COFFERED | WAFFLE | BEAMED CEILING DESIGN IDEAS

Nothing adds more texture and architectural interest to a room like coffered ceilings. The cross-beamed effect that creates the waffle pattern is the traditional way of making homes modern and inviting. Since waffle ceiling designs, styles, shapes, and materials are as different as any ceiling in every room, this guide will help you broaden your knowledge, gather the information you need, and decide on which coffer pattern will look best to your space. So take a look, get inspired, and always remember that we are full of ideas and ready to help.

CLASSIC TRADITIONAL WAFFLE CEILINGS

In architecture, coffers are sunken panels in a repetitive motif that form a pattern of a waffle. The history of coffered ceilings dates back to the ancient Greek and Roman architecture when they were common in large and public buildings, where the need to create indentations to distribute structural weight, lighten the load of cathedral ceilings, and bring symmetry to the space was high.

To this day, traditional waffle ceilings are distinctive for their boxed panels created either structurally or by adding beams to the existing flat ceiling. The beams are usually made of wood, MDF, or plaster and can be painted, stained, or finished to the preference of the customer.

The pattern of classic traditional waffle ceilings is not always the same. As the beams cross each other, they form a square, rectangular, or octagon coffered ceiling. There are all sorts of styles, forms, and designs to choose from and so the beams will be connected in all sorts of ways and will naturally create the indentations, also known as lacunar, caissons, or coffers.

What makes a waffle ceiling traditional and more interesting is the addition of crown molding. Whether or not the beams are arched, mouldings act as transitional architectural elements, which set the rhythm with their repeated pattern. The crown outlines the edges of the beams while the sunken panels add texture. Now, the depth of the recessed panels varies. With coffered cathedral or vaulted ceiling designs, the depth of the coffer will be greater. When the ceiling is low, flat tiles are installed to create the ‘coffered’ feeling without bringing the ceiling further down.

There are excellent coffered ceiling designs for the kitchen, dining room, living room, and all room heights. Whether you like the idea of having a wood cross-beamed ceiling or incorporate a traditional style with the use of drywall, you need an expert team to design, layout, and install a waffle ceiling that will create the dramatic impact only classic styles can make without compromising quality. We will love to hear from you to discuss the best coffered ceiling options tailored to your space.

WAFFLE CEILINGS SHAPES AND STYLES

Irrespective of the way beams are arranged, they create the coffered ceiling effect. But the waffle pattern is subject to the way beams crisscross. Whether narrow or wide, the beams create square, octagon, rectangular or diamond intersections and hence affect the design of the waffle ceiling. Naturally, the shape of the grid impacts style.

The variety of faux, real wood, and angled beams makes it possible to have oval, rectangular, or diamond coffered ceiling shapes. Although the end product always resembles a three-dimensional checkerboard, the waffle ceiling style depends on the beam grid shape. The beams can run across the ceiling creating big rectangular sunken panels, which will elongate the room. The beams can also form lines, curves, flowers, and oval indentations which will shape the style of the room.

The waffle styles are defined as traditional, rustic, and contemporary. It all depends on the arrangement of the grid system. The simplest form would be a square grid pattern with a slim trim running across the inner box beams. Rustic waffle ceiling styles incorporate stained distressed wood beams and become more dramatic with ornate crown molding. With angled beams, geometric shapes – ranging from hexagons to triangles – are made possible.

The coffered ceiling shape defines style. But the style of the end product also depends on materials and colors. White square waffle ceilings made with drywall project a minimal approach while stained wooden beams make the room more traditional. Waffle ceilings shapes and styles are also subject to the room’s height, size, and structure. Customers cannot just opt for cathedral coffered ceiling designs but add formality to the living room with a barrel waffle vault. A large coffer may define the space over the dining table while smaller coffers will embrace the central recessed panel.

The interior design will also dictate the shape and style of the waffle ceiling. Whether or not the customer chooses to install lighting fixtures to run across the ceiling moldings will also make a difference to the end product. Why will you need the assistance of our team? Because what forms the waffle ceiling shape and style is the layout of the box beam grid system, the colors, and the molding while the existing interior style & ceiling size shouldn’t be disregarded. The great news is that the choices are endless and we are here if you like to discover custom designs for you.

WAFFLE CEILING MATERIALS AND COLORS

Waffle ceiling materials and colors vary to meet requirements, ranging from budget to aesthetics. A vital consideration is the material used for the construction of the box beam grid system because it will affect the installation. Today, most coffered ceilings are decorative interior elements and hence the ceiling must be able to hold the weight of the beams. And the weight of the beams depends on the material, size, design, and dimension.

The most commonly used material is wood. The advantage of real wood species, like Maple, Mahogany, Red Oak, Cherry, and Walnut is their density and durability. Although they all make a great choice for box beamed ceilings, their heavy weight doesn’t cease to be a consideration. Pine is perhaps the most lightweight wood option. A more cost-effective and lightweight solution would be MDF. It might lack the beauty of solid wood but it’s free of knots and since it’s a manufactured wood product, it is well-suited for waffle ceiling constructions.

