Suspended ceiling systems have been part of commercial building specifications for decades. The ceiling system provides easy access to ductwork and electrical wiring, making repairs and adjustments quick to resolve. Homeowners have discovered the versatility of suspended ceilings, and manufacturers offer a broad selection of ceiling styles to meet residential demand. Installation is a simple process: A ceiling grid is attached to the ceiling and the ceiling tiles you have chosen are placed into the grid.
Coffers
Suspended ceilings designed in a coffered style provide a cost-savings for homeowners who cannot afford the expense of a traditional coffered ceiling. Coffered ceilings are typically offered in a square grid pattern and a variety of finishes, including wood and standard black or white. Rectangular coffered tiles may require a custom order and an increase in overall cost.
Some manufacturers provide an alternative referred to as a grid cover that snaps onto a standard exterior ceiling grid. Although the grid cover does not offer the same width in molding as regular coffered ceiling tile, it does provide the feel of a coffered ceiling at a low cost. Grid covers or trim can be specified in a selection of finishes, including wood and black and white PVC.
Metal
Metal styled suspended ceilings mimic the pressed-tin ceiling patterns found in homes and commercial buildings dated from the turn of the 20th century. This style is reproduced in brass, copper, chrome and painted finishes. Patterns vary and may include a selection of medallion, floral, trefoil and various border styles. The metal tiles are 2 feet square and drop easily into a suspended ceiling grid. Finishes will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Wood
Wood veneer suspended ceiling styles add warmth to a family or living room. Wood ceiling panels come in a variety of wood veneer types, including walnut, maple and light and dark cherry. Edge details on wood ceiling panels can be specified as a reveal or as a linear detail. A reveal creates a stair-step effect. Acoustical materials can be added to the backside of the wood panels to manage noise and ambiance. Wood veneer panels are sized as both squares and rectangles. Typical sizes include 2-by-4 feet and 2-by-2 feet.
Vinyl
The wide variety of choices for a basic 2-foot-square vinyl ceiling tile are numerous. Patterns are pressed directly into the vinyl, bringing texture and shape to the ceiling grid. This type of suspended tile allows the ceiling to be used as a statement about the home or the interior design of a room. It's easy to duplicate the look of mid-century, Victorian or Asian designs using a vinyl suspended ceiling style. Patterns include borders, grids and medallions that can be selected as an accent among plain ceiling tiles or used to fill a ceiling system. Panels come in 2-foot squares or 2-by-4-foot panels.
Custom
Custom suspended ceiling styles fulfill a variety of creative needs providing curved, waved, domed and floated ceilings. Although designed for commercial spaces such as restaurants and retail, custom shapes also work well in homes with wide open great rooms or entertainment areas with high ceilings of 15 feet or more. Custom panels are designed to suspend from the ceiling using anchor hangers attached to the back of the preshaped panel or clips that clamp directly onto a previously hung ceiling system.
Tags: ceiling grid, ceiling styles, ceiling system, coffered ceiling, suspended ceiling, , ceiling panels
