7 Types of Ceiling Styles to Consider
When it comes to remodeling or decorating a room, the ceiling is one of those often-overlooked components. Yet ceilings play a key role in the overall look of a space and should be given its deserved attention.
Sure, you can always leave your ceiling plain and lacking any decor, but you’d be missing out on a great way to add some flair to a space. With all the different types of ceiling styles out there, you might want to consider doing something a little different to your ceiling surface. Here are just a few ideas.
1. Tray Ceilings
This decorative type of ceiling – also known as a “recessed” ceiling – features a center portion that is slightly higher (between a few inches to a foot) than the surrounding area of the ceiling space. From the intersection of the wall, the ceiling is somewhat “cut out” to resemble a tray, with layers extending upwards. Each cut can be vertical or angled, depending on the exact look desired. Any number of layers can be incorporated – the more layers, the more dramatic the effect.
Each layer of a tray ceiling can be painted in a different color to achieve a more striking effect. A similar effect can also be achieved by painting the interior of the tray in a different color compared to the wall.
The textural look of a tray ceiling is more popular in rooms such as dining rooms, foyers, and master suites. That said, it’s an architectural element that boasts a modern, sophisticated flair that can add great detail to any space in the home.
2. Coffered Ceilings
Coffered ceilings are characterized by square- or rectangular-shaped panels repeated in a pattern, creating a system of boxes across the surface area. Such an arrangement gives the ceiling a textured look, adding to its visual appeal and interest.
Each “box” is somewhat like a tray as described above, surrounded by dropped coffers that define each space. To create a more dramatic look, the indentations of each box may be painted in a contrasting color to the coffers. The inner panels of each box provide a natural place to install light fixtures, particularly pot lights.
While these types of ceilings have become increasingly popular over the recent past, they have actually been around for a very long time. They’re a great feature for main living areas of the home, such as the living and dining rooms.
3. Beam Ceilings
Exposed ceiling beams have long been associated with rural settings and rustic design, but they’re incredibly popular these days in the most modern interior spaces. Beams can be made of real wood or light-weight faux wood outfitted in a variety of designs.
The effect can be subtle or distinguished, depending on the size of the beams, their arrangement, and their color. This ceiling type is especially majestic when outfitted in a vaulted ceiling. Beamed ceilings may be finished with several different molding options as well to create a unique look.
4. Dome Ceilings
This type of ceiling style requires more space given the added height required to accommodate the shape. Dome ceilings are more often seen in larger homes and can provide a space with grandeur and opulence. Basically, dome ceilings incorporate an arch of varying depths to create a hollow sphere.
The inner part of the dome can be painted in the same color as the rest of the ceiling space and walls, or it can be decked out with a decorative painting. It may even include a skylight or stained glass to add more dimension to the room.
5. Vaulted/Cathedral Ceilings
Vaulted ceilings are sloped upwards towards the roofline, creating an upside-down “V” shape of varying degrees. Cathedral ceilings are very similar, except that they feature two equal sides that follow the roof’s pitch. While vaulted ceilings may sometimes run with the pitch of the roof, they usually don’t and feature different slopes depending on what homeowners choose.
What these types of ceilings have in common is the grandiose feel that they provide to a home, adding height and making a room feel bigger, brighter, and more dramatic.
6. Cove Ceilings
Cove ceilings add extra height to a room by curving slightly upwards towards the roof to create an arch. They are more commonly seen in hallways and front entrances of homes to add more visual space and make the area appear larger.
7. Conventional Ceilings
While there are all sorts of different ways to play around with your ceiling, there’s nothing wrong with a traditional surface. Conventional ceilings are usually 8 or 9 feet high and can be made smooth or textured using compound material.
The Bottom Line
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with conventional flat, smooth ceilings, you might still want to mull over some other possibilities for this often-ignored element. Depending on your particular style and your budget, your ceiling can provide you with the perfect blank canvas upon which to create something really spectacular to give your home an instant boost.
