Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Vaulted Ceiling Decorating Ideas

Chandeliers accentuate this dramatic, vaulted ceiling


If you are fortunate enough to have a vaulted ceiling in your home, you probably appreciate that added height and light that it provides for the room as well as its aesthetic value. Think of your vaulted ceiling as a blank canvas and learn decorate it to accentuate this dramatic feature.


Paint and Finishes








It may be tempting to leave your vaulted ceiling white and your walls neutral, but consider a bolder color choice to emphasize the room's geometry. Paint the walls and sloped ceiling the same color, or opt for contrast. Pale colors work best on ceiling surfaces since they reflect the most light. However, you aren't limited to solid colors. Consider applying faux painting techniques to emulate the look of wood or stone or get creative and paint a mural design on your vaulted ceiling. Other options include wallpaper, which can be applied to sloped ceilings just as it can be applied to walls. Avoid large patterns and opt for something more concise that adds just a hint of texture.


Light Fixtures


Natural light enhances your vaulted ceiling, which in turn reflects the light around the room. Install skylights within your ceiling to admit the most natural light or opt for sheer curtains on your windows to keep the room looking light and ethereal.


At night, emphasize your ceiling using specialty light fixtures. Suspend a chandelier from the highest point of your ceiling. It will appear as an art piece within the space. A more subtle option is to hang wall sconces. Look for the type that emits light above and below to wash the surface of both the wall and the ceiling. For a more modern look, consider installing recessed can lights with adjustable heads or track lighting. Aim the track heads at the different sloped surfaces that comprise your vaulted ceiling.


Architectural Enhancements


While paint and lighting goes a long way when decorating your vaulted ceiling, architectural features such as wood paneling, beams and decorative trim and molding are sure to impress. Think of Renaissance ceilings with their intricate woodwork and gold leaf finishes. For a more minimal effect, install a few faux wood beams to further define the sloped ceiling planes.


Furniture and Height


When decorating a room with a vaulted ceiling, consider the scale of the room. Avoid buying too-small furniture and instead opt for items that add height. Options include tall bookshelves, large paintings, floor lamps and high potted plants. The goal is to draw the eye upward towards the focal point of the room, which is the vaulted ceiling. Another trick to keep the focus on the ceiling is to move your sofa and chairs away from the walls and create a seating area towards the center of the room. Tie the conversation area together with a large rug.

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