Building Ideas for Tray Ceilings

Recessed vs. Inverted

• Two basic styles of tray ceilings exist, recessed and inverted. A recessed tray is a style that starts at the outside of the room and moves up, with the highest point at the room's center. This style is one that increases the height of a small room and creates a more open feel. An added bonus is that, with the extra space, dark wall colors won’t have such a minimizing effect. Inverted designs move into the room, with the lowest point located at the center of the room. This style is one that creates a focal point for the space or as a location for a pot rack or range hood.

Building

• Adding a tray ceiling, whether a recessed or inverted style, to a home is not usually an easy process. It requires additional framing and support, the cost of which will vary greatly depending on the size of the space and amount of work necessary. The process is easier when done on a second-level space, as the attic provides space for the renovation. For single-level homes or additions to the first story, the process is usually much more involved.

Lighting and Crown Molding

• Crown molding is decorative trim, usually made of wood, designed to flair out at the edge. It's used to create a polished look usually along the seam where the ceiling meets the wall. In a tray ceiling, it's used along the inside of a recessed design. Moldings are available in a variety of heights, with a wide selection of angles to fit just about any needs, and are purchased from most home-improvement or hardware stores. Adding recessed lighting to a tray ceiling will keep the room comfortably lit and stylish. This style of lighting is adjustable in intensity and is ideal for adding light to reading or work areas. Another option is to add a chandelier or visually appealing fixture to create a focal point.

Paint

• The extra space created by a tray ceiling opens up the room for deeper, darker colors without fear of the room feeling small or cave-like. Bring in darker colors for the walls and a lighter shade for the ceiling. Applying these colors in reverse will also be visually appealing. Keep colors light and neutral for a soothing or romantic feel, or deep and bold for something a bit more energizing. For a child’s space or play room, apply a painting technique to make the ceiling look like a cloudy daytime sky or paint it dark blue and add stars for a nighttime look. In a more formal setting, the flat area of a tray ceiling is an ideal location for a mural.