The ceilings in the Miami house featured in this episode of Trading Spaces were finished with that rough textured coating that is so common on drywalled ceilings. Because of the texture, it is virtually impossible to create a straight paint edge on this type of surface, even when painter's tape is used. So Laurie chose cover the paint line with strips of molding, which added another defining characteristic to the ceiling treatment. If your ceilings are smooth, you should be able to create straight lines with the paint and painter's tape. Adding the molding would then be less a necessity than a personal choice.

Plan Ahead

The primary decisions that you need to make in planning this ceiling project are (1) what color to use, and (2) how wide to make the border around the ceiling. Laurie chose a color that resembled pumpkin pie for this particular room, which blended nicely with the yellows and creams that dominated the rest of the room. You may want to compare sample paint strips in your home rather than just at the paint store. Keep in mind that darker colors may have the boldest effect, but they can also darken the room itself. The width of the border is probably best determined by the size of the room; a 12- to 16-inch border would probably work just fine in most rooms, but you might prefer that it be narrower or wider. Since the border here is essentially that part of the ceiling that is not being painted, it would stand to reason that the wider the border, the less paint you will need.

Tape the Ceiling

The key to painting a straight line is to make sure that the painter's tape is applied in a straight line. To do this, first use a measuring tape and pencil to mark the desired paint line. You don't need to draw a full outline with the pencil, but make enough small marks to offer a guide for the painter's tape. Have a helper hold the painter's tape at one corner while you extend it to the next corner. Use your hand to smooth over the tape so that it is sealed against the ceiling. If it isn't sealed (and it won't be on a textured ceiling) paint will leak beneath it.