WILL A COFFERED CEILING TAKE YOUR DESIGN SCHEME TO NEW HEIGHTS?

From recessed lighting to statement chandeliers, a pop of color or a wallpaper sheathing, ceilings are having a moment right now. Dubbed “the fifth wall” (for good reason), the ceiling holds a great amount of power, with the potential to breathe new life into your home. Among the many ceiling styles, from vaulted to silver leafed, wallpapered and mural-covered, there is the classically elegant, all-mighty coffered ceiling. “A coffered detail is a series of recessed panels, usually in a rectangular or square grid, that is added to a flat or vaulted ceiling,” says Steve Kadlec of Kadlec Architecture + Design. “They’re used to create depth and decorative detail.” The word “coffer” translates to “Indentation,” a defining characteristic of the style. While coffered ceilings originated in early Renaissance and Baroque architecture, modern innovations make it simple to introduce the look—a fun dose of luxury—into most homes regardless of style. “Subtle articulations in a ceiling, a coffer as an example, can add a historic reference to a more contemporary home without it feeling like a traditional style or heavy detail,” Kadlec adds. “It can help organized recessed and decorative lighting and even help subdivide the experience of a larger space.”

Considering a coffered ceiling in your own abode? Read on for all that you need to know before taking your design scheme to new heights.

PROS

·      Height: Because of the indentations, a coffered ceiling can create the illusion of a higher ceiling.

·      Sound: Unlike other architecturally-strong ceiling styles, a coffered ceiling absorbs sound, eliminating echoes while keeping noise from being heard in other rooms.

·      Value: According to reports, a coffered ceiling can increase your home's resale value by a significant amount.

CONS

·      Price: Because coffered ceilings require professional installation and advanced carpentry skills, expect to spend at least $25-30 per square foot.

·      Function: In present day use, coffered ceilings are almost always decorative. If you're looking to incorporate real beams (vs. hollow, faux beams), it may require extra support to prevent the ceiling from collapsing.

·      Form: While coffered ceilings do have the ability to create the illusion of a larger space, they also run the risk of making a low ceiling look lower.

COFFERED CEILING VS. TRAY CEILING

According to Steve Kadlec, “A coffered ceiling will have a patterned associated with the overall ceiling where a tray ceiling is typically just a raised portion of a flat ceiling.” While the two often get lumped together, there are several differences worth noting. While a coffered ceiling has many recessed areas (usually in the shape of a grid), a tray ceiling features a single raised area that mimics the shape of the room. While coffered ceilings can be made with a variety of materials, including different types of wood, tray ceilings are usually made with plaster and drywall.

CONSIDERATIONS

“Use a coffered detail with restraint and don’t overuse,” Kadlec says. “Adding a coffer to a ceiling can add detail and drama to a room but can also make a ceiling look heavy and low.” While a coffered ceiling may appear to be a failsafe way to add character to your home, you must consider the following factors:

 

·      How high are my ceilings?

·      What is my budget?

·      What aesthetic effect do I want these ceilings to have?

·      What materials do I want to use?

COFFERED CEILING STYLE INSPIRATION

“Similar to a vaulted ceiling, a coffered ceiling effect can highlight a primary room in the house and additional detail which can be in a formal (more traditional articulation) or informal (less articulation) style,” Kadlec says. See below for some of our favorite coffered ceilings.

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