Trim Ideas for a Tray Ceiling
Tray ceilings are an elegant architectural touch that lends interest to a part of the room most people take for granted. A recessed tray ceiling, the most common form, features a square or rectangular center section of the ceiling that's recessed. The effect is like a large tray. Less common are inverted tray ceilings, in which this center section is lower than the outer edges. Tray ceilings can make a small room look larger or more open. The trim on a tray ceiling is designed to draw attention to this architectural ceiling.
Paint
Different colors of paint on different parts of the ceiling can emphasize the various levels of the tray ceiling. Painting a darker color of paint on the center section with a lighter color or white on the sides will make the ceiling look deeper. You can paint a tray ceiling to match trim elsewhere in the room, or use a deep accent color that's repeated in draperies, pillows or other accessories.
Murals
A mural on the ceiling takes the idea of emphasizing the ceiling with paint one step further. Ceiling murals typically depict sky, space or angels--anything you'd expect to find overhead. One simple approach is to paint the center section of the tray ceiling light blue to resemble the sky, with fluffy clouds. The effect will be of a room open to the heavens.
Molding
Crown molding serves as a frame for the center section of the tray ceiling and emphasizes the difference between the various levels of the ceiling. Use molding on the interior of the tray or where the outer edge of the ceiling meet the walls, or both. Paint the molding in a contrasting color to make it stand out more.
Lighting
Rope lighting along the edges of a tray ceiling's interior recess will create a soft glow that draws the eye upward toward the ceiling. Such lighting is particularly effective with a ceiling mural to light the picture for evening viewing. Lighting along the edge of a tray ceiling can also create a romantic atmosphere for a bedroom.
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