Oh my gosh, I can't imagine painting those ceilings. No. Just no. Do something else to lighten up the space but don't cr@p up that wood by painting it.

I agree with mxk3, I'd keep the wood ceiling too. I like them. Your beams are so close together, I think paint the planked ceiling white will just draw your eye up there...plus be a pain to clean and show imperfections. I'm not saying it would look awful. I just think you would be making it more difficult to maintain in the future...and it looks nice as it is.

Once we paint, we can't go back.

Oh yes you can.

Should we be considering pickling instead?

Now that you can’t come back from—at least easily.

I want the ceilings lighter... is painting the right way to go?

Yes, painting is the much better choice.

Thanks for the thoughts. Maybe it would help to mention that I’ve lived with these ceilings for 20 years now. I like the cozy feeling of the house but I‘ve always felt the ceilings were so low. I tend to play it safe and not make big bold changes like painting wood. If they were vaulted I would certainly keep the wood. But I’m ready for more light and ready for a change overall.

If your ready for a more light and ready for a change overall then find a new house. Don't deface the house by painting the ceiling. It is what it is , a log house. Why do people want to make a house what it isn't.

In my opinion (and it’s worth just what you paid for it) the ceilings are the most attractive part of this room. The walls, not so much.

Just don't pickle it. Ew ew ew.

I would slow down. First redo the kitchen and see how it feels then. It'll make it easier to pick out a color, too, if it still needs to be painted.

If you're afraid to paint due to the permanence, or think you might be destroying something you shouldn't, how about carefully drywalling over it (between the beams still) and painting that? Having a smooth place to rest your eyes might be a good thing and if any of the other posters buy your cabin in the future, they can get the ceiling back.

Are you keeping that sink? More photos!

I agree that the ceiling is the best part. I would not put in wood floors. IMO, once you have painted cabinets, it will feel quite a bit lighter. (I would recommend a light moss green, though... on the bluer side.)

A general rule of thumb: No stained-wood furniture. Anywhere. Painted finishes for everything.

No to white or pickled ceilings. I'm cringing at the thought of white cabinets in a log cabin. Have you looked at images of log cabins with white cabinets? I'm sorry but it looks horrible. White cabinets do not belong in a log cabin.

Thank you for all the feedback. It is really helpful. We really don't plan on going anywhere, which makes me think that I need to choose what will make us most happy for living her another 20 years. I suppose we can take the paint off down the road if it just isn't working out. The contractor wants to get the ceiling painted first before floors and cabinets just because it is easier for them. But we can tell them we want to go slow. I have my heart set on the wood floors and we found something that all 7 of us (hubby and 5 daughters) all like. They are all really wanting to try the painted ceilings too. The girls are ready for a house change (teenagers) and so I think we might just go for it. I found these photos from another log house remodel that look like what we are aiming for.

The sink we have now is an 1920's farmhouse that I found at a flea market. I love the look but it is really stained beyond what we can afford to repair. We've been "test driving" it to see if we want to invest in the special sink base we would need. But it hasn't been very comfortable to use... stains easily, small drain, dishes chip easily even with a grid in the bottom. So we are going to put in a new farmhouse sink and keep this one for a work sink elsewhere.

I think your example images have shown that painting isn't all that detrimental! As it is you and your family who are living here , and will continue to, and no one who is living in the house has any qualms, go for it!

Dear EM, I perfectly understand the desire to lighten up your interior. I, too, live in a log home and your ceiling is slightly dark and not particularly high. I personally would never paint my wood but that's my choice and what you do in your home is your choice. If you do choose to paint the ceiling make sure your paint is on the cream side and not white white. I have Dove White on all my interior walls and I really like it. Contrasts beautifully against the yellow pine. Also, any surfaces, i.e. furnishings, counters, flooring, should be light to enhance a reflective quality thereby making the overall look "light." Finally, speaking from experience, textiles should be light, and solid colors. Logs with their knots and texture create enough movement that fabrics should be kept simple also adding to a "light" appearance. Oh, and have different kinds of light fixtures. Spot lights, table lamps, uplights, floor lamps, etc. Hope this prospective is helpful.

You do not own a house like this, you are a steward of it for future generations. An electrician would be far more beneficial than a gallon of point. It would be a shame for the home to survive this long as a heritage structure, only to be changed out to something unrecognizable for the eventual inheritors.

I live in old log home as well. I have looked at wood for many years this week we painted walls and celings white I love it, loooks great. it is your home make it a space you love and enjoy. I feel like no matter what type of home you are fortunate enough to live in make it a home you enjoy and can relax in....happy homes 😀

I would never paint the logs, nor the ceiling. They are beautiful, but.............its not my house and I dont have to live with it. While I think, it is a big mistake, you need to do, what makes you and your family happy, so if all that white paint will make you happier there, then go for it.

I hope the OP comes back to share what was decided.

Maybe its too late for this, but you could tempoary simulate the white ceiling by taping up white Bristol board.