Coffered Ceiling: A Rare Thing Of Beauty

Have you ever set foot on the lovely Piazza dei Miracoli? This is in Pisa, Italy where the Leaning Tower of Pisa is situated. While this is a famous landmark recognized all over the world, not a lot of people know that the tower is just an addition to the Duomo or cathedral dating all the way back to 1063 AD. The visitors of that wonderful cathedral are rewarded with views of the coffered ceiling that has been enhanced and restored since a tragic fire damaged it in 1596.

Coffered ceilings often feature the most exquisite trim work, carving, painting as well as gold leaf covering. These embellishments can be an effective means of displaying one’s power, wealth, craftsmanship and devotion.

If you have observed, most of the cathedrals from the days past come with such ceilings and they are still standing to this day. This is a living testament that coffered ceilings are built to stand and last for hundreds of years.

It was typical to find coffered ceiling in ornate, public structures such as the Duomo yet there are also exclusive buildings and residences that display these great architectural features. You can have them, too, if you are obstinate in having one right inside your home.

A Beautiful Element

Installing a coffered ceiling is difficult but do not let this become a major deterrent to you. Having a limited budget mustn’t also cause the discontinuance of your ceiling project. Conventional belief states that coffered ceilings are expensive and difficult to build. Modern-day interior design believes otherwise.

Nowadays, the beauty of coffered ceilings can now be enjoyed by anyone. Whether they are for new construction, restoration or renovation; whether they are meant for a residence or a commercial setting, this type of ceiling is now achievable. Many building contractors and designers have now taken on such a project since they have already discovered that this beautiful element isn’t that difficult to install. Coffered ceiling will forever be elegant but they should no longer be rare.

But what are coffered ceilings? This kind of ceiling is set with a square, rectangular or an octagon-shaped panel. It is often enhanced with decorative trims, elegant motifs and pendants.

Such ceilings can be designed if you take the time to consider the room size. The whole design comprises some beams and crossbeams that lay on top of the flat panel fillings.

The most significant benefit of coffered ceilings is the reduction of sound reflection. Echo ceases to exist as the overlapping sounds also no longer exist. Such a ceiling is now widely used in rooms that hold audio equipment and musical instruments. Home theatres also come with coffered ceilings, hence, the movie audio is highly enhanced. This is also the perfect room to converse with friends and loved ones as the noise is reduced but the crucial conversations are emphasized.

Coffered ceilings are often seen in churches, conference rooms, huge houses and music rooms. While the ceilings allow the sound to remain clear and crisp, the overlapping audio waves are hampered because the surfaces do not allow echoes to occur.

Coffered ceilings also offer a significant depth even when they show no intricate designs. Any room can instantly turn into a work of art as different colors, designs, and style fuse together to bring a beautiful whole.

If you love things that are old-fashioned, then this kind of ceiling is for you. Choose from among the sturdy woods such as cherry. If you want to save on this project, then a cost-effective choice is to have painted, drywall coffer panels as well as stained beams.

Can you have a DIY project for a coffered ceiling? It can get difficult and mistakes could cost you more money so it is best to hire experts. The going rate is anywhere from $15 to $28 for every square foot, the choice is yours.

Are you someone that appreciates old-styled homes and furniture? Are you fascinated by the grace and timeless beauty of the pieces that have been made many years ago?