A Guide to Different Types of Ceiling Designs
Know your ceilings and find out which type of ceiling is most appropriate for your home
The design and profile of the ceiling is one of the most important elements of your home decor and can be broadly classified into 10 different types. You will be surprised to see how each type of ceiling has a distinctive character and can effortlessly change the look and feel of any space. Read on to find out more about the different types of ceilings.
2. Dropped or false ceiling
A dropped ceiling is commonly known as a false ceiling and is suspended from the true ceiling with metal channels.
These ceilings have a functional role because they are primarily used to conceal services like the electrical wires, AC ducts or for installing recessed ceiling lighting, to impart a neat look.
Find an interior designer to design a false ceiling for your living room
A dropped ceiling is commonly known as a false ceiling and is suspended from the true ceiling with metal channels.
These ceilings have a functional role because they are primarily used to conceal services like the electrical wires, AC ducts or for installing recessed ceiling lighting, to impart a neat look.
Find an interior designer to design a false ceiling for your living room
3. Tray or recessed ceiling
Take a look at this ceiling: the central part of the ceiling is higher than rest of the ceiling. It looks a bit like an upside-down tray, hence the name. A groove runs along the periphery of the tray’s recess and it holds LED strip lights or tube lights so as to create a dramatic effect where the source of illumination is not visible.
Take a look at this ceiling: the central part of the ceiling is higher than rest of the ceiling. It looks a bit like an upside-down tray, hence the name. A groove runs along the periphery of the tray’s recess and it holds LED strip lights or tube lights so as to create a dramatic effect where the source of illumination is not visible.
4. Tall ceiling
A tall ceiling forms an interesting feature within any space because it brings in an element of spaciousness and openness. These ceilings are found in a double-height room, as in the image, or are designed within the common areas of duplex homes or bungalows with the aim of creating an interactive space by connecting two levels with an atrium. But one major drawback of a tall ceiling is that a lot of energy is wasted in cooling this double-height space, leading to additional air-conditioning costs.
What to Do With Double-Height Living Rooms
A tall ceiling forms an interesting feature within any space because it brings in an element of spaciousness and openness. These ceilings are found in a double-height room, as in the image, or are designed within the common areas of duplex homes or bungalows with the aim of creating an interactive space by connecting two levels with an atrium. But one major drawback of a tall ceiling is that a lot of energy is wasted in cooling this double-height space, leading to additional air-conditioning costs.
What to Do With Double-Height Living Rooms
5. Beamed ceiling
A beamed ceiling is a traditional style of ceiling found in homes where the load-bearing wooden beams are exposed on the inside of the home.
However, in modern homes, one can achieve the same effect with faux beams running across the entire length of the enclosed space, like you can see in this living room. Make sure that the ceiling height is at least 11 feet high otherwise an array of beams may make the space feel claustrophobic.
Tip: For a rustic look go for reclaimed wood on the ceiling.
A beamed ceiling is a traditional style of ceiling found in homes where the load-bearing wooden beams are exposed on the inside of the home.
However, in modern homes, one can achieve the same effect with faux beams running across the entire length of the enclosed space, like you can see in this living room. Make sure that the ceiling height is at least 11 feet high otherwise an array of beams may make the space feel claustrophobic.
Tip: For a rustic look go for reclaimed wood on the ceiling.
6. Coffered ceiling
In a coffered ceiling, the entire ceiling is divided into a uniform grid of square or rectangular sunken panels. Each sunken panel is usually finished with moulding to add a decorative and elegant touch to the ceiling design.
A coffered ceiling can impart a formal look to the living room.
In a coffered ceiling, the entire ceiling is divided into a uniform grid of square or rectangular sunken panels. Each sunken panel is usually finished with moulding to add a decorative and elegant touch to the ceiling design.
A coffered ceiling can impart a formal look to the living room.
7. Barrel vault ceiling
A barrel vault ceiling is a barrel-shaped ceiling with an arch that runs the length of the ceiling. These ceilings are used along a long hallway.
Just see how, in this double-height space, the design of the barrel-vaulted ceiling is further enhanced with skylights that flood the interiors with natural light.
A barrel vault ceiling is a barrel-shaped ceiling with an arch that runs the length of the ceiling. These ceilings are used along a long hallway.
Just see how, in this double-height space, the design of the barrel-vaulted ceiling is further enhanced with skylights that flood the interiors with natural light.
8. Cathedral ceiling
A cathedral ceiling comprises symmetrical or equal sloping sides that connect in the middle of the room (like in a church). This type of ceiling gives a very spacious and airy look, whether used indoors or in a structure outdoors. One drawback is that the ceiling is so high that it becomes difficult to access the light fixtures in case they need to be replaced.
These ceilings work best in farmhouses or in weekend homes, where space is not a constraint.
A cathedral ceiling comprises symmetrical or equal sloping sides that connect in the middle of the room (like in a church). This type of ceiling gives a very spacious and airy look, whether used indoors or in a structure outdoors. One drawback is that the ceiling is so high that it becomes difficult to access the light fixtures in case they need to be replaced.
These ceilings work best in farmhouses or in weekend homes, where space is not a constraint.
9. Shed ceiling
A shed ceiling has a slope that slants towards one side of the enclosed or semi-open space. This type of ceiling style is usually seen in homes with an attic space or a room just under the sloped roof of the home.
Consult with a contractor or a civil engineer on Houzz about the ceilings of your home
A shed ceiling has a slope that slants towards one side of the enclosed or semi-open space. This type of ceiling style is usually seen in homes with an attic space or a room just under the sloped roof of the home.
Consult with a contractor or a civil engineer on Houzz about the ceilings of your home
10. Exposed ceiling
An exposed ceiling works best for an industrial-themed space where services like the AC ducts, wires and other services are left exposed.
This is because a lot of homeowners love the stripped-down, warehouse appearance and exposed ceilings are a great way to contribute to this look.
Read more:
11 Chic Alternatives to False Ceilings
6 High and Mighty Wooden Ceiling Designs
33 Mesmerising Ceiling Designs From Across the World
Tell us:
Which of these ceiling designs would you choose for your home? Tell us in Comments below.
An exposed ceiling works best for an industrial-themed space where services like the AC ducts, wires and other services are left exposed.
This is because a lot of homeowners love the stripped-down, warehouse appearance and exposed ceilings are a great way to contribute to this look.
Read more:
11 Chic Alternatives to False Ceilings
6 High and Mighty Wooden Ceiling Designs
33 Mesmerising Ceiling Designs From Across the World
Tell us:
Which of these ceiling designs would you choose for your home? Tell us in Comments below.
This type of ceiling resembles the shape of a dome or a half sphere.
Domed ceilings are popularly used to create an accent feature within the ceiling. They can be further highlighted with a chandelier, diffused lighting and decorative paint, just as in this example.
These ceilings are most suitable for areas like the lobby, entrance foyer or other common areas of the home such as the living or dining room.
Look at the ceilings in these photos of living rooms