Architecture
Know Your Houzz: What Ceilings Are in Your Home?
Get to know the many ceiling types that may be used in your home and others' with this comprehensive guide
The ceiling is a finished surface on the underside of a roof or floor, and is not typically considered a structural element of a house or building. Conventional ceilings are generally not the first thing you see when you walk into a room, but a variety of shapes, forms, and materials can position ceilings as interesting architectural and decorative elements. Here’s a glossary of the many ceiling types that can be seen in traditional and contemporary houses today.
Coffered ceiling
A coffered ceiling has recessed panels, usually square or rectangular in shape, defined by a grid-like framework. The Greeks and Romans designed buildings with coffered ceilings, and they are used in today’s homes to add a classical and sophisticated touch.
A coffered ceiling has recessed panels, usually square or rectangular in shape, defined by a grid-like framework. The Greeks and Romans designed buildings with coffered ceilings, and they are used in today’s homes to add a classical and sophisticated touch.
Cathedral or raked ceiling
A cathedral or raked ceiling has two sloped sides that meet at an apex to from an inverted V. The pitch of the ceiling mimics the pitch of the roof and may be steep, like the house to the left, or shallow, like the above.
The name ‘cathedral ceiling’ is derived from, you guessed it, cathedrals in which a peaked roof enhanced light and airiness within the building and evoked a feeling of being closer to God.
Browse a gallery of cathedral ceilings
A cathedral or raked ceiling has two sloped sides that meet at an apex to from an inverted V. The pitch of the ceiling mimics the pitch of the roof and may be steep, like the house to the left, or shallow, like the above.
The name ‘cathedral ceiling’ is derived from, you guessed it, cathedrals in which a peaked roof enhanced light and airiness within the building and evoked a feeling of being closer to God.
Browse a gallery of cathedral ceilings
Vaulted ceiling
A vault ceiling is similar to a cathedral ceiling in that it has two sloped planes, however, they do not necessarily follow the pitch of the roof. They are constructed within the structure of the house with the support of trusses.
A vault ceiling is similar to a cathedral ceiling in that it has two sloped planes, however, they do not necessarily follow the pitch of the roof. They are constructed within the structure of the house with the support of trusses.
Barrel vault ceiling
A barrel vault is the simplest and most traditional form of a vault and resembles a barrel or tunnel cut lengthwise in half. The result is a semi-circular arch that provides a soft curve over a room, enhancing the sense of spaciousness without the loftiness of high ceilings.
Vaulted ceilings: are they right for your home?
A barrel vault is the simplest and most traditional form of a vault and resembles a barrel or tunnel cut lengthwise in half. The result is a semi-circular arch that provides a soft curve over a room, enhancing the sense of spaciousness without the loftiness of high ceilings.
Vaulted ceilings: are they right for your home?
Exposed beam ceiling
Usually the beams that make up the support system of a house are concealed behind the ceiling surface, but in this case they are left uncovered (left) or painted (above), adding a rustic or traditional touch depending on the material or colour.
Usually the beams that make up the support system of a house are concealed behind the ceiling surface, but in this case they are left uncovered (left) or painted (above), adding a rustic or traditional touch depending on the material or colour.
Bulkhead
A bulkhead is a lower portion of the ceiling. It is usually found in the kitchen and is used to hide wiring, pipes and/or other utility elements of a home.
A bulkhead is a lower portion of the ceiling. It is usually found in the kitchen and is used to hide wiring, pipes and/or other utility elements of a home.
VJ (vertical joint) timber-lined ceiling
VJ, or vertical joint, timber is wooden boards that fit together to produce a continuous cladding system. They may be bevel-edged or tongue-and-groove and the effect creates a natural and relaxed look.
VJ, or vertical joint, timber is wooden boards that fit together to produce a continuous cladding system. They may be bevel-edged or tongue-and-groove and the effect creates a natural and relaxed look.
Retractable ceiling
A retractable ceiling, in this case a glass skylight, rolls open either manually or with the press of a button to create a small or large opening. This improves ventilation within a house and creates a connection with the outdoors.
A retractable ceiling, in this case a glass skylight, rolls open either manually or with the press of a button to create a small or large opening. This improves ventilation within a house and creates a connection with the outdoors.
Sculpted ceiling
Sculpted ceilings run the gamut between conventional and unconventional, and structural and non-structural. Sculpted ceilings have unique shapes that can be designed to bring light and ventilation from multiple directions, or to increase the height of low ceilings.
Sculpted ceilings run the gamut between conventional and unconventional, and structural and non-structural. Sculpted ceilings have unique shapes that can be designed to bring light and ventilation from multiple directions, or to increase the height of low ceilings.
Pressed-tin ceiling
Pressed tin has historic character and decorative value and can be applied to ceilings (and in this case, bulkheads) for a traditional or modern look that is subtly detailed.
Ceilings that make you look up
Pressed tin has historic character and decorative value and can be applied to ceilings (and in this case, bulkheads) for a traditional or modern look that is subtly detailed.
Ceilings that make you look up
Timber slatted ceiling
A slatted ceiling has a series of generally non-structural rectangular elements that run across the ceiling surface. Slats add simple detail and warmth to a ceiling and, depending on the density, can also provide acoustic benefits.
A slatted ceiling has a series of generally non-structural rectangular elements that run across the ceiling surface. Slats add simple detail and warmth to a ceiling and, depending on the density, can also provide acoustic benefits.
Architrave, cornice or crown moulding
The terms architrave, cornice and crown moulding are often used interchangeably to describe the timber trim applied to the seams where the ceiling meets the wall. These range from simple and minimalist to ornate and decorative, and add extra depth and dimension to a room, as well as decorative character.
The terms architrave, cornice and crown moulding are often used interchangeably to describe the timber trim applied to the seams where the ceiling meets the wall. These range from simple and minimalist to ornate and decorative, and add extra depth and dimension to a room, as well as decorative character.
Ceiling rose
A ceiling rose is an ornamental circle of plaster in the centre of a ceiling. They come in a variety of styles and were originally used as decoration, but in late Victorian times were pierced to provide ventilation for interior gaslights. Today, they will most commonly disguise where a pendant light falls from the ceiling.
Your turn
What kind of ceilings does your home have? Upload photos and share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
Browse more ceiling styles
A ceiling rose is an ornamental circle of plaster in the centre of a ceiling. They come in a variety of styles and were originally used as decoration, but in late Victorian times were pierced to provide ventilation for interior gaslights. Today, they will most commonly disguise where a pendant light falls from the ceiling.
Your turn
What kind of ceilings does your home have? Upload photos and share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
Browse more ceiling styles
A conventional ceiling is your standard flat ceiling with no added detail or volumes, except for perhaps light fixtures. For this reason, conventional ceilings are generally the most cost-effective solution for the upper surface of a room.