Vaulted ceilings are one of the controversial topics in the home interiors industry. The concept of this ceiling came to light back in hundred of years. Every person has different and strong opinions pertaining to the vaulted ceiling. While some feel that they add drama and visual interest to the room, some others feel that they are outdated and are a complete waste of space and energy. It is either loved or hated by the homeowners, architects, designers. On the one hand, this type of ceiling is absolute energy waster; on the other hand, it helps in providing an illusion of larger space. The vaulted ceilings are beautiful, and all and are one of the best architectural details there can be in a home, however, if you are planning to get them constructed in your house, it would be wise if you make some serious considerations and take a look at some of the aspects of the vaulted ceilings that require serious thoughts.
What is a vaulted ceiling?
It is a type of ceiling that extends up from side walls towards the center, creating a sense of space overhead. While these ceilings were originated in churches and basilicas, but they have gone through a major transformation over the past few years and started to appear in homes. Basically, a vaulted ceiling is a ceiling that is constructed with a self-supporting arch and uses different variations to achieve different looks.
Types of vaulted ceilings
These arched vaulted ceiling come in a variety of styles. From basic semi-circular barrel that extends across the entire room to intersecting barrel arches that create an edge, known as groin vaults. Dome vaulted is another type of vaulted ceiling that is hard to be constructed in homes and largely found at offices, studies, master bedrooms with crown moldings, and colors to add a sense of grandeur and openness to space. You can also choose to get it customized for your home by combining a variety of arches.
Pros and Cons of vaulted ceilings
Vaulted ceilings are all things love. They add drama, visual interest, and a sense of openness to the room. The extra height granted by these ceilings makes even an average-sized room feel grand and airy. They also hold the ability to blend well with almost every other style, while arches and groin vaults look amazing in both contemporary and traditional homes, exposed wood beams blends well with cottage-like or a log cabin. We shouldn’t just concentrate on all the good parts of this ceiling; there are also some drawbacks that are equally important for you to know. Getting them constructed in your home can cost you quite a lot, and it can get even higher when the elaborately designed dome is concerned.
Cleaning and maintenance
As amazing as these dramatic vaulted ceilings look, cleaning them up can be equally tiring and frustrating. Cleaning them can prove to be difficult than it is for the flat ceiling as it won’t easy for you to reach the upper areas while cleaning. You may require extension tools and a ladder to reach the top of the ceiling. And if you ever feel the need to repaint them, you will probably have to stand on scaffolding. Now it’s up to you if all the hassle and extra effort are worth the visual interest the vaulted ceilings are going to add to your home.
There’s a difference between vaulted and cathedral ceiling
Quintessentially, cathedral ceilings feature two equal slopes that are parallel to the actual pitch of the roof and the two sides of the slopes meet at the ridge which runs across the length of the room. Whereas, vaulted ceilings do not necessarily follow the roof’s pitch and have more styles to choose from.