CEILINGS
VAULTED CEILING
Vaulted ceilings are taller than the standard 8-foot ceiling, but they also include some form of an angle. It could be one angle (also known as a shed ceiling). It could be two angles joining together, wither asymmetrically or in the center (when joined in the center it’s also known as a cathedral ceiling).
CATHEDRAL CEILING
Cathedral ceilings are symmetrical design. Each side is similar length and meets in the center creating an apex. It’s a classic look and typically looks fabulous. The downside is it prevents having a second floor… but many homes elevate the living area ceiling like this and restrict the second floor to other areas of the home.
COFFERED CEILING
The coffered ceiling is an elegant ceiling option which takes crown molding and a beamed ceiling combo to a new level. It’s a series of beams in a geographical pattern (usually square or rectangle) with crown molding added to create a pleasing-to-the-eye ceiling effect. It adds visual interest and depth to the ceiling.
TRAY CEILING
The tray ceiling is aptly named because it looks like the top of a tray. It creates depth; in other words it makes your ceiling look taller while at the same time frames a room. It’s great for open concept because it helps create designated spaces within a large open concept living space. The photo above illustrates this by using the tray ceiling to demarcate kitchen, dining and living room.
SHED CEILING
A type of vaulted ceiling, the shed ceiling is a ceiling that angles upward or downward from low to high but has only one leg. They can be steep or subtle. The above example is a subtle shed ceiling. The high part of the ceiling is elevated sufficiently to add a row of upper windows which adds a lot of light to the room.
GROIN VAULT CEILING
Perhaps the most dramatic and spectacular ceiling design is the intricate groin vault ceiling which is a series of partial domes and arches creating an elevated ceiling.
TALL CEILING
Technically, tall ceilings isn’t a type of ceiling. It’s an umbrella term for a ceiling that is above-average in height, or should I say above the normal ceiling height of 8′ to 10′. However, we include it because it’s a popular ceiling term people search for and so we created a dedicated photo gallery to all kinds of rooms with tall ceilings.