4.17.2012

Screen Porch Progress: Paint or Stain on the Ceiling???

I owe you a real update on the porch but the last few days have been hectic  to say the least!!  I'm struggling for the first time in this entire project.  I cannot decide whether to paint or stain the ceiling which is beautiful as it is but I am just not a bare wood person (despite some other bare wood on our house which may change shortly as well).


(This picture is actually from a couple of weeks ago before the skylight was installed... more on that later this week.)

But, what do with the ceiling. All of the posts, beams, and trim will definitely be painted to match the sandtone trim color (matched to our Andersen windows) on the rest of our house (a slightly grayish tan).  But the ceiling seems like an opportunity to do something different. The wood ceiling is nice though so I am considering doing a semi-transparent stain but it's unclear whether it should be light, like a white wash or pickled, or dark similar to our HardiPlank siding.  If we paint it, do we paint it the same as the rest of the room, or paint it a pale blue like so many southern ceilings (google it and you'll see...).

Before you jump to a decision, here are some inspiration photos for you to think on...

Blue ceilings...

Young House Love

Cortney Bishop - Design Sponge

BHG.com


Traditional Home


Hmmm.... After looking through these (and loads of others on Pinterest and Houzz), I can eliminate the blue (although I love blue porch ceilings and I would consider using it on my front porch at some point)... but I do like both he pickled-whitewash and the straight painted ceiling.  Not sure I want it to be dark although it would certainly highlight the wood detailing against he stony trim.

Thoughts?!!  Help!!