Coffered Ceiling Finishing Ideas

Typically found in upper-end homes and estates, coffered ceilings are among the most elegant of ceiling designs. Made from wood and wooden moldings or embossed metal squares, coffered ceilings are designed by installing one or more beams perpendicular to one or more other beams, creating a simple grid of boxes. The coffer is the recessed panel between the grids. There are several ways you can finish your coffered ceiling to lend a classic touch to any room in your home.

Decorative Molding

Good choices of wood to use for your coffered ceiling are poplar, oak, maple and cherry. Wood moldings or grids can be painted or stained. Elaborate architectural moldings look best when they contrast with the ceiling and wall color. For maximum contrast, paint the ceiling moldings a light color that matches the trim work in the room, and paint the walls and ceiling panels, or coffers, a darker color. Another option would be to paint the ceiling moldings and trim a darker color than the walls and ceiling panels. This will also create contrast and draw attention to your coffered ceiling.

If natural wood is not in your budget, consider fiberboard or plywood for your ceiling moldings. These faux wood beams can be stained or painted and will reduce the cost of your project while still adding elegance to your ceiling design.

Coffer Finishes

To decorate the coffer, or ceiling panel between the moldings, you can use anything from paint to metal to fabric to wallpaper. Use tin tiles with custom designs to reflect light, or use fabric for a soft effect that will provide sound reduction. Paint is a budget-friendly option, while wood panels would be at the higher end of the price spectrum. There are many types of wallpaper that can also complement your ceiling design including wallpaper with mural-type scenes, metallic finishes, fabric-like textures and embossed designs.

Decorative Tin

Decorative embossed tin ceilings are a simpler version of coffered ceilings that have been around since the late 1800s. Tin ceilings are embellished with textures and designs and are commonly mounted in single sheets of metal. Though they lack the characteristic wooden beams of traditional coffered ceilings, they provide classic detailing and are a great choice for kitchens and dining rooms in Victorians and other older style homes.

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