Experimenting With Ceiling Architecture

Sometimes called the fifth wall in a room, a ceiling can add a dramatic element to ordinary home decor. Unfortunately, not all builders are open to creative designs that draw buyers in and make properties more unique. To make sure you are getting the most out of this architectural palette, consider the following popular ceiling designs.

Exposed Ceilings

This design leaves trusses, beams or system piping exposed. It can offer a sense of history to older properties. Builders can also use fabricated beams to create a more rustic look. Exposed piping, duct work and other system elements can give a room ambiance by creating an open, industrial feel.

Tray Ceiling

This design starts out as a normal ceiling; however, the drama starts with a recess in the middle of the room. These designs can also be dropped to create a false floating ceiling.

Coffered Ceiling

This design is somewhat similar to a tray ceiling, except it includes several recesses that cover the whole ceiling surface. Often accented with decorative molding, Coffers add depth and height to a room.

Barrel Vault

Founded in Roman architecture, barrel ceilings have a semi-circle appearance. Great for long hallways or major rooms, this design looks dramatic when incorporating brick or stone. You can also attain a stark, modern look using white or lightly-toned paint.

Cove Ceiling

Curving up from the four main walls, a cove design is either applied to molding along the wall and ceiling or incorporated into a room’s original architecture. Also used as arches that separate living spaces, these designs can become dramatic with the right paint or texture.

Vaulted Ceiling

This design can add significant impact to a room by adding a sense of size and drama. Vaulted ceilings can peak at a room’s center or flow along the roof line. Skylights can enhance the benefits dramatically.

Domed Ceiling

These designs can add significant appeal to staircases and tight hallways. A cascading chandelier or creative lighting can make things even more dramatic and add a bit of cachet to the room.

Tin Ceilings

Popular in the late 1800s, this ceiling design fabricates hand-sculpted plaster. There are a variety of finishes available, and it’s usually quiet easy to attach the tiles to a ceiling, regardless of its height.

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