Paint it a couple shades darker.

Or, silver leaf it (wallpaper) for a burnished/modern effect.

Nice fireplace, BTW.

You could paint it a little darker, or apply a nice fauz finish, may be with a little metallic to give some relfectivity.

I like the metallic reflectivity idea. Might you suggest a paint manufacturer that you love?

I would add some molding detail, the molding you have there now it looks lost in there.

With 8' ceilings I would leave the paint same color...Wider crown with beaded ceiling detail would really bring that out, different color paint will make it look dull.

Good luck

I have painted several areas like this lately in a soft sky blue. It seems to be very refreshing. I don't seem to like darker over my head.

Thank for your thoughtful suggestions. There is up lighting in the coffer so we probably won't add crown moulding. Could be I'm not understanding your direction?

Yes, if I go too dark it will bring the ceiling down. Don't want to do that. I have painted the interior of coffers one shade lighter with a slight sheen where the wall and ceiling were different. In this case the walls and ceiling are the same color. I think that is what I may be feeling, just want something a tad contrasting?

I was thinking something like this, just to give you a visual.

Thanks for the visual. The detail is lovely.

And taking the time to render, fabulous! Thank you.

Do you have a dark accent wall color behind that chair adjacent to the brick? A dark gray? If so, painting the coffer that same color would tie the dining area with the rest of the room and would create drama, especially with the up-lighting Contrary to most people's belief, a very dark ceiling will recede, seem higher, similar to when you look into a dark sky that appears to go forever.

The accent wall is natural grass cloth with upholstery nails. Could be lovely. Thank you.

Lynartist, thank you for the painting technique. We have a BM dealer very close.

So many options, love it.

lynartist - I'd like to use your technique on my entry ceiling. Do I just add the interference gold to a glaze and paint that directly onto my ceiling? No other pigment needed? What ratio of gold to glaze? My accents are all silver - is there an equivalent silver product or does it make no difference?

Thanks, lynartist! I just bought some interference gold on Amazon. I'll do a test run on a sample drywall board.

Usually I think it's best though to leave the ceiling alone. You have such a well done home--don't over do it.

Great art!

If you do anything at all make it subtle.

leelee - That is what I am somewhat afraid of, overdoing it. Something that has a bit of soft reflection may do the trick, such as a glaze. Thank you.

Don't be afraid to do Lyn's idea. Dining rooms should have at least a little bit of drama, preferably alot.

Glaze for hot cross buns just involves castor sugar , water, and a pastry brush.

lynartist - do you live in Denver perchance? You could just come over to my house and do my ceiling for me! BTW, is this going to be really drippy since I'm painting my ceiling or should I just use less water?

Amazing to see the sample and finished product, thank you!

I agreed with the suggestion of leaf--gold or aluminum, depending on the rest of your room. That will give spectacular reflected light when you use the dining room. It's not expensive for an area that size, and looks great.

Everyone has been absolutely amazing and beyond helpful. Thank you!

What a nice OP you are.

lynartist - Fla - bummer for me! Can we swap emails? Don't know how to find that info on Houzz. Mine is nancy.reese@hotmail.com. (Cindi, I apologize for using your thread to solve my own design question.)