Ceilings Perth often need to be longer in decorating schemes. However, the vast space above us offers many opportunities for creativity and architectural intrigue.
From vaulted to beamed, barrel to tray, coffered to pebble dash, there is an array of ceiling textures to choose from. Each delivers its unique benefits.
Conventional ceilings are the plain, flat construction typically found in most homes. These ceilings are generally 8 to 9 feet high to accommodate standard construction material sizing, and they’re often painted in a neutral color to create an unbroken surface that serves as a subtle backdrop for wall colors and decor. Conventional ceilings are less expensive than other styles and easy to access for maintenance, so they’re a good choice for areas where practicality is paramount.
To add visual interest to conventional ceilings, homeowners can paint or apply textures. A simple flat finish is ideal for minimalist decor, while an orange peel texture or classic popcorn ceiling offers a more casual look. Decorative crown molding can also add definition and dimension to a room, and the addition of beams can create a rustic, country feel.
For a dramatic, eye-catching design, vaulted ceilings can provide the right amount of drama. They’re typically adorned with real wood beams or with faux wooden planks for an authentic, rustic look. Vaulted ceilings can make a room feel larger, and they’re great for rooms like living or dining spaces.
However, this style can be harder to maintain because it’s more difficult to clean the blades of ceiling fans or change light bulbs. It’s also important to keep in mind that a vaulted ceiling can be more expensive than other types of ceilings, and it may require expert carpentry or installation specialists to install. Because of these factors, vaulted ceilings are usually reserved for formal rooms like living or dining rooms.
Sloped Ceilings
Sloped ceilings are a common feature in alpine homes and are a great way to maximise space and create a more lively living area. Sloped ceilings can be a challenge to measure accurately and there is currently no one industry-wide method for doing so.
If you are designing a sloped ceiling and wish to use RoomSketcher, we recommend setting some of the ceiling heights higher than others (this helps to reduce the number of “false” alarms). It is also important to ensure that you design for sloped ceilings based on NFPA 72 requirements (for fire safety). The NFPA requires that the first row of detectors be within 3 feet of the peak of the highest point of the sloping roof (which may be on either side of the peak).
A sloping ceiling can make a room feel larger because it creates high and low areas in the same room. This can be an advantage for storage as it allows you to place shelving up high without taking up floor space below. However, a sloping ceiling can cause echoes and can be difficult to heat efficiently as hot air rises and cold air sinks. To combat this issue, we suggest hanging curtains, using sound-absorbing materials, and adding lighting with a wide range of heights (such as pendant lights or sconces).
When it comes to installing recessed lighting in a sloped ceiling, the best option is to install a canopy box that sits into the apex. Then you can hang a pendant or chandelier from the hook at the centre of the apex. Another option is to use a technique called ‘hang and drop’. This involves installing the ceiling rose on the slope rising to the apex and then placing a hook closer to the apex, through which the cable or chain of the pendant light can be looped.
Beamed Ceilings
Ceilings have a tendency to get forgotten in the design process, but they can be just as important as any other surface. Known as the fifth wall, ceilings set the tone for your home and can add character and personality to any space. Rather than sticking with a traditional flat ceiling, consider adding beams to your home to create a unique look and feel. Beams can help dress up tall ceilings and add visual interest to a room while also allowing for a variety of lighting options.
One of the most popular styles of beamed ceilings is a coffered ceiling. A coffered ceiling has panels that are recessed into the beams, creating a layered effect that is visually appealing and can add a lot of depth to a room. Coffered ceilings are typically made from wood, although they can be made of a variety of materials. A coffered ceiling is best suited for tall ceilings, such as those that are nine feet or higher, but can be designed to work well with shorter ceilings as well.
A hammer-beam ceiling is another type of beamed ceiling that can add an airy and open feeling to a room. Hammer-beam ceilings are a great choice for rooms with cathedral-style ceilings, and can be painted or stained to suit your home’s style.
If you’re looking for a more modern take on beamed ceilings, try limewash paint. This technique creates a natural, rustic look that can easily be modernized by choosing contemporary paint colors. Also, consider incorporating structural steel beams to your space for a raw, industrial look. Beams can be stained or painted to create your desired style and may be left exposed or covered with drywall.
Exposed Beams
A ceiling with exposed beams brings a rustic, country or cottage feel to a room. The ceiling can be a focal point that makes a strong style statement for the entire space or serve as a backdrop to more elaborate decorative elements below it. Exposed beams are often a feature in older homes, and they can add character to modern, traditional, Scandinavian, boho-chic and industrial interior design styles.
Whether structural or nonstructural, beams can be made to look beautiful by being sanded and stained. Douglas fir is a good choice because it’s strong and holds stains well. You can choose from a range of finishes, from rough hewn to smooth, depending on the style you’re after.
It’s important that the beams are the right size for the space. If they are too large, they detract from the space between floor and ceiling. Conversely, if the beams are too small, they can make the ceiling seem heavy and create a claustrophobic feeling.
Another way to make your ceiling stand out is by painting the beams a color that contrasts with the rest of the room. For example, dark beams can stand out against a light ceiling color, while lighter ones blend in and highlight the lighting fixture.
If you’re interested in exposing your home’s existing beams, consult with a contractor or builder experienced in this type of project. They can tell you if your home has exposed beams, identify any issues that might arise from a structural perspective, such as the need for more insulation, and provide design options. They can also help you choose the best materials and craftsmanship. Home improvement professionals can also hide piping and wiring with paint, using black chalkboard paint to disguise electrical wires or a dark stain to blend newer patched wood with older beam seams.
Tray Ceilings
Often overlooked in the design process, ceilings are the “fifth wall” that can add height and architectural detail to any room. Rather than simply being left plain, however, they can be dressed up with molding and eye-catching lighting fixtures.
One option is a tray ceiling, which is also known as a coffered ceiling. Tray ceilings feature an inset area that is higher than the rest of the ceiling, which can be accentuated by using molding, different paint colors or finishes, and even patterned wallpaper. A tray ceiling can make a small room feel larger and more open or an expansive space seem layered and organized.
While a tray ceiling can be used in any room, it is especially well-suited to master bedrooms. The added height can help a room feel more luxurious and spacious, while the recessed area can highlight a focal point, such as an elegant chandelier.
If you’re building a new home, it’s easy to work a tray ceiling into the design plans. But adding this feature to an existing home can be much more complicated, requiring work on the joists or trusses that could require significant labor and engineering expertise and possibly a permit.
Once installed, tray ceilings can be accentuated with lighting, which can be either dramatic or soft, depending on the effect you’re going for. For example, a darker colored ceiling can make a room appear taller and more expansive, while a brightly painted ceiling will serve as a focal point. In addition, rope lighting—long tubes with little lights inside—can be installed along the outline of a tray ceiling to create an artistic and romantic effect.