CEILING

The third major architectural element of interior space is the

ceiling. Although usually out of our reach and not used in
the ways floors and walls are, the ceiling plays an important
visual role in shaping interior space and limiting its vertical
dimension. It is the sheltering element of interior design,
offering both physical and psychological protection for those
beneath its canopy.
Ceiling suspended from a roof or floor structure

Ceilings are formed by the undersides of floor and roof

structures. The ceiling material can be attached directly to
the structural frame or be suspended from it. In some cases,
the overhead structure can be left exposed and serve as the
ceiling.
 Ceiling defined by an exposed roof structure

Ceiling formed by material attached

to the underside of a roof structure

Ceiling formed by an overhead

floor structure
Instead of being surfaced with a smooth, planar
material, a ceiling can consist of or express the
structural pattern of the floor or roof above.
Linear structural members or materials can
create parallel, grid, or radial patterns. Any
ceiling pattern will tend to attract our attention
and appear to be lower than it is because of its
visual weight. Since linear patterns direct the Space frame grid Radial structural pattern
eye, they can also emphasize that dimension of
space to which they are parallel.

Exposed floor and roof structures provide a

ceiling with texture, pattern, depth, and
direction. These characteristics attract our
attention and are best displayed in contrast to
smoother wall planes.

Directional structural pattern Grid structural pattern

SUSPENDED CEILINGS
In a room with a high ceiling, all or a portion
of the ceiling can be dropped, to lower the
scale of the space or to differentiate an area
from the space around it. Because a dropped
ceiling is usually suspended from the floor or
roof structure above, its form can either echo
or contrast with the shape and geometry of
the space.

The effect of a suspended ceiling can be

created with open framing or with
nonstructural elements, such as fabric or a
series of suspended lighting fixtures.
SUSPENDED CEILINGS
SUSPENDED CEILINGS
In commercial spaces, a suspended ceiling system is
often used to provide a concealed space for mechanical
ductwork, electrical conduit, and plumbing lines. Light
fixtures, air-conditioning registers, sprinkler heads, and
sound systems can be integrated with the grid of
modular ceiling tiles or panels. The ceiling membrane can
be fire rated and provide fire protection for the
supporting overhead structure.

The typical suspended ceiling system consists of modular

acoustical tiles supported by a metal grid suspended
from the overhead floor or roof structure. The grid may
be exposed, using lay-in tiles, or be concealed, using tiles
with tongue-and-groove or kerfed edges.
SUSPENDED CEILINGS
SUSPENDED CEILINGS

Lowering part of a ceiling adds variety to a room and

shelters more intimate spaces. Lowered ceiling sections
can be treated with acoustical finishes to absorb sound
over noisy areas. Soffits built down from ceilings can
hide ductwork and other mechanical equipment of a
room, or fill spaces above wall cabinets or shelving.
SUSPENDED CEILINGS

Ceiling canopies and clouds can be made of fabric,

acoustical tile, metal, translucent plastic, or other
materials. They allow ceilings to be dropped over small
areas, even below other ceiling finish materials.
Canopies and clouds are suspended from pendants or
wires, and usually allow access to equipment on the
ceiling above. Clouds tend to have more structured
framing systems, and are usually made of acoustic
materials, sometimes with a perforated metal finish.
CEILING HEIGHT AND SCALE
The height of a ceiling has a major impact on the scale of
a space. While a ceiling’s height should be considered
relative to a room’s other dimensions and to its
occupancy and use, some generalizations can still be
made about the vertical dimension of a space.

High ceilings tend to give a space an open, airy, lofty

feeling. They can also provide an air of dignity or
formality, especially when regular in shape and form.
Instead of merely hovering over a space, they can soar.

Low ceilings, on the other hand, emphasize their

sheltering quality and tend to create intimate, cozy
spaces. Low ceilings over large areas may feel
oppressive.

