Often in older homes ceilings are painted white, regardless of the wall color. Using any color other than white will make the ceiling feel low. If you must use something other white, make sure it is the same shade or paler than the wall color, or you'll create a cave-like feeling.
One place where painting the ceiling the same color as the walls can work is in rooms decorated in a very modernist style. Here, the monochromatic look of using the same color can work, especially if you're using a somewhat monochromatic scheme in the rest of the room's decor.
If your ceilings have the popcorn finish, you will need to remove it in order to paint your ceilings. Other than that hassle, they can add beautiful dramatics to large rooms.