[header] How to paint a tray ceiling [title] Go the popular route by painting everything but the crown molding. [step] If you're painting your first tray ceiling, or you just like a classic look, don't paint your crown molding. As is, your ceiling's crown molding probably matches the rest of the molding in the room. 
Because of this, it looks sophisticated, classic, and seamless to leave it that way and just paint the rest of your ceiling the same color as your walls. [title] Go simple and safe with all white.