Changing the ceiling height within a space, or from

one space to the next, helps to define spatial
boundaries and to differentiate between adjacent
areas. Each ceiling height emphasizes, by contrast, the
lowness or height of the other.
 The 8 Different Types of Ceilings
Different Types of Ceilings For Your Commercial and Residential Space
1. Conventional Ceiling
A conventional ceiling construction type is commonly
found in homes. These ceilings have a standard
drywall finish and are made of lower-cost materials,
requiring easy installation.

Conventional ceilings are plain and flat – and are

usually between 8 to 9 feet high and can fit with
typical construction material sizing.

Although more readily accessible, a room can feel

closed-in if the ceilings are too low. Raising the ceiling
by a few feet can open up space significantly and even
increase a building’s value for resale.

But upgrading conventional ceilings comes with a

higher price tag, since it will require the use of
materials that are not standard fit. You’ll need to
weigh the cost and potential resale value, as well as
how important the aesthetic appeal is to you.
Different Types of Ceilings For Your Commercial and Residential Space

2. Suspended Ceiling

A suspended ceiling (sometimes referred to as a

dropped ceiling) hangs from a metal grid below the
existing ceiling that is already in place.

Commonly used with noise-regulating, acoustic

ceiling tiles, these flat drop ceilings allow designers to
conceal mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and lighting
fixture (MEP) above the dropped, exposed ceiling,
such as pipes.

This ceiling variety is most commonly used in

commercial buildings, offices, and retail spaces, as
suspended ceilings give designers remarkable
flexibility. Most wood ceilings are suspended using
standard commercial T-Bar Grids and are a cost-
effective option.
Different Types of Ceilings For Your Commercial and Residential Space

3. Coffered Ceiling

Commonly found in high-end homes, churches,

libraries, and hotels, coffered ceilings reflect a classic,
even luxurious, aesthetic. A pricier option than
conventional options, coffered ceilings require
installation by specialists who are familiar with this
variety.

Recognizable by its grid of inverted panels that are

accentuated by molding, commercial wood
coffered ceilings are typically designed to work
with standard T-Bar suspension grids – helping to
streamline the installation process.
Different Types of Ceilings For Your Commercial and Residential Space

4. Tray Ceiling

Tray ceilings are multi-level ceilings – they start from

one height, then drop as you add levels. As the name
suggests, the ceiling layout resembles a tray.

The flat ceiling on the outside of the tray surrounds

the raised center, which is the highest part of the
ceiling.

Tray ceilings (also known as panned ceilings) become

slightly lower with each added step or “level” that
surrounds the raised center, creating a three-
dimensional effect as the ceiling expands outwards.

These ceilings can add a dramatic effect to a space

and also make a room seem taller. Panned ceilings
typically have two to three levels, with each level
dropping between 5 to 11 inches below the level above.
You can add trim or molding as a fascia in between
the layers.
Different Types of Ceilings For Your Commercial and Residential Space

5. Cove Ceiling

Forming a dome-like design, this concave ceiling

has curved edges instead of sharp angles between
the ceiling and walls and is often built using
curved molding or framing. The coves start from
the top of the main wall and extend up to the
ceiling itself.
Different Types of Ceilings For Your Commercial and Residential Space

6. Cathedral Ceiling

Cathedral ceilings are often found in large

living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and
even the master bath.

Cathedral – or vaulted – ceilings are known for

their inverted V-shape where the tip of the V is
the highest point and the sides of the V slope
down.
Different Types of Ceilings For Your Commercial and Residential Space

7. Shed Ceiling

Shed, or single-slope, ceilings are typically found

on the top story of a home, either in the attic or
loft.

Creating a distinct look for your room, a shed

ceiling will begin at a high point at one wall, then
slope down toward the opposite wall.

In commercial architecture, the shed ceiling

mirrors a shed roof structure. It also offers
designers a great deal of flexibility.

Wood ceilings can also be suspended on a slope

using a standard suspension grid if the main
runners are positioned down the slope
Different Types of Ceilings For Your Commercial and Residential Space

8.Beam Ceiling

Beam ceilings are typically found in hallways

and corridors for commercial settings and
living and dining rooms for residential settings

When heavier, load-bearing beams are

exposed in the interior of the space, the natural
wood provides visual variation from the rest of
the room. In cases where load-bearing beams
are not required, a copy of the beam is created
using plywood and miters – and is used simply
for its aesthetic appeal.

