Ceilings Perth is often overlooked when it comes to design, but that’s changing. From beamed to coffered and cathedral ceilings, these styles will add visual interest that’s sure to impress.
Decorative ceilings primarily serve an aesthetic purpose by introducing materiality, shape and texture. Constructive ceilings, on the other hand, fulfil functions ranging from acoustic conditioning and thermal insulation to reducing the scale of rooms or concealing installations.
Whether they’re real or faux, exposed beams make a dramatic statement in any room. They’re popular in rustic country homes, but you can also use them to create a modern or coastal design style. If you’re planning to add them to your home, you’ll need to consider the maintenance and care requirements, including regular dusting and cleaning. Beams also need to be regularly inspected for damage, which is usually the result of moisture from a leaky roof or other issues with the structure.
Some homeowners prefer to use fake wooden ceiling beams rather than rework the existing timber, which is a great option if you want to save money or don’t have the skills to undertake major structural work. You can find fake exposed wood beams that look incredibly realistic and can be purchased online or at many large stores. However, they aren’t as strong as real wood and won’t support the same amount of weight. If you choose to use them in your house, it’s important to consult with an engineer first and follow building codes.
Exposed wooden ceiling beams are a beautiful and dramatic feature in any room. You can celebrate their history by keeping them in place and incorporating them into a traditional or rustic interior design, or you can add more character and texture to your space by painting the beams a different color. A light finish like limewash can be a perfect choice for blending the old and the new, creating a more contemporary design without completely removing the character and charm of the beams.
Historically, beams were left uncovered to provide the structural support for floorboards and ceilings. In today’s modern designs, a bare ceiling makes the room feel open and airy. It also offers the opportunity to showcase a gorgeous ceiling and bring your personal flair to a room.
When choosing a color to paint your ceiling beams, keep in mind the scale of the design. You don’t want the ceiling to overpower the room, and you’ll also need to consider how well the light in your space works with the color of your beams.
Vault Ceilings
Vaulted ceilings are a great way to add height and openness to any room, and they’re becoming increasingly popular in homes. In addition to enhancing the visual appeal of a space, vaulted ceilings can add value to your home and make it more appealing to prospective buyers.
However, there are some things you should consider before deciding to vault your home’s ceiling. Vaulted ceilings are not a DIY project, and they require adherence to strict engineering specs and building codes. For this reason, it’s important to consult with a professional builder and contractor before you start work.
There are several different types of vaulted ceilings, and each type has its own unique features and benefits. One popular type of vaulted ceiling is the groin vault, which is formed by intersecting the right angles of two barrel vaults. This design is more cost-effective than other types of vaulted ceilings and offers a distinctive appearance.
Another type of vaulted ceiling is the cove vault, which has a soft curve that adds elegance and charm to any room. It’s also easier to install than a truss-and-batten ceiling, making it an ideal option for homeowners who want to save time and money on their project.
A cove vault may also feature a coffered or a popcorn ceiling. To create a coffered vault, builders insert slender beams around the room’s perimeter and then cover them with drywall. This style of ceiling can be more expensive than a standard flat ceiling, but it’s worth the extra investment for homeowners who want to add a touch of elegance to their home.
Lighting and acoustics are also important factors to consider when considering a vaulted ceiling. The added height of a vaulted ceiling can cause light to cast shadows throughout the room, so it’s essential that you plan your lighting accordingly. Additionally, vaulted ceilings can significantly amplify sound, so it’s important to consult with a specialist in acoustics before starting your project.
Vaulted ceilings are best incorporated during new construction, but they can be retrofitted into an existing home. This is a more difficult process, however, and requires extensive structural engineering to modify existing ceiling joists and roof trusses to support the additional weight of a vaulted ceiling.
Coffered Ceilings
Coffered ceilings are a design feature that offers a distinctive architectural flair, and they can be customized to complement any style of home. The recessed panels of these stunning ceilings create a geometric pattern that draws the eye upward. They can be crafted from traditional wood, plaster or modern synthetic materials, and they can match the room’s color palette or stand out as a striking design element.
The architectural allure of a coffered ceiling is unmatched, extending across millennia to grace the grand halls of ancient palaces and other historic buildings. However, they’re also popular in many contemporary homes and commercial spaces. Coffered ceilings add visual depth, but they also serve a practical purpose by dispersing sound waves and reducing echo in rooms with high ceilings.
Traditionally, coffered ceilings were made from stone or heavy plaster, but as building techniques have evolved, lighter materials like wood and modern synthetics have been used to make these beautiful ceilings more affordable and adaptable. Their versatility is a testament to their timeless appeal and their ability to transcend trends.
For example, the simplest way to achieve a coffered look is with a simple waffle pattern consisting of regular squares or rectangles. This ceiling design can be customized in terms of depth, width and even the inclusion of decorative motifs. Other design options include elaborate wooden beams that offer a rustic or farmhouse feel, or intricate plasterwork that evokes the Baroque aesthetic.
When it comes to creating a more decorative and ornate coffered ceiling, the number of indentations (or “boxes”) and the amount of detail will determine the overall effect. For example, the more pronounced the indentations, the more formal or ornate the ceiling will appear. In addition, a homeowner can choose to use a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as different decorative details such as moldings, carved patterns, or even tin ceiling panels.
In addition to the beauty they bring to a space, coffered ceilings are incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance. Unlike actual beams, these ceilings don’t perform any load-bearing work, so they’re easy to access for routine repairs and utility installations. In fact, a coffered ceiling can actually enhance the longevity of your drywall and ceiling materials. This type of ceiling can even protect your drywall from moisture and mildew, so it’s an excellent choice for bathrooms or any area that might see a lot of water.
Cathedral Ceilings
While they’re often associated with religious architecture, cathedral ceilings can be used in any room of the house to add drama. These soaring ceilings can also create a sense of openness and light, especially when designed to showcase the beauty of wood. Here, we’ve gathered some of our favorite jaw-dropping cathedral ceilings that are sure to make an impact on your home.
This cathedral ceiling is decorated with a variety of ornaments, including crockets and finials. Crockets resemble leaves on a stem, and are carved into the sloping ridges of the pinnacles. Finials adorn the top of the pinnacles, completing the decorative design. These sculptural features help guide rainwater down, keeping it away from the walls and roof.
Another way to bring your cathedral ceiling to life is to tie it into your interior design. When the angled ceiling is painted the same color as an accent wall, it makes the two surfaces seem connected and cohesive. This approach works particularly well in bathrooms, as it can create a visually satisfying ombre effect. Designer Desiree Burns used a warm taupe hue for this ceiling, which helps create an airy and serene bathroom.
For a more minimal take on cathedral ceilings, consider removing all the trim and adornments and painting them a soft gray or beige. This approach is especially effective in master suites, where a cathedral ceiling can give the space a luxurious feel that’s perfect for a five-star retreat. Neutral hues also look good in bedrooms, as they can create a soothing atmosphere that’s easy on the eyes.
Vaulted and cathedral ceilings can increase the overall value of your home, and they’re a great option for homeowners who want to maximize natural light. When properly insulated, these ceilings can be an energy-efficient feature as well, since hot air tends to rise and disperse throughout the house. When incorporating a vaulted or cathedral ceiling into your home, be sure to use proper insulation and ventilation, and to leave a 1/4-inch gap around all framing elements that penetrate the insulated ceiling to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.