Blog 6

 Ceilings

Although Interior Designers don’t deal with roof framing, it is important for them to be aware of it because it shapes the interior space. The roof shape also affects the ceiling, which is part of the designer's job. There is a wide variety of different ceiling styles and materials. Some show the building structure and some enclose it, hiding the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. 

Cathedral/Sloping Ceilings

One type of ceiling style is Cathedral/Sloped ceilings. These became popular in the 1970s and are still used today. They provide a lot of spaciousness in a room and can be used in both residential and commercial design. Some negatives of this type of ceiling are the integration of lighting and issues with heating and cooling. 

Ceiling Materials

Gypsum Board is a common ceiling material that is applied directly to the building structure. It is seen most commonly in residential projects. Plaster is another common material used for ceilings. It is applied in 3 coats over lath. Plaster was most commonly used for walls and ceilings before the invention of wallboard. In historic buildings, plaster was also used for crown molding and ceiling medallions. Many intricate designs were possible using plaster, such as creating coffered ceilings and medallions. 

Suspended Ceilings

Suspended Acoustical Panel Ceilings(SAPC) are one of the most popular suspended ceiling types, especially in commercial design. It has many benefits, such as noise control and providing access for ductwork, electrical wiring, and sprinkler lines. It usually comes in 2’x2’ or 2’x4’ panels. Ceiling panels can be made from different materials, such as wood, but are often made from fiberglass or mineral fiber. For sustainability, it is best to use materials with low VOCs and to recycle the ceiling panels. 

Exposed Structure/Open Plenum Ceilings

For exposed ceilings, you can see either a wood or a metal structure. Often in exposed structure ceilings, everything seen is painted to match the ceiling color. Basic neutral colors such as white and black are usually used for this not to bring attention to it. Round ducts are often used in exposed ceilings, but the designer must coordinate the ductwork and visible systems to work with their design. 

Ceiling Shapes

There are also unique ceiling shapes that can be used depending on the roof structure. A few examples of this are vaulted, barrel vaulted, and dome ceilings. These create a beautiful and unique interior for a space. They are often seen in more historical buildings known for their beautiful architecture.

Ceilings I Enjoy

I really like vaulted ceilings. I think they make a space feel more open and inviting. I also think they feel brighter, especially when there’s a lot of natural light added. I think vaulted ceilings also allow room for a lot of very unique and pretty lighting fixtures. 

I also really like suspended ceilings. I think they allow a lot of freedom for design. I really like it when different-shaped and colored panels are used to create beautiful designs. They also allow for really cool lighting fixtures to be added. 

Before learning more about Gyp Board ceilings, I never realized the amazing designs that can be created with them. I really like the freedom for design that this ceiling system offers. I love how you can create any shape and add lighting to emphasize the design. I think it is a great way to add visual interest to a space.