Beamed ceilings can be made to fit a range of

styles. However, these detailed ceilings can
overwhelm a smaller room, so be mindful of
where you have these ceilings installed.
 CEILING FINISHES

7 Types of Ceiling Finishes for Your Building Design

While decorating a space, we tend to focus on the four

walls that encompass a room. But we often overlook
the fifth wall that can make or break the interiors –
the ceiling. A plain ceiling is minimal whereas a false
ceiling adds a fancy touch while also being functional.

A false ceiling is a secondary ceiling that is suspended

from the structural ceiling. Depending on the material
that it is made of, it provides a range of benefits and
aesthetics.
 CEILING MATERIAL

7 Types of Ceiling Finishes for Your Building Design

7 Types of Ceiling Finishes Based on Material

1. Wooden
2. Plaster of Paris
3. Glass
4. Fabric
5. PVC
6. Gypsum
7. Metal
7 Types of Ceiling Finishes Based on Material

1. Wooden Ceiling Finish

They are commonly used as false ceiling materials in

the form of plywood, blocks or panels.

Advantages of Wooden Ceiling

•Easy to install
•Available in many colors and grain patterns
•Durable
•Sound absorbing

Disadvantages of Wooden Ceiling

•Prone to water and termite damage
•High maintenance
•Not fire-resistant

Uses
Used in residential and commercial buildings for a
rustic vibe.
2. Plaster of Paris as a Ceiling Finish

This type of ceiling is made by applying plaster of paris

paste on wooden or metal boards.

Advantages of POP as a Ceiling Finish

•Smooth finish
•Can be molded
•Lightweight and durable
•Fire resistant
•Is a good thermal insulator

Disadvantages of POP as a Ceiling Finish

•Not water resistant
•Difficult application
•Not easy to repair and is labor intensive

Uses
Used in highly decorative interiors
3. Glass Ceiling Finish

It is a transparent or translucent false ceiling material.

Advantages of Glass as a Ceiling Finish

•Aesthetically pleasing
•Available in many colors and finishes
•Makes the room appear bigger

Disadvantages of Glass as a Ceiling Finish

•Expensive
•Dust collected is easily seen
•Delicate material needs to be handled with care

Uses
Used in restaurants, libraries, jewelry shops
4. Fabric

This material is used in false ceilings purely for

aesthetic purposes.

Advantages of Fabric as a Ceiling Finish

•Cheap
•Easy installation
•Good for temporary structures

Disadvantages of Fabric as a Ceiling Finish

•Low light transferring capacity
•Stains easily

Uses
Used in exhibition halls, and restaurants for decoration
5. PVC

Polyvinyl chloride is a commonly used false ceiling

material, to incorporate functions like lighting and air
vents.

Advantages of PVC as a Ceiling Finish

•Cost-effective
•Easy installation and maintenance
•Durable and waterproof
•Available in different colors and finishes

Disadvantages of PVC as a Ceiling Finish

•Not heat resistant

Uses
The finishes do not look elegant
Used in bathrooms, toilets, and basements.
6. Gypsum
They are used in the form of prefabricated
boards, panels or ceiling tiles

Advantages of Gypsum as a Ceiling Finish

•Lightweight
•Customizable color and texture
•Fire resistant
•Thermal and acoustic insulation

Disadvantages of Gypsum as a Ceiling

•Not water resistant
•Difficult to remove or repair
•They are used in combinations with air
conditioning systems.
7. Metal

They are widely used for false ceiling due to their

shiny appearance

Advantages of Metal as a Ceiling Finish

•Easy to install and maintain
•Lightweight
•Fire resistant
•Easy to remove and attach
•Available in many textures

Disadvantages of Metal as a Ceiling Finish

•Need to be protected from corrosion
•Costly

Uses
They are used in homes, offices, industries, etc
CEILING FRAMING