This was from 2013, hopefully the dilemma has be resolved.

Ok Monika, for the beam running in the middle of the room you can clad it to make it a part of the design but it needs to be planned properly. You may need professional help there. These attached suggestions should hide the beam. If you do not get the theme in the pics please feel free to call us to understand the suggestion. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.

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.

I was going to suggest the same thing as InspiredHome. Fix the false ceiling no more than 6 inches from the true ceiling. However you would have to drop the height of your wardrobe loft shutters, otherwise you will not be able to open them once the ceiling in place.. You can leave the carcass as it is, but replace the the shutters with a fixed panel from ceiling to about 8 inches below, and smaller shutters in the remaining space. The false ceiling can stop at the fixed panel above. That way you will not lose loft space