For curved designs, lightweight structures, and limited budgets, there is also the option of polyurethane foam and plaster. Made to resist water, insects, and wear, such materials are also a good choice, especially when moisture is an issue. But you can also make all sorts of combinations by using drywall along with faux wood or creating a wood coffered ceiling with beadboard.

Waffle ceiling materials can be painted or stained. The color palette is full of choices but the end visual effects are what matter the most. One can paint coffered ceilings one color to create continuity or enhance the minimalistic interior design approach. When it comes to choosing between painting the beams or the sunken panels, it mainly depends on the impact you want to achieve and the height of the ceiling. Dark colored beams bring the ceiling down whereas painted recessed panels add depth and make the room look taller.

The ceiling colors define the style and affect the visual impact of the end product whereas the materials depend on the conditioned space, the ceiling’s structure, your budget, and the coffered ceiling design & dimension. And the weight of the beams will define the installation method as well. But you have nothing to worry about. We offer advice, options, and services to ensure eye-catching and safe ceilings. Call us if you want to discover which waffle ceiling materials and colors will be best for you!

WAFFLE CEILING WAINSCOTING

One of the most popular waffle ceiling wainscoting design is to add beadboard between the beams. Considered as one of the best kitchen ceiling solutions and the most distinguished ceiling for country-style homes, a coffered ceiling with beadboard is an excellent choice for many residences. But it’s not the only one. Although wainscoting is usually installed in walls, the refined look drove these fascinating interior decorative elements all the way up to the ceiling.

A ceiling wainscoting design will work well in a room, where the walls are already covered with a shaker and there is an architectural need to pair the panel with a ceiling trim. Ceiling wainscots eloquently define the style and refine the space, especially in rooms where trims become the sole decorative elements. With its discreet yet powerful presence, wainscoting makes any ceiling design much richer.

Wainscoting is an excellent add-on in expansive surfaces, where the need to cover planes with decorative curves or oval designs will make a difference to the final visual impact. Wainscoting becomes a helpful decorative element in complex ceiling designs since it has the capacity to bring out the style and enhance the beauty of the motif. Ceiling wainscots also provide an excellent solution in low rooms, where deep grid systems wouldn’t work. Whether subtle or intense, the lines of the wainscoting will create the ‘recessed’ effect.

With a simple trim line running the place of the ceiling and contrasting colors, one can easily create the coffered tray ceiling effect. The colors play a huge role in the final aesthetic and visual results. Although the waffle ceiling wainscoting can be powerful or subtle, the colors used for both the trim and plane will define the design.

The waffle ceiling wainscoting can act as the beam, accentuate coffering, and add texture and depth with the right coloring. The lines can form any shape and serve any decorative purpose but the end product is always exquisite when it is customized. After all, no all ceilings or rooms are the same. But if you want to add wainscoting in the ceiling, you won’t find a better team than ours. With expertise in both wainscoting & waffle ceilings, we will find the best solution for you.

CATHEDRAL WAFFLE CEILING BOXES

Waffle ceiling boxes are architectural elements and excellent solutions for high rooms. They are the best fit in cathedral ceilings, where they serve a dual purpose: to accentuate the central plane with an interesting pattern and shrink the distance to the floor making the space a lot friendlier. Well-suited in tray ceilings too, they will make an expansive plane more inviting and dramatic. An intricate pattern will also make a flat ceiling more interesting and textured.

Cathedral waffle ceiling boxes are custom to fit the size and needs of each room. The pattern might resemble a true box protruding from the ceiling or create the impression of a smaller tray ceiling when the inner section is recessed. The shape ranges from oval and square to octagon and rectangular. The sky is the limit. It all comes down to the size of the ceiling, the shape of the room, and the preferences of the customer.

The patterned boxes are installed at the center of the ceiling for greater impact and architectural symmetry. They are smart interior design add-ons, which go well over kitchen islands and dining tables. They easily stand alone as the sole ceiling decoration element but pair beautifully with stiles extending all the way to the edges of the ceiling creating cross-like designs or sunray patterns depending on the shape of the room.

The designs are endless and the pattern is often accentuated with trims. Mouldings can be added to both the inner and outer perimeter. But emphasis is mostly given to the outer section of the box for additional texture. As central ceiling decorative elements, the waffle boxes become the perfect place to hang lights. Depending on ceiling height and personal preferences, one can install recessed lighting, pendants, or chandeliers. Cove lighting is a common installation too.

The waffle ceiling box can be painted a bold color to add more drama. Alternatively, boxes are painted the same color with the ceiling for more subtle aesthetic looks. As distinctive interior décor elements, they become focal points when the coffered panel is painted black, gray, blue, or another bold hue. The size, shape, color and overall pattern depend on the size, height, and shape of the room. But they are also subject to the customer’s choices. The great news is that waffle boxes are beautiful ceiling décor solutions for each room of the house. With the help of our designers, you will surely find the perfect match for your ceiling.

