If you’ve spent any time scrolling through décor inspiration lately, you’ll know we’re still living in the era of bold paint choices. From colour drenching to dopamine brights, homeowners are getting braver – and rooms are all the better for it. But there’s one technique quietly stealing the spotlight for its ability to add depth, height and a sense of luxury without overwhelming a space. Meet colour capping – the design insider’s latest obsession.

To help decode the trend, we spoke to Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Colour Expert at Duluxwho’s been championing expressive colour long before it hit our feeds.

the و colour و to – تفاصيل مهمة

So, what is colour capping?

We’ve all heard of colour drenching – saturating a space in a single shade from skirting boards to ceiling – but colour capping takes the idea in a nuanced direction.

‘Colour capping has spiralled from the colour drenching trend, which is a technique I’ve loved for a long time,’ explains Shillingford. ‘Where colour drenching coats every last inch of your room in one colour, colour capping incorporates different tones of the same colour in one room, adding the deepest to the ceiling to give it a “capped” effect.’

The result is a gradient that draws the eye upward, adding height, elegance and a surprising dose of drama. It sits somewhere between colour drenching and double drenching but with a softer, seamless transition. And crucially, it celebrates a part of the room we usually ignore: the ceiling.

the و a و colour – تفاصيل مهمة

‘It’s time we give ceilings the attention and love they deserve!’ she adds.

What are the benefits of colour capping?

If you love the immersive quality of colour drenching, colour capping offers that same enveloping feel with added dimensionality.

‘It works really well in rooms where you want the sensory nature to be heightened,’ says Shillingford. ‘Use it to surround yourself with calming nature-inspired tones in relaxing spaces or with energising shades in home offices or gyms.’

The true magic lies in its ability to manipulate perception.

in و the و colour – تفاصيل مهمة

Because the darkest tone sits overhead, the eye is naturally drawn upwards, creating a sense of soaring height – making it ideal for rooms that feel a little flat or compact. Light tones can also help brighten spaces and add a subtle glow.

When is it not a good idea?

As transformative as the technique can be, Shillingford notes that colour capping ‘can’t work miracles’.

Rooms that lack natural light can be tricky. ‘Finishing a dark room with a dark ceiling can make it feel hemmed in,’ she warns.

a و can و the – تفاصيل مهمة

Architecturally busy rooms – think detailed doorways, ornate mouldings or layered textures – also benefit from a simpler, unified colour approach. Introducing multiple tones here, even within the same colour family, can tip the space from interesting to overwhelming.

How do you choose the colours?

Getting the right tonal gradient starts with choosing shades that already feel connected. Begin with the colour you want on your walls, then look for one or two steps deeper in the same family for the ceiling. Most colour charts and digital tools group tonal shades vertically, which makes it easier to see how your palette will transition.

Texture plays a role too. Soft matte or eggshell finishes enhance colour capping’s enveloping quality, creating a smooth gradient that feels elegant rather than overpowering.

For inspiration, Shillingford points to a few pairings that showcase the power of tonal nuance. A deep purple like Wild Blackberry overhead with a softer lavender shade such as Violet Night on the walls creates a cosy, dusk-like cocoon. For something grounded, a rich green ceiling in Mallard Green with walls in Green Oxide gives the calming feel of being surrounded by nature – a great option for spaces where focus or relaxation is key.

the و a و with – تفاصيل مهمة

Are there any mistakes to avoid?

‘The key to becoming a master at colour capping is keeping to that one tonal family,’ says Shillingford. Straying too far from the base shade can create a jarring effect.

Aim for shades that are only slightly lighter or darker for seamless flow, and carry the tones through your woodwork with eggshell paint for a polished cohesive finish.

And always – always – test your colours in the actual room.

for و to و the – تفاصيل مهمة

‘This trend is loved for its enveloping effect, so if the shades appear different in your lighting compared to the store, it becomes very noticeable – especially with darker colours.’