What Is A Coffered Ceiling

Last Updated on February 24, 2020 by Ecorf

As far as ceiling architecture and treatment is concerned, coffered ceilings have come to be respected as one of the best architectural incorporations in the home. Worthy of note is that ceilings are an integral element that mustn’t and wouldn’t be left in the scheme of things. Interestingly, the coffered ceiling isn’t reserved for the grand or big houses alone. It is also possible to use it in smaller homes, provided you set about it in the right way.

Before any other thing, you want to find out what the coffered ceiling is. So, what is a coffered ceiling, and how does it add more interest in any room?

What Is A Coffered Ceiling?

Coffered ceilings, which are also called “Coffers” in architecture, are series of sunken panels with a boxed beam around them. Ideally, the boxed beam takes specific shapes, such as rectangles, octagons, and squares. It is also important to point out that coffered ceilings are now considered as one of the architectural masterpieces to be integrated into any room in particular and any home in general. Moreover, they have over the years; become one of the most decorative elements used in ceilings.

Another glaring perception of coffered ceilings is that they consist of sunken panels. The panels are then sub-divided into different elements by structural components, such as beams and soffit.

The History of Coffered Ceilings

Coffered ceilings didn’t just come about. Although they became more prominent in the 1800s, they have been in use since time immemorial. From the available accounts, the history of coffered ceilings dates back to 79 AD. They were also prominent during the Loire Valley Chateauz in the early Renaissance period.

The derivation of the name “Coffers” is not unconnected to the building or construction of the ceiling, which takes the shape of a wooden box. Also, the original idea behind coffered ceilings was to recreate the effect of carved stone ceilings. During the early days, as far back as 79 AD, coffered ceilings were also used for many purposes. Some of the use cases at the time including but not limited to bearing the load of doomed roofs, hiding structural oddities in the ceiling, and giving the ceilings the appearance of having additional height.

It was not until the 1800s that the coffered ceilings became more prominent and began to gain widespread adoption and integration into homes. It was during the time that the wealthy individuals created a new use case for the ceilings, which is to create a symbol of wealth. That informed the reason why coffered ceilings were used in many notable structures, such as The Studebaker, the Roman, The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, and the Frick House.

Benefits of Incorporating Coffered Ceilings in the Home

You have now understood the basics of the coffered ceilings, such as the concept and history. Now, let us look at some of the ways coffered ceilings can make a difference in your home. Below are some of the benefits of integrating one in your home.

• Sound-Attenuating Properties

Do you live in a noisy environment? Perhaps you have discovered that some noises aren’t immediately wished off in the home. It could be the kids shouting on top of their voices or the speaker blasting from the rooftop. No matter the source and the cause of the noise, you can be sure that coffered ceilings would help in keeping them in check.

Ideally, the ceilings have sound-attenuating properties, which help in reducing unwanted noises, echoes, and transference.

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• Maintaining Coziness in High Ceiling Rooms

On the one hand, installing coffered ceilings help to add additional height to the room. On the other hand, they can be useful in rooms that have higher ceilings. In the case of the latter, coffered ceilings help excessively high ceiling rooms to feel cozy and comfortable even in the midst of the height.

• Hiding Ceiling Flaws

There is no doubt that the ceiling, just as many other architectures in the home, can begin to wear after some time. When the ceiling begins to show undesirable damages and flaws, the next thing to do is to install coffered ceilings.

Coffered ceilings play a vital role in hiding ceiling damages, such as design flaws and textures. The roles they play also extend to other kinds of ceilings, such as popcorn and asbestos ceilings.

• Endless Design Options

Do you feel the architecture of your rooms does not befit your taste? You can do something about that using a coffered ceiling. The coffered ceiling offers endless design options, which empower you to customize it too. With the endless opportunities of customization at your fingertips, you can now incorporate different kinds of styles and looks into your rooms courtesy of the coffered ceiling.

• Increasing the Grandeur of Any Room

Smaller rooms are not left out of the benefits that come with installing the coffered ceilings. Once you install one, you would discover that it has helped to increase the grandeur of the room. That is only possible because of the coffers’ capabilities of making ceilings appear taller than they are.

How to Install Coffered Ceiling

There are several ways to set about the task of installing coffered ceilings in your home. Below are the perfect steps to guide you:

• Hire a Carpenter

A carpenter that is versed in the installation of coffered ceilings can install one for you. You can also try your hands on the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) process if you’ve figured out how to go about that.

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• Purchase Pre-Manufacturing Lengths of Beams

Those would help you to create the desired outlook. The beams can either be made from wood or high-density materials. Ensure that the installation is patterned in a grid format and that you make use of a wood stain or paint to facilitate the pre-finishing.

• Use Framing to Create a Grid Pattern

Framing helps to create the desired grip pattern of the coffered ceilings. Wrap it with corner bead and drywall before using many coats of joint compound and primer/paint to complete this phase.

• Purchase and Install a Drop-Type Ceiling Grid System

In this phase, you are looking at installing a 2ft by 2ft suspended or drop type of ceiling grid system. It also helps to create a pseudo effect.

• Secure the Solid Wood Timbers

You can now secure the solid wood beam timbers or rustic beams using beam straps or large screws.

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• Install a Pre-Manufactured Coffered Ceiling System

The last step is to purchase and install a pre-built/complete coffered ceiling system. You can use either wood stain or paint to finish the process.

Install a Coffered Ceiling

Coffered ceilings add more depth and highlights to your rooms. You can now attest to the beauties that come with it and can’t wait to have one in your home. Get in touch with your carpenter or use the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) method to install the coffered ceiling.

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