The Ultimate Guide to Vaulted Ceilings
Discover how vaulted ceilings draw the eye upwards, add spaciousness and heighten the ambience of an ordinary space
Vaulted ceilings were a prominent feature of the churches and basilicas (public buildings) of the Gothic and Roman style of architecture during the Middle Ages but over a period of time they gradually formed the ceilings of some traditional, modern and industrial-style homes. A vaulted ceiling stands out from the other types of ceiling designs because it extends from the side walls of the building towards the central point and creates a large volume of overhead space. In this all-you-need-to-know guide we give you some valuable insights about vaulted ceilings.
- A barrel vault is an arched ceiling which comprises of a single curve along the entire length of the ceiling. In this image just see how the barrel vault ceiling softens the look of the foyer and the multiple glass panels bring in ample natural light throughout the day.
- When two barrel vaults or arched ceilings intersect at the centre they form a groin vaulted ceiling which is also known as a cross vault or double barrel vault ceiling. Here, in this image, an array of groin vaulted ceilings forms an eye-catching detail which takes the design of the hallway to a whole new level.
- A dome vaulted ceiling comprises a flat ceiling with a hemispherical dome in the centre, like in this bathroom. Plater of Paris (POP) crown moulding differentiates the dome from the flat ceiling.
Which areas are most suitable for a vaulted ceiling?
- A vaulted ceiling is best suited for independent homes and farmhouses which are spacious and unlike conventional apartments do not have a height constraint.
- Most homeowners prefer to have the vaulted ceiling in the living room, within double-height spaces, the entrance foyer or the patio.
What are the advantages of a vaulted ceiling?
- A vaulted ceiling gives the feeling of openness and makes the home look more spacious.
- Vaulted ceilings form a dramatic design feature which adds a lot of character and infuses a sense of grandeur into the space. Also, the walls can incorporate tall windows which flood the interiors with natural light.
- As hot air rises and cool air comes down, spaces with vaulted ceilings are naturally cooler than the surrounding areas.
What are the disadvantages of a vaulted ceiling?
- They biggest disadvantage of a vaulted ceiling design is that it uses a lot of energy and results in extra air-conditioning costs for cooling the space.
- The great height of vaulted ceilings make it difficult to maintain and clean the exposed beams (if any). Also, it is difficult to paint the ceiling and change the light bulbs or fixtures.
- Vaulted ceilings result in higher construction costs.
- Another disadvantage is that tall spaces with vaulted ceilings lack warmth. Therefore, one can introduce timber elements and warm colour tones to infuse an element of warmth, as in this example.
- Vaulted ceilings can result in condensation on the tall windows and the growth of mould, especially in moisture-laden areas like the bathroom and kitchen.
How to illuminate a vaulted ceiling?
Read more:
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Tell us:
Do you have a vaulted ceiling in your home? We would love to see it. Share images in the Comments section below.
- Incorporate a layered lighting scheme for illuminating a vaulted ceiling. Go for a combination of pendant lights and recessed ceiling lights, like in this image.
- Consider recessed cove lighting or diffused lighting along the corners of the vaulted ceiling.
- Opt for adjustable track lights which can be used to aim lights in various directions or focus them on the accent features of the home.
Read more:
6 High and Mighty Wooden Ceiling Designs
7 Ceiling Designs That Will Make You Look Up and Gasp
Tell us:
Do you have a vaulted ceiling in your home? We would love to see it. Share images in the Comments section below.
- A vaulted ceiling is also known as a cathedral ceiling, which has equal slopes on either side and merges at the highest point of the ceiling to take the shape of an inverted V. A steeper roof pitch is required for a higher vault while a lower-pitched roof incorporates a shallower vault.
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