Hi Ardhendu, Double heights add a lot of light and volume to a space. However, a lot depends on the overall planning of the rooms around it and the resulting size of the slab cut out for the double height. If you are only left with a small shaft like space, it reflects poorly on the design. Also, the placement of the slab cut out is crucial in a living space considering movement, furniture placement, lighting and ventilation. It would be great if you could send us the proposed layout of your house for us to comment better. Else, please consult a local architect. All the best! Regards, RnD Atelier Nagpur

Cornerstone Design, Thanks for your response. The electrician and false ceiling folks I've engaged are very competent, and are going to take care of installing the ceiling fans (of any type or kind I buy). My only task is to find and procure appropriate fans. Regarding the loss of about 10" due to the false ceiling: I only did a simple rectangular tray drop design for lights (approx 4-6"); however, the original ceiling was not straight, and approx 2-3" extra went in straightening it at the tray edges. Since the ceiling seems (perceived) low, I do not want to make it look lower visually. I am looking for fans that will be as close as possible to the false-ceiling without effecting its sweep functionality or energy efficiency. Any suggestions on where I can get good ceiling fans in Bangalore (all brands and varieties under one roof)? I would also like to see/consider the options you've mentioned (special fan like flush fan or ceiling swing fans). Where can I see/procure these in Bangalore? Thanks!

Nadia, You need to provide some more snaps showing the entire room, including the location of the beam, its height & clear height of the slab etc. One idea could be to extend the width of the beam by just about 25 mm with gypsum board on either sides, at the bottom level, with a right angular vertical of 25 mm as well & provide LED lighting strip for indirect lighting...

Jaggi, while it depends on the overall depth of the coffer ceiling but as a thumb rule you can leave a safe gap/height of 9-9.5 ft from lower end to the floor. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.