Ceilings are often an afterthought when it comes to renovating or decorating a home, but they can be a key part of the overall design. In this blog, we’ll compare two types of ceilings: coffered vs. tray. We’ll look at the benefits of both and help you decide which is right for your home. So, let’s get started!
What are Coffered Ceilings?
Coffered ceilings are made up of a series of intersecting beams (called coffers) that create a grid-like pattern. This type of ceiling was popular in the Victorian era and is making a comeback in contemporary homes.
What makes coffered ceilings unique is that they can be customized to fit the specific dimensions of your room. This means that you can create a variety of different looks by changing the size, shape, and spacing of the coffers.
Advantages of Coffered Ceilings
One of the biggest advantages of coffered ceilings is that they can add architectural interest to a room. This is especially true if you have a high ceiling and want to break up the space. Coffered ceilings can also make a room feel more cozy and intimate.
Coffered ceilings are also relatively easy to install. This is because the beams are installed one at a time and then connected. This makes them a great option for DIYers or anyone working with a limited budget.
Coffered Ceiling Height
The height of your coffered ceiling will depend on the size of the room and the look you’re going for. In general, taller ceilings will require taller beams and vice versa.
You should also keep in mind that coffered ceilings can make a room feel smaller so if you’re working with a small space, you might want to opt for a different type of ceiling.
Faux or Functional Beams
You have the option of using either faux or functional beams if you are working with coffered ceilings. Faux beams are made from lightweight materials like plaster or styrofoam and can be painted or stained to match your existing décor. Functional beams are made from real wood and add support to the ceiling.
Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages so it’s important to weigh your options before making a decision.
What are Tray Ceilings?
Tray ceilings are similar to coffered ceilings in that they’re made up of a series of beams, but they have a more rounded shape. This type of ceiling is often used in formal dining rooms or living rooms.
Tray ceilings can be installed with the ceiling or they can be recessed to create a drop-down effect. This is a great way to add visual interest to a room and make it feel more spacious.
Advantages of Tray Ceilings
One of the main advantages of tray ceilings is that they can make a small room feel larger. This is because the recessed area creates the illusion of more space.
Another benefit of tray ceilings is that they offer more design options than coffered ceilings.
For example, you can add lighting to a tray ceiling to create a warm and inviting ambiance. You can also paint or stain the beams to match your existing décor.
Tray Ceiling Design
Tray ceiling designs are a great way to add architectural interest to a room. But, before you install one, there are a few things you need to consider.
The first thing you need to do is decide on the shape of your tray ceiling. The most common shapes are square, rectangular, and oval. However, you can also find tray ceiling designs in a variety of other shapes, like octagonal or hexagonal.
Once you’ve decided on the shape of your tray ceiling, you need to decide on the height. The height of your tray ceiling framing will depend on the size of the room and the look you’re going for. In general, taller ceilings will require taller beams and vice versa.
You also need to decide on the material and finish you’d like to use for your tray ceiling, as a wide variety of alternatives are available.
Tray Ceiling Functionality
Tray ceilings are a great way to add architectural interest to a room, but they’re also functional. Tray ceilings can be used to create a warm and inviting ambiance or they can be used to create the illusion of more space.
Differences Between Coffered and Tray Ceilings
There are a few key differences to note between coffered and tray ceilings, including:
- Coffered ceilings are made up of a series of beams that are installed one at a time and then connected. Tray ceilings are made up of a series of beams that have a more rounded shape.
- Coffered ceilings can make a room feel more cozy and intimate, while tray ceilings can make a small room feel larger.
- Coffered ceilings offer more design options than tray ceilings. For example, you can add lighting to a coffered ceiling framing to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
- Tray ceilings are more common in formal dining rooms or living rooms, while coffered ceilings can be used in any room.
- Both coffered and tray ceilings can be installed flush with the ceiling or recessed to create a drop-down effect.
Contact Us
VIP Custom Moulding is a company specializing in coffered ceilings and tray ceiling installation. These types of ceilings are made up of a series of beams that are installed one at a time and then connected – coffered ceilings make a room feel more cozy and intimate, and tray ceilings can make a small room feel larger. Both coffered and tray ceilings can be installed flush with the ceiling or recessed to create a drop-down effect.
VIP Custom Moulding offers a wide variety of design options for both coffered and tray ceilings, so you can find the perfect look for your home. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
