This is Part 3 of my DIY bedroom makeover and it’s the most exciting part for me because I’m finally painting the ceiling. After much debate with myself, I’ve decided to use Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) in flat. 
You can see in the pic above where I slapped a little of the color up just to see if I was feeling it for sure and I was. The next step was to apply a coat of primer. It was suggested that I tint the primer and I’m glad I took that advice.
I started by cutting in around the trim and corners with a brush and then I moved to a roller for the remaining areas. To my surprise, it moved rather quickly.
The pics below shows everything covered with the gray primer. It looked really dark at this point and then I realized the actual paint color was darker. There was a little nail biting going on.
After a restless night sleep, it was time to go for it. It was all or nothing at this point. I started cutting in with the Kendall Charcoal and WOW, it’s dark. You can see it in the corner.
Here is the final outcome with two coats of Kendall Charcoal and Simply White walls and trim. It looks AMAZING!!! I’m so glad I found those inspiration ideas on Pinterest here. The room looks much brighter, even though the ceiling is dark. It draws your eye up, making the ceiling seem to go on forever.
This is such a difference from where we started with a dingy popcorn ceiling from 1990. Once again, not every project requires a ton of money and professional know-how when updating a space. Changing a paint color can make a hug difference and a ceiling doesn’t have to be a plain white ceiling all the time, right???
Great transition from the popcorn ceiling. I love it !
Well, thank you!!! I didn’t realize how much that old popcorn ceiling bothered me. I really wish I had done it sooner.
I just love this room! Everything about it is beautiful! I have been considering painting the ceiling in my great room Kendall Charcoal, or at least another dark color, but haven’t been able to bring myself to do it yet. I have bright white walls. Now that you’ve lived with it a while, do you have any regrets painting the ceiling a dark color? Has the room ever felt like the ceiling is coming down on you? All the dark ceilings I see online are stunning but I’m not sure what it would look like in real life. Thanks in advance!
Thank you, Kay!!! I absolutely still love this ceiling and it catches my eye every time I walk by this room. The ceiling actually feels higher when you are looking up from the bed. If you decide to try out this dark ceiling, you’re going to love it. I promise!!! If not, it’s just a coat of paint. Kendall Charcoal is a good choice because it’s not as stark as a true black. Once you pair it with a bright white wall, the depth of the color really pops. One thing that I’m going to change in the future is my choice of white. I used Simply White and there is a tinge of yellow that looks a little funny to me. I’m going for a bright white next time, but I’m keeping my ceiling. Thanks for checking out my blog!
Thank you so much for the reply! I’m going to go for it. I have BM Chantilly Lace on the walls, and you validated Kendall Charcoal as my choice for the ceiling. You have such a cute blog, and I truly appreciate the reply!
You’re so kind! I actually thought about using Chantilly Lace for the next go around. Thanks for confirming my wall choice because I wasn’t sure if it would be a clean bright white. I’m going to work on some new blog posts and I can’t wait to hear how much you love your new dark ceiling. Stay safe and keep me posted.
I finally went for it and painted the ceiling Kendall Charcoal. I LOVE the ceiling now and can’t stop looking at it. Thank you so much for the inspiration and the confidence to paint the ceiling a dark color! It was a bit scary to actually start painting, but I couldn’t be happier with the end result. I look forward to your new posts and thanks again!!
I’m so excited that you went for it!!! I would love to see it if you have any pics. Here’s my email: Krescentf@gmail.com Sometimes you just have to go with your gut. I know exactly how you felt putting that first stroke of paint up there. I think I stopped for a few minutes to catch my breath because I was so nervous. LOL! Good job and I’m so glad you love it!!!
Where did you buy the Kendall Charcoal? I think I’m gonna try it? My walls are light grey not sure maybe I now need to paint the wall white?
No need to paint the walls white. Kendall Charcoal is made by Benjamin Moore.