Remember when everyone did popcorn spray-on or California knockdown ceilings?  Ceiling design options are reaching new heights and can define your room with the character and design intent you want.   They play an important role in the final presentation of a room but rarely are given top priority in the design selection process.   Below is a comprehensive list of ceiling types and textures found in both traditional and contemporary homes we are building right now.

Popular Ceiling Styles:

Conventional Ceiling

Conventional flat ceilings are the most common type of ceilings in homes.  Depending on the height, which is standard at eight feet to nine feet high, they give a room or stairwell a bright spacious feel.   Often we will see conventional ceilings enhanced with beams, tongue and groove wood plank or shiplap to add additional character to a room.

Coffered Ceiling

Coffered ceilings consist of sunken panels, usually square or rectangular in shape, that add depth to the room.  They sit in a grid-like form and can be there for both decorative purposes and/or to provide structural strength.  Beams that form the grid on traditional coffered ceilings were usually made from timbers or stone.  However, today materials such as plaster products are available to help achieve this decorative feature more affordably.

Tray Ceiling

Also known as an inverted or recessed ceiling.  A tray ceiling is where the center section of the main ceiling is higher than the area around the perimeter of the room.  They add an interesting visual element to a space and help to open up a room.  The type of tray will be dependent on your home’s structure and the height of the ceiling.

Sloped Ceiling

Sloped ceilings give a spacious airy feel to a room as the ceiling mimics the pitch of the roof.  They can be two equally sloping sides that meet at a ridge in the middle of the room or found on top floors or attic spaces and add dimension and extra headroom where needed.

Vaulted Ceiling

A vaulted ceiling has the same two sloping sides as a sloped ceiling, however, it features a high central arch that draws attention upward.  This type of ceiling is among the most popular ceiling types, best suited to large homes with grand living rooms and foyers, adding an extra layer of style and sophistication to a home.   Vaulted ceilings are finished with a variety of materials, including wood planks, drywall and beams. 

If you are renovating or building and would like to create visually interesting ceilings for your home, there are many products on the market, in both traditional and contemporary styles, which can help you achieve your goal. For advice on which best suits your room talk to your project manager or designer today.