beautiful coffered ceiling image: rikki snyder
You may think ceilings are the last thing to think about when considering your interior design but a Coffered, Vaulted or Cathedral ceiling can add instant drama and interest to any room and your room doesn't have to be on the large side to take a coffered ceiling.
Whereas a vaulted ceiling will need a higher roof space, adding a coffered ceiling can be quite a simple way to elevate your home and also to hide any irregularities in the structure of a building.
Coffered ceiling: are classical architectural detailing constructed with a square or rectangular three dimensional grid but also seen in more irregular patterns. Unlike tray ceilings, which have single grid segments, coffered ceiling are layered and have multiple grid segments.
Vaulted ceilings: are self supporting structures (they don't have to be arch shaped) above walls and under a roof. Vaulted ceilings are sometimes symmetrical but also asymmetrical.
Cathedral ceilings: sometimes the terms vaulted and cathedral ceilings are used interchangeably but cathedral ceilings are typically taller and symmetrical. They originated in churches and cathedrals, hence the name.
01 Consider the ceiling height
image: surrey painting group
Even in a lower height room, a coffered ceiling can add a beautiful focal point and depth to an otherwise unremarkable room. It instantly adds grandeur and elegance and can be a good way to zone lighting.
02 Mix materials
image: homebunch
Using a mix of materials, like wood, can also add warmth to your room, especially if you are adding to a coffered ceiling to a white scheme or the ceilings are especially high. You can also use wood in your furniture elements to add repetition to your scheme or bring areas together. More common in the US, coffered ceilings are catching on in the UK housing market and a great way to help your home stand out if selling.
Typically, high ceilings boost a home's value by 5% to 25%; in fact, the National Association of Property Builders found that raising ceiling height increased property values by an average of $4,000.
03 Use contrasting colours
image: Brandywine Creek Construction
Paint your ceilings in a contrasting colour to make them really stand out and earn their place. Hang a feature ceiling light such as a modern chandelier to mix it up a little.
04 Go bold or go home
image: Reena Sotropa
If you want a cosier room or you want to give the illusion of lower ceilings, go with a dark, bold colour to compliment your other interior choices. This dark and moody one gets my vote! Also a great way to zone areas!
05 Asymmetrical vaulted ceilings
image: Plus Rooms
An asymmetrical vaulted ceiling can add quirkiness and loftiness in any home if you're lucky enough to have one. A great addition if adding on an extension to your home. Accentuate this feature with velux and gable windows to bring in the light. In a brightly lit room, you can get away with dark and dramatic wall colours and not feel closed in.
06 Add beams
image: Check a Trade
Adding wooden beams is a great way to show off a vaulted ceiling and add that interest and highlight this architectural feature we're all looking for, especially in large rooms and houses. There's no denying vaulted ceilings are a striking design feature to impact any home.
07 The wow factor of a Cathedral
image: Studio McGee
There's no doubt, Studio McGee knows how to nail a Cathedral Ceiling! Topping and tailing with wooden ceilings and flooring help this large area remain warm and inviting. The proportions on the fireplace and furnishings are also spot on so the space feels 'just right'. Beautiful!
08 Framing a killer view
image: Architectural Digest, Bria Hemmel
With views to die for, it would do this home a disservice to just add a standard ceiling. Competing with strong external elements, a home like this needs something spectacular to earn its position in the landscape. See how the chairs also tie into the colour of the beams using repetition to tie the whole room together and pick out the colours in the stone wall. Stunning!
09 Double Height Spaces
image: Velux
If you are including a double-height space in your home, this will naturally lend itself to a cathedral ceiling. Have fun with large-scale light fixtures and make use of the height for tall kitchen units.
When contemplating your next home project or adding some much-needed space, consider which ceiling type will add the most to your surroundings, sense of space and feelings of well-being. Character homes with interesting and jaw-dropping ceiling features will always command a premium.