Expert Advice on Improving Your Home
Home Ceilings

Ceilings

Your home’s ceilings insulate each room, hold up hardware like ducts and vents, and hide materials like insulation and wiring. Every homeowner spends the majority of their time under their home’s ceilings, but few take the time to consider what goes into their construction and maintenance. 

The Basics of Ceilings

Let’s take a closer look at all the kinds of ceilings found in homes. 

  • Standard ceilings: These are the most commonly built in American households. They’re composed of drywall, flat, and typically positioned 8 to 9 feet off the ground. These ceilings are easy to install and cheap to produce, making them ideal for general construction. 
  • Sloped ceilings: Popular in Midwestern homes and Tudor-style houses, sloped ceilings angle upwards, following the roofline. These high ceilings give rooms a large airy feel, making them appear larger and more spacious. 
  • Vaulted ceilings: These ceilings, like sloped ceilings, angle upwards toward the roof’s peak, but they also come with a system of wooden rafters or scaffolding. These structures add an air of elegance and style to a room. 
  • Tray ceilings: Tray ceilings have large, raised central insets 1 foot higher than the rest of the ceiling. These add a unique style along with the illusion of height. The major benefit of tray ceilings is that they’re one of the least expensive, nonstandard ceilings you can install. 
  • Coffered ceiling: Coffered ceilings are typically found in high-end homes, libraries, Victorian era homes, galleries, and churches. They’re constructed by inserting a series of inverted wooden or fiberboard panels. These ceilings are some of the most expensive you can buy, but they’re undoubtedly beautiful. 

While these are the most common ceilings you can come across, plenty of other options are available. If you’re interested in ceilings, check out some of our articles below.

Metal Stud Ceiling Framing: Pros, Cons, and Other Details

Source: dassmetal.com A ceiling can be a source of aggravation when remodeling or converting an unfinished living area to a living area, or when there is a need...

How Do You Match a Popcorn Ceiling?

Popcorn ceiling texture has been both a blessing and a curse for homeowners. Popcorn ceilings refer to the granulated “popcorn looking” ceiling texture used for decades in both residential and commercial structures....

How To Strap a Ceiling For Drywall

Strapping a ceiling in preparation for drywall is not especially difficult or complicated, but haphazard measuring can result in doing the job twice. Strapping a ceiling is a traditional method of flattening...

How To Frame a Ceiling For Drywall

One of the most common do-it-yourself projects is installing drywall. Home repair enthusiasts enjoy installing and finishing drywall because it is a great place to learn new skills.
Grid ceiling in a stylish living room

How to Install a Custom Grid Ceiling

Running out of places to decorate? Look up — this DIY grid takes your ceiling from drab to fab! Watch our how-to video learn how to make it.
Garage ceiling

Repairing a Falling Garage Ceiling | Ep. 116

What do you do if you walk into your garage, and the ceiling appears to be falling? Listen to the Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!
Closeup of hands installing a motion sensor ceiling light

Is a Motion Sensor Ceiling Light Really Worth It? | Ep. 100

If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the closet, a motion sensor ceiling light might be the solution. But first, here's what you should know.
Mid-century modern light fixture with a ceiling medallion

How to Install a Ceiling Medallion

Ceiling medallions are great for camouflaging drywall flaws around a light fixture. Learn how you can install one yourself.

Corrugated Metal Ceiling: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you’re the type of homeowner who’s into minimalist, industrial-style designs or utilitarian aesthetics, corrugated metal ceilings should be right up your alley. While not typically used for interior design, the corrugated...