Posted by Dan O'Malley in Home Design

Tray ceilings are a trendy and stylish option when it comes to enhancing the architectural appeal of a room. This blog dives into the world of tray ceilings, providing inspiration and ideas for adding your personal touch!

What Is a Tray Ceiling?

Also referred to as recessed or inverted ceilings, tray ceilings have a unique design where the center of the ceiling is elevated compared to the edges. This creates a captivating tray-like effect that brings depth and adds volume to a space.

Tray ceilings offer a fantastic opportunity to add a personal touch and enhance the style of your home.

Tray Ceiling Ideas

There are several different ways to customize a tray ceiling to make it truly unique and enhance the overall look of a room, here are some of our favorite tray ceiling ideas.

Tray Ceiling With Lighting

Another way to personalize a tray ceiling is with lighting. By incorporating recessed lighting or LED strips along the perimeter, you can achieve a gentle, ambient glow that enhances the room’s overall ambiance.

For a more striking and eye-catching effect, consider installing a chandelier or pendant lights in the center of the tray ceiling.

Tray Ceiling With Lighting

Painted Tray Ceiling

Painting provides an excellent opportunity to personalize a tray ceiling—especially with colors that complement the rest of the room. One approach is to choose a different color for the center of the tray ceiling compared to the perimeter. This creates a bold and striking focal point.

Alternatively, you can opt for a uniform color throughout the tray ceiling, achieving a cohesive and seamless look. Adding a pop of color or a bold pattern to the tray ceiling infuses personality and visual interest into the room.

Whether you prefer subtle elegance or vibrant creativity, painting your tray ceiling allows you to make a statement in your living space.

Painted Tray Ceiling

Tray Ceiling With Crown Molding

One way to personalize a tray ceiling is with the type of molding used. Adding crown molding to the perimeter of the tray ceiling can give it a more traditional and elegant look, while a more modern and sleek design can be achieved with simple, clean lines.

You can also experiment with different types of molding, such as beadboard or wainscoting, to add texture and visual interest.

Tray Ceiling With Crown Molding

Tray Ceilings for Room Separation

Tray ceilings can also be used to define different areas within a room. For example, in an open concept living and dining area, a tray ceiling can be used to visually separate the two spaces without the need for walls or partitions. This can create a more cohesive and visually appealing design.

Tray Ceiling With Beams and Other Design Enhancements

In addition to paint, lighting, and molding, there are other ways to personalize a tray ceiling. Adding architectural details, such as coffered panels or beams, can enhance the overall design and make a tray ceiling stand out. You can also add decorative elements, such as wallpaper or stenciling, to the tray ceiling to create a unique and personalized look.

Tray Ceiling With Beams

Tray ceilings are incredibly versatile and can be customized to enhance the beauty and uniqueness of any room. With the addition of various elements like molding, lighting, paint, and architectural details, you have the power to create a tray ceiling that perfectly reflects your personal style and makes a bold statement in your home.

Whether your interior design style is more traditional, modern, or eclectic aesthetic, the options for personalizing your tray ceiling are limitless.



Author

Dan O'Malley
Dan O'Malley

Author

Dan O’Malley is the Vice President of Product Development for M/I Homes.With over 30 years of expertise in residential architecture and design, Dan has been overseeing the product needs of the company's 16 divisions located throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Nashville and Texas for the past 12 years. Before joining M/I Homes, he was a partner in the Chicago office of BSB Design, a national residential architectural firm, for 14 years. Dan is an expert in all aspects of single-family and multifamily design and has received several awards for his successful projects. He is also a popular speaker at various industry events, including the International Builder’s Show, Midwest Builder’s Show, and Multi-Housing World.

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