Discover the 4 types of ceilings for your home as well as access to all our ceiling design articles and photo galleries. Includes vaulted, cathedral, beamed, dome, tray, coffered, shed, groin vault, and more. Stunning photos.
You just might be surprised at how many different types of ceilings you have to choose from.
Below we set out 4 ceiling design options. Keep in mind, for each type, there are many variations so the resulting number of ceiling designs is really infinite.
Table of Contents
1. Vaulted Ceilings
Vaulted ceilings are any elevated ceiling. It’s an umbrella term for elevated ceilings – cathedral and shed ceilings fall into this category. That said, flat, tall ceilings aren’t typically referenced as vaulted, but can be.
2. Cathedral Ceilings
Cathedral ceilings are symmetrical design. Each side is similar length and meets in the center creating an apex. It’s a classic look and typically looks fabulous. The downside is it prevents having a second floor… but many homes elevate the living area ceiling like this and restrict the second floor to other areas of the home.
3. Coffered Ceiling
The coffered ceiling is an elegant ceiling option which takes crown molding and a beamed ceiling combo to a new level. It’s a series of beams in a geographical pattern (usually square or rectangle) with crown molding added to create a pleasing-to-the-eye ceiling effect. It adds visual interest and depth to the ceiling.
4. Tray Ceiling
The tray ceiling is aptly named because it looks like the top of a tray. It creates depth; in other words, it makes your ceiling look taller while at the same time framing a room. It’s great for open-concept because it helps create designated spaces within a large open-concept living space. There is a whole range of tray ceiling ideas you can choose from, from designing your own to getting the advice of a professional who will be more than happy to help you. These ceilings can be adorned with a wide variety of colours that can be made decorative or even used in direct lighting to further emphasize their dramatic effect. The photo above illustrates this by using the tray ceiling to demarcate the kitchen, dining, and living room.
