 Today’s ceilings have come a long way from the blank, flat surfaces of the past. Innovative products and creative applications are topping rooms off with character and charm.
Gone are the days when ceilings required little thought or planning. There have never been more choices in heights alone. In most new homes, main floor ceilings begin at nine or ten feet and commonly soar as high as 18 to 20 feet. Varying heights are often used to define individual areas in open floor plans.
Today’s ceilings not only come in a wide variety of heights, they come in countless forms as well. Ceilings sloped on one side (called vaulted or angled ceilings) provide height while following an outside roofline. Ever-popular cathedral ceilings (in which both sides slant to a central peak) are found in nearly every type of room, from formal living rooms to master baths. Trayed ceilings (resembling upside down trays) are often used in bedrooms. Bayed breakfast areas may have faceted ceilings (similar to gazebos). Domed ceilings highlight entries, formal dining rooms and breakfast areas. Ceilings with levels resembling stair steps (called boxed, tiered or stepped ceilings)
Both lower ceilings and volume ceilings are enhanced by careful details and decorating. For instance, painting the walls and the ceiling the same color can make a shorter room seem taller. Neutral and light tones will create an impression of light and space. Moderate molding at the edge of the ceiling will draw the eye upward and visually raise a low ceiling. More substantial molding, heavy beams and darker shades bring a feeling of warmth and intimacy to volume ceilings. Tall ceilings can also benefit from borders created with wallpaper or a contrasting paint color (trimmed with molding above and below).
Architectural elements can be used to give a room a certain feel. Wood planks on a cathedral or vaulted ceiling can bring a warm atmosphere to a great room. A spiderbeamed ceiling lends an air of sophistication to a den. In the master suite, rope lighting hidden in a trayed ceiling molding creates a romantic environment. Detailed cornice molding enhances elegance in a formal living room, dining room or master bedroom. Raised panel tiles (with a concealed grid) provide interesting texture in a kitchen or lower level.
A little imagination can go a long way to dressing a ceiling in style. A striking mural or lovely stencil design offers the perfect accent to a dome. Rimming ceiling tiers with vivid wallpaper borders magnifies their impact. Tented fabric provides a rich, custom look. Upholstery cording may be used to surround the ceiling, in the place of wood trim. Shapes formed with molding applied to the ceiling surface can be painted in different shades, or wallpapered. A child’s room’s ceiling might be covered with glittery stars or fluffy, white clouds formed by mixing white paint and
taping compound.
New products are making it easier to bring the allure of the past to contemporary ceilings. Heavy, embossed wall coverings (known as anaglyptics) mimic tin ceiling squares or other printing techniques. Once applied and dried thoroughly, they can be painted with faux finishing techniques. Another source for nostalgic ceilings is Armstrong who makes tiles that look like old tin ceilings. Armstrong even supplies painting instructions to produce an aged copper look. Urethane medallions that look like heavy cast plaster models are an inexpensive way to accent a hanging chandelier...or they may be used collectively in a row in a long narrow room or hallway.
Clearly, our fifth walls are no longer fifth wheels. Ceilings are receiving the attention they deserve as our homes’ largest surfaces, after walls and floors. Color and texture are replacing drab and dreary. Homeowners, designers and builders are recognizing a well-appointed ceiling helps provide the foundation for a room’s character and are finding more and more ways to crown special rooms with grace and style.
Source: Herhome.com | 
