Vaulted Ceilings: Are They Right for Your Next Home?
See why vaulted ceilings could be worth seeking out in your new abode... and discover flip-side reasons you might want to avoid them
Soaring ceilings with interesting architectural details can hold allure for many people looking to buy or build a home. There’s no doubt vaulted ceilings – also known as cathedral ceilings – can create a light and airy space that makes a room look bigger than it really is, but know what you’re letting yourself in for before falling head over heels in love. You can weigh up your decision here.
The positive: They make a room far more interesting. Consider this gorgeous ceiling. The timber adds tonal warmth and unusual detail to this chic bedroom; far more exotic than a plain white ceiling.
On the flip side: If you like your bedroom to feel as cosy as a cocoon, the light and airy vibe a vaulted ceiling delivers may not be the right choice for you.
Find an architect near you on Houzz for professional advice on raising your ceiling
On the flip side: If you like your bedroom to feel as cosy as a cocoon, the light and airy vibe a vaulted ceiling delivers may not be the right choice for you.
Find an architect near you on Houzz for professional advice on raising your ceiling
The positive: They give hot air somewhere to go. Planned well, vaulted ceilings can create an escape route for rising hot air. The louvres in this living room vastly improve the home’s airflow in summer, while allowing in plenty of natural light all year round.
On the flip side: High ceilings make a home less energy efficient in the cooler months, with heat tending to sit uncomfortably out of reach. The best solar-passive designs will bring enough sun shining in from the north to counter this, however.
On the flip side: High ceilings make a home less energy efficient in the cooler months, with heat tending to sit uncomfortably out of reach. The best solar-passive designs will bring enough sun shining in from the north to counter this, however.
The positive: They can give a home serious rustic appeal. Natural timber, rough-hewn rafters, matching floors and window frames – all these factors can work together to add charm to any style of home. When there’s a fireplace added to the mix, it can be an unbeatable combination.
On the flip side: Dusting fans and changing light bulbs are more challenging chores when vaulted ceilings come into play. A small thing, perhaps, but if teetering atop a towering ladder is not your idea of a good time – or you’d rather not risk a fall – factor this into your decision-making.
On the flip side: Dusting fans and changing light bulbs are more challenging chores when vaulted ceilings come into play. A small thing, perhaps, but if teetering atop a towering ladder is not your idea of a good time – or you’d rather not risk a fall – factor this into your decision-making.
The positive: They make the most of the roof space. Why have an empty roof cavity when you can create a vastly more interesting ceiling for the room below?
On the flip side: Ceiling detail like this is commonly created at the time of building. If you like the idea of adding a vaulted ceiling to your existing home, employing the services of a structural engineer and architect is a must. Insulation options will need to be reconsidered, too.
On the flip side: Ceiling detail like this is commonly created at the time of building. If you like the idea of adding a vaulted ceiling to your existing home, employing the services of a structural engineer and architect is a must. Insulation options will need to be reconsidered, too.
The positive: Exposed rafters can add real character. Vaulted ceilings give you the chance to make rafters a show-stopping feature. Whether painted or left in their natural state, rafters can take a room from drab to flat-out fab.
On the flip side: Soaring ceilings can make living spaces feel less warm and intimate. Strategies to visually lower the height of a ceiling will be necessary to avoid this – tall wall hangings or window treatments and low-hanging pendants are two such tricks of the trade.
On the flip side: Soaring ceilings can make living spaces feel less warm and intimate. Strategies to visually lower the height of a ceiling will be necessary to avoid this – tall wall hangings or window treatments and low-hanging pendants are two such tricks of the trade.
The positive: They can give you room to move. A small space like this could feel cramped without the help of a vaulted ceiling. The extra lift lets in the light and makes this kitchen feel much larger than it actually is.
On the flip side: Small spaces are not necessarily a bad thing. Go easy on clutter and tighter quarters can gain a cottage-cosy feel.
On the flip side: Small spaces are not necessarily a bad thing. Go easy on clutter and tighter quarters can gain a cottage-cosy feel.
The positive: They’re a practical option for bathrooms. If you live in a humid climate – or even if you don’t – a well-ventilated bathroom made possible by a vaulted ceiling could be a godsend. Mould is never a pretty sight, so the faster your bathroom can dry out after a steamy shower, the better.
On the flip side: If you have an effective exhaust fan and heated flooring, drying out a bathroom with a normal ceiling height post-shower can be done in a flash.
On the flip side: If you have an effective exhaust fan and heated flooring, drying out a bathroom with a normal ceiling height post-shower can be done in a flash.
The positive: They’re a great backdrop for dramatic lighting. Oversize pendant lighting can turn a room from forgettable to spectacular, and a vaulted ceiling makes it easy to suspend just about any design from a height.
On the flip side: Big lighting may not be your thing, but without it vaulted ceilings can appear too high for comfort. Other height-reducing measures may be necessary to prevent the space from looking cavernous.
On the flip side: Big lighting may not be your thing, but without it vaulted ceilings can appear too high for comfort. Other height-reducing measures may be necessary to prevent the space from looking cavernous.
The positive: They add a sense of grandeur. Nothing says grand like a vaulted ceiling, as this living room so envyingly demonstrates. Such a ceiling is an invitation to go all out when it comes to furnishings and accessories. A grand piano sits effortlessly in this magnificent space, where otherwise it might well dominate.
On the flip side: Humble homes can be just as appealing as those on a grander scale, especially if they’re a better fit for your lifestyle and personality.
Your turn
Do you have vaulted ceilings in your home? Tell us what you love about them, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Need more inspiration from on high? Check out 14 Ceiling Treatments That Will Make You Want to Look Up
On the flip side: Humble homes can be just as appealing as those on a grander scale, especially if they’re a better fit for your lifestyle and personality.
Your turn
Do you have vaulted ceilings in your home? Tell us what you love about them, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Need more inspiration from on high? Check out 14 Ceiling Treatments That Will Make You Want to Look Up
On the flip side: On cold and cloudy days, the vast spaces created by vaulted ceilings can be difficult to heat. Double-glazing is the way to go to trap any natural winter warmth inside.