Special Ceilings

I prefer to incorporate ceiling decoration in rooms where the furnishings -- no matter their pedigree -- are the usual expected pieces. For instance, utilitarian rooms such as dining rooms and bedrooms are perfect candidates for ceiling embellishment. Most of our dining rooms hold a table and chairs for dining and a cabinet, hutch and/or server. Most of our bedrooms have a bed for slumber along with an assortment of utilitarian pieces revolving around it.

Should every dining and bedroom ceiling be decorated? I think you must consider certain attributes of the room to determine whether or not you would be better off leaving your ceiling unembellished flat paint. It is very difficult to successfully decorate low ceilings. I recommend that embellishment be kept very simple for ceilings that are 8 feet high or less. A simple sky with a few clouds,or perhaps a large scale geometric pattern will help "stretch" the ceiling's visual depth. But in rooms with ceilings that are 9 feet high or more -- particularly those with architectural extras such as a tray or a cove -- the sky's the limit!

Cove ceilings are rounded and concave where the ceiling and wall meet.  This effect may be incorporated into arched doorways, hallways, or other areas for an overall continuous flowing effect throughout a home.

This barrel vault shown here in centuries-old St. Nectan's Church in Devon, England                      This stunning architectural feature not commonly seen in today's residential settings.  The wood embellishment of the barrel ceiling may be ancient, but it is still a relevant decorative option for any vaulted ceiling. 

A coffered ceiling provides the latest approach to a beamed ceiling.  This version is currently more popular than the rustic beams commonly seen in homes in years past.

Tray ceilings are extremely popular in middle to high end new construction master bedrooms and dining rooms. 

They start horizontally at the wall intersection and then are built upwards in a cut out resembling a tray.  The cut can be vertical or angles, and the tray itself can be virtually any depth.  Sometimes a series of steps is added and/or crown moulding for an even more dramatic effect.
  

Tips for your tray ceilings:

1. Be daring and paint the vertical and horizontal portion of the tray ceiling a unique color that is complimentary but different from the color of your walls and ceiling.
2. Try painting the ceiling and vertical potion of the tray one color, and painting the wall and horizontal feature another color.  I prefer to use this treatment without crown moulding.
3. If for some reason, you prefer to minimize the impact of your tray ceiling, try painting it the same color as your wall to encourage it to "disappear".