Ooooooh how I love a coffered ceiling!
A coffered ceiling consists of recessed panels in the shape of a square, rectangle or octagon. Or you can think of it as a grid of beams and moulding. I think when asked, many people would envision a dark wood-panelled library; something like this:
Or a lounge for you cigar aficionados…
When decorating a room, it is easy to get caught up in the “fun stuff”…the furniture, accessories, etc. But the architecture of a room can create an environment and a feeling all on its own. It is so common to forget the ceiling all together, especially in new builds with 20 foot high spaces. Put some detail on that ceiling and make it more cozy and intimate!
Installing a coffered ceiling is actually less complicated than one would imagine. There are some great DIY websites detailing their methods as well as made-to-order ceilings!
And don’t think your coffered ceiling must have that dark and smokey feel. You can use this architectural feature with many styles of decor…
New York penthouse…
L.A. dining room…
Beach house living room…
And one alternate ceiling treatment for Sonja that I couldn’t pass up!
Here are some excellent DIY links I found:
- Woodworking Tips from Pop – I mean, come on! The name speaks for itself!
- eHow – tells you “How to build coffered ceilings like a pro”.
OK, now give me your favorite ceiling treatment tips!!
xoxo
Amy
Thanks so much, I love all the varieties that you can go with on a coffered ceiling! Great examples! My living room, we are remodeling, is 44X17ft, which I am breaking up into a central fireplace/seating area, with a family/tv watching area on the right and a music/study on the left. Without creating any walls, I thought the coffered ceiling could help define each area and beef up the lackluster architecture original to the house. I must show you the before and after~they will amaze you. Another ceiling treatment I am doing is a rectangular drop in the ceiling that I am having the painters lacquer so the light from chandelier really shines; the ceiling in the dining, I would like to put on a metallic bronze or silver paint-I am having way too much fun! Thanks for helping me out sweet Amy! I love your creativity here!
That sounds wonderful!!! Please post some before and after shots! I can not WAIT to see!!!
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks, Kel! Call you tomorrow…so excited to hear about Indie Genius!
Thanks for all the great ideas! Love the variety of coffered ceilings that you gave. My living room, which we are remodeling, is 44X17ft, and to break up expanse of space, I thought a coffered ceiling would help define areas. The central area will be a fireplace/conversation area, the tv/family space is on the right, and the music/study area on the left. I agree that ceilings are ALWAYS overlooked, how many white ceilings do you see in other houses; I am guilty in my own till now! The coffered look will also give a huge boost to the otherwise lackluster architecture original to the house. Other ceiling treatments I am doing is a rectangular drop in the kitchen ceiling over the island that will have a lacquer finish to bounce light from the chandelier. The dining, I am putting a bronze or pewter metallic paint on the ceiling. Yes, I am having way too much fun! Thanks for helping me out sweet Amy, your creativity is refreshing!
So true – people forget how ceilings can finish a room. I’d love a house with a tin ceiling. Or one with wide wood planks. So we can dance on it.
Love it! In the end, it’s all about the dancing… You just put a huge smile on my face