Architectural Ceiling Treatments
As homeowners look for more ways to dress up their homes, architectural ceiling treatments are becoming more popular. Many of the treatments seen today are actually modifications of styles created for the great houses of Europe centuries ago. New materials such as faux wood and plaster cost less and weigh less than the original materials and are adaptable for use in today's homes.
Faux Wood Beams
A perennial favorite among homeowners, wood beams were once suited only to rustic constructions such as log cabins and ranch-style homes. They were too heavy and bulky to be used on the drywall ceilings that became standard in home construction after World War II. Beams today are made of molded fire-retardant foam that is lightweight and easy to install. They come prefinished or ready to paint in a variety of styles and finishes to suit every décor from country to contemporary. Virtually indistinguishable from real wood, these beams offer unlimited possibilities for new construction or remodeling projects.
Coffered ceilings have been used by architects for many years to add a touch of elegance and warmth to rooms with very high ceilings. Coffered ceilings are usually composed of squares or rectangles created from deep box beams and moldings. Other designs such as octagons are sometimes used, but the standard grid patterns remain the most popular. Coffered ceilings were originally constructed of wood and were quite heavy; it took a substantial structure to support them. They were also labor intensive because of the amount of mitering necessary for all those corners. The same deep box-like effect is available today using lightweight foam beams or timbers that can be attached to the ceiling with small nails and adhesives. Some beams come preformed with moldings, which greatly reduces the labor. A modified-coffered look can be achieved in a room with low ceilings by using flat boards instead of beams.
Tray Ceilings
Tray ceilings have become very popular for dining rooms and master bedrooms. They add height to rooms with standard ceilings and create architectural interest for little cost. Tray ceilings are constructed of regular drywall. The center portion of the ceiling is raised about 12 inches higher than the border area that meets the walls. The width of this border and the size of the raised or recessed area depend on the size of the room and the personal choice of the builder or homeowner. However, the border is usually about 18 inches wide. Crown molding can be added to the center section to match molding used elsewhere in the room. If the tray ceiling is in a dining room, a faux plaster medallion may be centered in the raised area and a chandelier hung. In bedrooms, cove or indirect lighting is usually installed around the perimeter of the raised portion of the ceiling.
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