the 2017 trend spotlighted dark, moody wall colors—think forest green or navy—set against sharply crisp white ceilings. This tactic not only enhanced perceived height, but added warmth, sophistication, and a focal point. Did you ever experiment with non-traditional ceiling colors? Modern designers argue that even a hint of color overhead can transform a bland space into something memorable and intentionally designed.

Wall and Ceiling Color Combinations 2017: Signature Trends and How to Use Them Now

What made 2017 stand out was the designer’s embrace of muted yet emotionally rich shades—taupe, clay, and pale lavender for walls; warm off-whites and sky blues for ceilings. Living rooms saw a surge in earthy grays, with eggshell ceilings lending a sense of openness (source: NAHB). Bedrooms often sported a seamless transition from slate or lilac-gray walls to softly tinted ceilings, creating restful, cocoon-like environments. Key to these pairings: always test in your natural light to avoid surprises, as paint undertones can shift drastically depending on sun exposure.

Pro tip: 2017 saw trim details—like crown molding or door casings—painted to match either the ceiling or wall color. This often-overlooked method unified small spaces, making them feel more tailored and cohesive—a strategy still backed by experts for apartments or older bungalows with complex layouts (source: AIA).

Kitchens in 2017 leaned toward gentle mint or silvery blue walls with clean white ceilings, inviting light and optimizing the sense of cleanliness and airiness. Open-concept homes particularly benefited, as these combinations ensured continuity across dining, lounge, and cooking zones without monotony.

Choosing the Perfect 2017-Inspired Wall and Ceiling Pairing

To select the ideal combination, start with how you want the space to feel: for relaxation, go for soft, cool tones layered across walls and ceilings (such as sage or blue-green for walls topped with barely-there cream). If you want energy and depth, choose deeper hues for the walls and a sharply contrasting light ceiling—a trick that visually stretches vertical lines. Remember, lighting changes everything: always hang large samples on both walls and ceilings, and view them throughout the day before committing.

Never underestimate the impact of tinted ceilings—2017’s trendsetters proved that even a pale blush or subtle beige hue overhead can echo accents in upholstery or art, tying a room’s palette together with little effort. And if your goal is a historical or classic effect, look to archives of period homes where ceilings rarely matched walls exactly; even today, designers cite sources like the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies for evidence-based design strategies.

Modern Updates: Reimagining 2017 Color Combinations

While the roots of 2017’s top palettes remain relevant, modern interiors introduce deeper earth tones (like olive or ash blue), warmer whites, and tactile finishes—matte or eggshell paints—offering both durability and subtle sophistication. ADA compliance and LEED guidelines now further encourage the use of low-VOC, sustainable paint choices, assuring healthier indoor air and more eco-friendly homes (source: USGBC).

Bold ceiling colors continue to rise in popularity, with designers recommending accent trims or beams for added architectural interest. Technology has also evolved: color-matching tools and augmented reality apps allow homeowners to preview 2017-inspired schemes before the first brushstroke, reducing costly mistakes and expanding creative possibilities. If you’re nervous, start small—consider painting an entryway ceiling or powder room for an instant style boost.

For lasting value, revisit and refresh your color plan annually. Trends may shift, but 2017’s focus on harmonious contrasts and serene, livable palettes remains a benchmark for successful home design. As with any interior decision, personalization beats fleeting trends—draw inspiration from 2017’s best and tweak colors that fit your current routine, lighting, and mood. You might just love the bold departure from “ceiling as afterthought” and make it the highlight of your next remodel.

Tips 1: Testing and Tools Matter—Don’t Skip These Steps!

- Always test at least two wall and two ceiling shades in your actual light conditions. Light shifts alter undertones throughout the day.

- Try paint visualizer apps recommended by top brands to “see” your combinations virtually.

- For trim, either match with the ceiling for a cohesive canopy effect, or match with walls for maximum height.

- If in doubt, consult with an interior designer who tracks both style and regulatory requirements—especially if your space has accessibility needs (ADA), or if you seek sustainability certifications (LEED).

FAQ

Q: What were the most popular wall and ceiling color combinations in 2017?

A: Soft grays, blush pinks, and dusty blues for walls paired with cream, sky blue, or even light blush ceilings. Deep greens or navies with sharp white ceilings also led the trends.

Q: How do I know if my chosen combination will look good in my space?

A: Test large swatches on both your walls and ceiling, observe at different times, and consider existing finishes. Look for colors used in credible design studies or cited by professionals (e.g., NAHB, AIA).

Q: Are colored ceilings ADA or LEED compliant?

A: Paint color choice itself doesn't impact compliance, but using low-VOC paint and considering contrast for visibility can help with both ADA accessibility and LEED sustainability standards (source: EPA Greener Paint Guide).

Q: What’s a simple way to update a space inspired by 2017 palettes?

A: Try painting a ceiling in a muted pastel or warm white that complements your wall shade, then add matching or contrasting trim for a pulled-together look.

Q: Why revisit 2017 color trends now?

A: These combinations were rooted in psychology, creating calm, open-feeling rooms that remain timeless and adaptable—making them ideal for modernizing without chasing fast-moving fads.