When designing a room, there are many decisions to make. You have to choose a color palette, furniture, and even the ceiling. Ceilings come in all shapes and types, but one of the most popular types is tray ceilings. They are very unique and can add a lot of character to a room.
In this post, I’ll tell you all about tray ceilings and what makes them so special.
What is Tray ceiling?
Tray ceilings or recessed ceilings are characterized by their unique design, which consists of a series of recessed panels that are topped off with a decorative cornice.
You Create them by installing drywall across the roof framing and either drop the ceiling soffit panels down to a point above your existing wall or raise the soffit panels up.
Are tray ceiling dated?
The tray ceilings maybe more appropriate for older homes that have been renovated because they fit in with the period architecture of those homes.
However, that is not to say that they are not a good choice for modern and contemporary homes. They can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.
Why do they call it a tray ceiling?
The name comes from the ceiling’s resemblance to an upside-down tray – it has a flat top and recessed sides.
What are benefits of tray ceiling?
There are many reasons why you might choose to install a tray ceiling in your home.
Adding Architectural Interest and dimension
When you walk into the room with a tray ceiling, the first thing that will catch your eye is a lot of richness and detail.
They are usually installed above a chair rail or wainscotting, which gives them dimension and height. The recessed surface soffits draw the eyes up which creates visual space in a room.
Small room will Feel Larger
Even if you have a very small room, a tray ceiling can make it feel larger. This is because the recessed surface soffits draw your eyes up and away from the lower walls.
Feeling of extra space
Tray ceilings give a feeling of added space in a room which otherwise might feel too crowded. This is especially if you have lower ceilings in tight spaces.
They can help to disguise awkward or irregular ceiling joists
They can be used to hide unsightly ductwork or cables. You can install a tray ceiling in any room in your home, but they are often installed in the living, dining, or bedroom.
What are the drawbacks having tray ceilings?
While there are many benefits to installing a tray ceiling in your home, there are also a few drawbacks to consider.
More expensive than other types of ceiling
Installing a tray ceiling is more expensive than some other types because it requires additional materials and labor. The design itself can be quite complicated so it’s not a job for most amateur and DIY-ers.
Difficult to clean
The recessed surfaces of a tray ceiling can be difficult to clean and maintain. If you are not careful, dirt and dust can accumulate in the crevices so you will have a hard time removing them.
TIP: The best way to clean a tray ceiling is by using a vacuum with a brush attachment. In addition, you can also use a soft cloth to wipe down remaining surface.
They can look dated
While tray ceilings can add architectural interest and sophistication to a room, they can also look dated if they are not installed properly.
If installing a tray ceiling in an older home, be sure that it is compatible with the present architecture.
10 Tips to Modernize Your Tray ceiling
Do your tray ceiling look outdated? We are going to show you a few neat tricks on how you can modernize it.
- Paint ceiling with High gloss paint – Painting the ceiling with a high gloss paint will give your tray ceiling rich appearance and more modern overall look.
- Add crown molding – Adding crown molding is a simple way to make your tray ceiling look more modern. Crown molding will help to define the edges of the tray ceiling and add a touch of elegance.
- Install LED strip lighting – If you want to make it really stand out, consider installing LED strip lighting. You can install them in the recessed surface soffits and angled along the tray ceiling for a dramatic effect.
- Wallpaper the ceiling – Give your tray ceiling design a touch of flair by covering it with wallpaper instead of paint or tile. You can choose anything from wallpaper that is reminiscent of your favorite world wonder to something simple and elegant.
- Tile the ceiling – Tiles are an excellent way to add more modern look and personality to a room.
- Exposed beams – If you are looking for a more modern industrial look, consider exposing the ceiling beams.
- Color them differently from the rest of the room – If you want to add a pop of color to your tray ceiling, consider painting it differently than the walls. This will help to make it stand out and be more noticeable.
- Slightly change shade – If you want to play it safe or are in love with minimalistic design don’t paint in completely different but insteed, just pick a slightly different shade than walls. This will be more subtle and won’t stand out as much, but will give some personality to your room.
- Add wood paneling – Wood can be traditional or modern. It largely depends on the type of wood and how it is treated. By covering the tray ceiling panels with lighter type of wood like light oak, you can give them a modern look that can compliment your home’s décor perfectly
- Make 45-degree edges instead of 90 – Changing tray ceiling angle to 45-degree instead of 90-degree will give your ceiling a more sleek and contemporary look.
How to Install tray ceiling?
The good news is that installing tray ceilings is not as difficult as it might seem. Here are a few tips too. Follow:
Measure your room
Measure the height and width of the room and determine the size of the tray ceiling.
Draw a diagram of the room
Draw a diagram of the room on paper. This will help to strategize your project and make sure all measurements are accurate.
Determine the height of the recessed surface
To determine how far down you want to install the tray ceiling, measure from where you would like it installed until where you plan to end. Mark this point on the diagram.
Draw the outline of the tray ceiling on the diagram
With these measurements in hand, you can now draw the outline of the tray ceiling on the diagram.
Install furring strips
Furring strips are thin pieces of wood that are used to help level and support the tray ceiling. Install them along the outline that you just drew.
Install the drywall
Attach the drywall to the furring strips using screws or nails. be sure to use a level when installing to ensure that the ceiling is straight.
Apply the finishing touches
Once the drywall is installed, it’s time to apply the finishing touches. This might include painting, tiling, or installing crown molding.
There are many different ways to dress up your tray ceiling and make it your own. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a design that is perfect for your home. They are a great way to add some extra personality to any room.
Related Questions
What is a coffered ceiling tray ceiling?
A coffered ceiling is a type of tray ceiling. It is made up of a series of recessed panels that are framed by molding. This type of ceiling is often used in formal settings, like dining rooms and libraries, to add sophistication and elegance.
It can be made out of variety of materials, including drywall, sheetrock, plaster, plywood and even wood.
Coffered ceilings are a great way to add some architectural interest to a room. They can also be used to hide unsightly wires and cables.
Are tray ceilings energy efficient?
With help of today’s innovative materials and construction techniques, most tray ceilings are designed to be energy efficient.
With an extra layer of insulation, They can help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Are tray ceilings dated?
Trends come and go, but a well-done tray ceiling will never look dated. If it’s installed properly and with the right materials, it can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room in your home.