TRAY AND COFFERED CEILINGS

Choosing tray and coffered ceilings for your space provides a contemporary look. This style of ceiling consists of an inset, often 12 inches or higher than the rest of the ceiling. This inset is bordered by a soffit, creating the look of an upside down tray on the ceiling, thus the name of this style. It can be used to highlight the shape or the room or create an interesting visual element.

Tray and coffered ceilings often include ambient LED lighting within the soffit. Not only does this provide additional lighting to the space, it also creates a beautiful ambiance in the room. The lower portion of the ceiling often contains can or spot lighting to provide the overall light for the space as well as spot lighting for specific areas of the room.

These ceilings can be created in any shape. The shape of the room can be used as a guide; an oval, square, rectangle, or other geometric shape can be created; or a completely abstract shape can be designed to achieve the desired look. Tray and coffered ceilings work for any height of ceiling. The design and height of the tray can easily be adjusted to fit everything from a standard height ceiling to those that are 20 feet or more. This style is very flexible.

If you are unsure of the overall look that you are trying to achieve or how to incorporate a tray and coffered ceiling into your designer, our professional designers are always available to assist.

CEILING BEAMS STYLES AND TYPES

Most coffered ceilings today are not part of the structural design. They are formed with the use of faux or solid wood beams and can be stained, painted, or dressed with plaster. The way beams cross each other shape the form of the sunken panels and thus the style of the ceiling. It all comes down to designing the grid system based on the size of the particular ceiling and the preferred style of the customer.

Beams can be as small as 3” and as large as 20”. But ceiling beam sizes may be much larger in terms of width and height based on how big and high the room is. These are important considerations since the size of the beams defines the depth of the recessed panels. Small beams will offer a shallow coffer effect and such flat ceiling solutions are ideal for short rooms. Large beams energize high rooms, where there is a need for more dramatic designs. That’s why most cathedral beamed boxes are finished with ornamental crown moulding.

The grid pattern defines the ceiling design. It will create deep or shallow coffers based on how large or small the beams are but the style is dictated by the way beams intersect. The final product might have indentations ranging from symmetrical squares to long rectangular panels or perplexed geometrical forms. One thing common to all patterns is symmetry. Although beams cross each other in all sorts of directions, the panels created in between have a distinct size and shape to define the design and bring harmony to the room.

The beams can be arched or straight and form shapes of flowers, geometric forms, or diamonds. The design might incorporate curved beams to create circular lacunars at the center of the dining room. With large and heavily trimmed beams, one can add cove lighting without missing the opportunity to have potlights in each coffer either.

There are all sorts of combinations one can make to achieve the desired waffle ceiling effect. Modern architectural designs have no limitations. The beams take their place to form any shape and style but always in compliance with the room’s characteristics. Our professionals will not only suggest designs to match your home décor but grid systems that your ceiling can hold. Give us a call if you like to know more about beamed boxes and waffle styles that will be best suited to your home.

CURVED CEILINGS AND BEAMS

When most people think of a coffered ceiling, the classic grid shape often comes to mind; however, a coffered or waffle ceiling can be created in nearly any shape or design. Many of these designs are truly pieces of art that make a room beautiful and unique.

Our highly skilled professionals are only limited by your imagination. If you can design it, we can create it. No matter the look you are trying to bring to your space, we have the experience and expertise to make it a reality.

Curved beams can be used to accent existing architecture in the room or to add a unique element to an otherwise ordinary space. The effect that these designs create adds interest and real value to your home.

This effect can be further highlighted through lighting, which can be integrated into the design in a number of ways including ambient LED lights or more traditional fixtures such as can lights or hanging fixtures.

We perform true custom work. We don’t rely on stock materials to dictate what can be created for your space. We take great pride in creating beautiful elements that bring your vision to life. If you aren’t quite sure of the look you are trying to achieve, our in-house designers are always available to assist.

ROUND, OVAL, CIRCLE CEILINGS

Adding a round, oval or circle element on your ceiling is a great way to make a big impact in any room. It provides a stunning focal point that draws your eyes and highlights the center or a certain element within the room such as a bed, table or seating area. Any shape can be created to match the shape of your space or the overall design aesthetic that you’re trying to achieve.

Lighting is almost always incorporated in these elements. Ambient LED is most commonly used. It’s also common to incorporate other lighting elements such as a chandelier in the center of the circle. By adding this architectural element it makes a grand chandelier even more grandiose.

Unique patters can be added to the bottom and the sides to create even more visual interest. Alternatively, the design can be left flat to create a more minimal look. We can match other elements in the room or create a look that makes the circular element stand out even more.

No matter the room, we can create a round, oval or circle ceiling element to fit any space. Sizes and designs are flexible and can easily be adjusted for any design plan and, as always, our expert in-house designers are always available to assist.

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