Any good designer knows that traditional spaces don't have to be stiff or stuffy. When done right, they are timeless, elegant, and sophisticated. That being said, some of us want a subtle contemporary edge to breathe new life into an otherwise traditional space, and sometimes, a lick of paint is all you need.
We're not talking about any specific paint shade or brush technique, however. Instead, we're talking about high-sheen paint finishes. We're noticing a trend for a high-gloss look on the ceiling (and walls, too) and it's a simple and inexpensive paint idea that adds a cool, slightly unexpected edge to any room.
A high sheen always carries a more contemporary feel, so a glossy finish on the fifth wall offers a visually interesting contrast that instantly draws the eye upwards and works especially effectively in traditional designs. If you love a classic interior style but don't want your home to look too fogeyish, take a look at the spaces below for some inspiration.
1. This glossy taupe kitchen ceiling
There are few kitchen ideas more classic and traditional than white shaker cabinetry. Crisp, clean, and timeless, it's a design style that promises longevity. If you want to add a fresh feel overhead, however, try going glossy, just as interior designer Carly Blackmore of Habitat Design has done in this space.
'The client hired me with the one brief that she wanted a fabulous ceiling when doing the full kitchen renovation,' explains Carly. 'I explored lots of options around a coffered ceiling but things felt too traditional and expected. Instead, I came up with a tray ceiling design which allowed us to bring in dimension and hidden LED lighting that would then put all the focus on the paint.'
Carly took inspiration from Italian lacquered furniture for a truly lustrous ceiling paint idea. 'The high gloss finish allows the light to dance over the ceiling in such a lovely way, visually expanding the space,' she explains. 'Even though it's a saturated color it visually "lifts" the ceiling height, and it changes throughout the day too, which also adds interest.'
2. This moody, high sheen entryway
Traditional homes typically feature architectural elements like molding, trim, and ornate arches. These decorative details always deserve to be spotlighted, and high-sheen paints are a great way to do exactly that.
Joanna Lavén, founder of Studio Lawahl, leant into the architectural elements of the entryway above by choosing a smoky blue shade with a satin sheen to paint the curved ceiling. Combined with the contrast in color, it has the effect of emphasizing the structural curves and crown molding in the upper portions of the room.
'A high gloss ceiling can dramatically transform a space by introducing light and a sense of height,' Joanna explains. 'The reflective sheen also creates a sense of depth and drama, making the room feel more expansive.'
In classic settings like this one, Joanna says a gloss ceiling serves as an unexpected focal point that modernizes the overall aesthetic. 'High gloss finishes can inject a contemporary edge, bringing a playful yet elegant vibe to more traditional environments,' she says. 'They invite the eye upward, adding to the dynamics of the room and encouraging a new interpretation of classic design elements.'
3. The luster of this wood-clad library
Glossy finishes don't need to be reserved for ceilings alone, either. Take this paneled library room, for example. Choosing to color drench the space gives it a cozy, cocooning feel, but by using a glossy sheen, the room bounces light around for a more striking and dynamic feel.
Shrouding a room in one shade has proved popular in traditional spaces in recent years, but gloss paint introduces a new and unexpected element. It works especially well in paneled rooms, too, where it heightens the groves for even more visual variation.
'Our clients were looking for a fresh alternative to the stained oak paneling in the library of their home,' explains Damian Zunino from Studio DB, who designed the space above alongside his partner Britt. 'We opted for a high-gloss teal paint for an unexpected punch of color in an otherwise restrained environment. The high sheen reflected light into the space and was a beautiful backdrop for the rich jewel tones of the art, books, and mid-century furniture.'
4. This glossy ceiling which adds height to a basement
One of the reasons why gloss makes one of the best paint finishes for ceilings is because its reflective qualities help add height to a room. If your home has low ceilings, a high sheen on the fifth wall has a fantastic illusory effect, especially when you use the same shade that's on the walls.
This basement is a great case in point. Notice how the top of the windows brush the ceiling, and the window sill is only a few feet off the floor? It might not stand out as a basement at first glance, but that's all thanks to the clever high-shine ceiling. One look at the windows shows just how limited the proportions of this room actually are.
'A high gloss ceiling is a unique way to elevate a space and offer something unexpected, especially on a low ceiling with no millwork,' notes Heide Hendricks, principal designer at Hendricks Churchill. 'It is a way to draw the eye upward, expanding one's point of view on the room while reflecting external light – in this instance, a pond outside. It can also expand the eye along a plane as it glides towards a unique punchy element (like a red bar).'
5. The gleam of this teal ceiling
If you need evidence that traditional decorating ideas can still feel fresh and exciting, let this space be it. The zesty paint color and contrasting textures add plenty of visual interest to the classic living room, but the ceiling's sheen really steals the show by adding a modern edge.
Sarah Fisher, principal designer at Matters of Style, notes how painting this nine-foot-high ceiling in a high gloss helps add height to the space. 'The effect is ethereal and glamorous, as it beautifully catches the reflection of the lighting in the room,' she says. 'The high gloss finish also provides a lovely juxtaposition to the warmly textured grasscloth walls in the room.'
For a similarly luxe feel, give special consideration to your lighting when embracing a glossy ceiling. The metallic chandelier seen here is sure to refract the light and really make the sheen glisten. Look for glass elements or gold accents in light fixtures to emphasize the interplay between sheens, lighting, and their reflective qualities.
6. This glossy cobalt galley kitchen
This beautiful blue galley kitchen feels so punchy thanks to the saturated cobalt tone. The glossy finish climbs the walls and reaches right up to the high ceiling where it appears darker, closer to a navy.
"The color is so deeply saturated, it has such a distinct point of view, and I wanted to really showcase that," explains the designer, Zoë Feldman. "The rest of the house is all matte, so this glossy ceiling created a moment of contrast."
Zoë does give a word of warning when it comes to using high gloss paint in historic homes like this one, however, since it can highlight any imperfections. 'We approached the space with a bit of extra grace, understanding that the character and age of these spaces come with their own quirks,' she explains. 'The gloss adds a modern element to the more traditional components, but without losing sight of the home's history. It gives the space an edge and a contemporary feel, while still honoring the timeless beauty of the original details.'
7. This crisp, reflective ceiling
The contrast between matt wainscoting and a glossy beamed ceiling gives this timeless interior style a subtle contemporary edge. Once again, increasing height was at the fore of the designers' plans. 'We wanted to reflect light into the traditional pre-war apartments, which traditionally have lower ceiling heights,' says Damian at Studio DB.
The contrast between matt and gloss feels even more heightened here, perhaps owing to the echoes in the furnishings (like the glossy acrylic table next to the flat chenille upholstery).
Interior designer Rachel Hobbs says using two paint finishes adjacent to each other in this way can be really effective, and has even experimented with 'stripes' of matt and gloss paint in the same shade before. 'The two finishes against each other offer a gentle contrast while also adding depth and interest,' she says.
A chandelier always adds sophistication to a trad space, but it has a far greater impact when fixed to a glossy ceiling where it will bounce light around the room in dynamic ways.
A ceiling painted in a glossy off-white shade is sure to be a conversation starter. This greige tone by Farrow & Ball is a popular choice among designers, with a cool, contemporary edge.
Mirrors are a great way to add more light to a room. If your main focus is to amplify the space and improve natural light, use large mirrors alongside gloss finishes for an ultra-lustrous look.
Whether you want to heighten a room, increase light, or just add an edgy visual element to your traditional space, a glossy paint finish on the ceiling is an easy, minimal investment that's sure to reap great rewards.
