Vaulted Ceilings: Types, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Costs

All About of Vaulted Ceiling

What Is Vaulted Ceiling?

In the architectural or construction terms, when in a roof beneath and above on a wall, a self-supporting arch is constructed, then it is called a vaulted ceiling.

In the construction, the vaulted ceiling traced for the first time in the Neolithic village in Crete, approximately seven thousand years ago, but it is constructed roughly.

After that, with times can be seen several countries, like the pantheon in Rome in the domed space and in the gothic cathedrals. In the construction, there are have been many styles of vaulted like rib, groin, barrel, fan, etc.

Types of Vaulted Ceiling

Here, the 11 different types of vaulted ceilings are as follows.

  1. Dome Vaulted Ceiling
  2. Elongated Dome Vaulted Ceiling
  3. Oval Dome Vaulted Ceiling
  4. Pitched Brick Vaulted Ceiling
  5. Cove Vaulted Ceiling
  6. Cloister Vaulted Ceiling
  7. Barrel Vaulted Ceiling
  8. Groin Vaulted Ceiling
  9. Rib Vaulted Ceiling
  10. Fan Vaulted Ceiling
  11. Igloo Vaulted Ceiling

1. Dome Vaulted Ceiling

Dome Vaulted Ceiling

In the vaulted ceiling, the dome vaulted ceiling is the most popular vaulted ceiling; a flat ceiling is created when a dome is recessed. If you try to make the dome ceiling bigger, then you have to face challenges because the vaulted dome ceiling occupies only one portion of the roof ceiling.

If you want to dramatic effect on your dome ceiling without increasing the size, then you have to use crown molding. But the use of a dome ceiling increases the total cost of the structure, which is a disadvantage of the dome ceiling.

2. Elongated Dome Vaulted Ceiling

Elongated Dome Vaulted Ceiling

For a rectangular roof, when you want to occupy a maximum space and are also you looking for a vaulted ceiling, then the elongated dome vaulted is one of the best choices for your roof.

Elongated dome vaulted ceiling is a modified and longer version of dome vaulted ceiling. In this elongated dome ceiling, for example, you can paint various types of painting, like night sky-inspired painting, etc.

3. Oval Dome Vaulted Ceiling

Oval Dome Vaulted Ceiling

The dome vaulted ceiling is one of the most popular ceilings in vault construction, but it was similar to the elongated vault ceiling. But the main difference between the two ceilings is the rafters that shape the dome where used fasten.

And another difference is elongated domes ties are used for elongated, and the oval-shaped instead is used for oval vault ceiling. The picture draws below the oval dome vaulted ceiling in the room, for it makes the room seem bigger.

4. Pitched Brick Vaulted Ceiling

Pitched Brick Vaulted Ceiling

If you want to provide an urban look to your roof, then you have to choose the pitched brick vaulted ceiling that is constructed using a tilted brick method. In the times B.C of Mesopotamian architecture, the pitched brick vault ceiling design was used.

To provide a warm metropolitan touch to your kitchen, the pitched brick vault ceiling is a very good vaulted ceiling choice in construction.

5. Cove Vaulted Ceiling

Cove Vaulted Ceiling

In the vaulted ceiling construction, if you want to provide a soft look to your home space, then vaulted cove ceiling is the right option for your structure. The vaulted cove ceiling can provide your building with a standard or upscale look by rounding out the edges and corners of your ceiling.

As a suggestion, if you want to provide a modern, streamlined look to your living room, then the white cove vaulted ceiling is the number one choice.

6. Cloister Vaulted Ceiling

Cloister Vaulted Ceiling

When structure ceilings are constructed with several spring points or spring lines, then it is called cloister vaulted ceilings. Where an arch begins to curve, that point is called spring point; on the same center points along a wall, all arching springs are constructed.

The cloister vaulted ceiling is one of the most expansive vaulted ceilings because, for this type of ceiling, experienced labor is needed, which can also increase the cost of the structure.

7. Barrel Vaulted Ceiling

Barrel Vaulted Ceiling

A tunnel-like feel, in your space, the barrel-vaulted ceiling gives and is also referred to as a cradle vault, tunnel vault, or wagon vault. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is more of a barrel or a half tunnel that is connected as a series of domes with a smooth surface.

The barrel-vaulted ceiling is one of the most expansive vaulted ceilings because, for this type of ceiling, experienced labor is needed, which can also increase the cost of the structure.

8. Groin Vaulted Ceiling

Groin Vaulted Ceiling

When two barrel-vaulted ceilings are intersected each other and create an angle of 90 degrees, that is called the groin-vaulted ceiling, and it is also referred to as cross vault ceiling. To create a sophisticated design and modern look of your room space, it draws the eye upward.

This type of design also gives your ceiling an eloquent and dramatic look. One of the most popular groin-vaulted ceilings is the brick groin-vaulted ceiling, that type of ceiling is an economical type of ceiling.

9. Rib Vaulted Ceiling

Rib Vaulted Ceiling

In gothic times the Rib vaulted ceiling gives more flexibility in engineering walls and roofs. Compared to another vaulted ceiling, the Rib vaulted ceiling is more flexible and stronger, and easy to construct.

The Rib vaulted ceiling gives thinner and tellers walls, and it also provides a most durable than other types of ceilings. For Gothic architecture, this makes them ideal, and on this cathedral ceiling, Rib vaulted ceiling provides an ultra-dramatic look.

10. Fan Vaulted Ceiling

Fan Vaulted Ceiling

If you want to give a different or unique look to your home space, then a vaulted fan ceiling is one of the best choices for your home space.

The vaulted fan ceiling is constructed as a fan, or shell-shaped structure, that constructs a wall to a certain point of the wall, and also the fan type of structure is met at the middle of the vault.

For this above action, above your head, create a captivating piece of art, which also create your ceiling very beautiful. The fan-vaulted ceiling is one of the most expansive vaulted ceilings because, for this type of ceiling, experienced labor is needed, which can also increase the cost of the structure.

11. Igloo Vaulted Ceiling

Igloo Vaulted Ceiling

In our country, the vaulted igloo ceiling is also known as another name that is the lunette vaulted ceiling. This type of vaulted ceiling can be created by covering the windows or other objects, and it also increases the beauty and also provide a piece to your eyes.

Advantage of Vaulted Type Ceiling

Advantage of Vaulted Type Ceiling

Here, the Pros of  Vaulted Type Ceilings are as follows.

  1. The first advantage of a vaulted type ceiling is creating more visual space in your room because it creates eye upward in a room.
  2. For smaller floor plans, this visual space is beneficial because, in a large room, the vaulted ceiling can create an illusion.
  3. Another advantage of a vaulted ceiling is vaulted ceiling can serve as a design centerpiece.
  4. In this vaulted ceiling, few designers use it as a dining room, living room, or family room.
  5. The vaulted ceiling also provides more opportunities for natural light by providing extra surface area for opposing windows.
  6. But some homeowners can add skylight on the ceiling, which is an advantage of the vaulted ceiling.
  7. In the vaulted ceiling construction, if you want to provide a soft look to your home space, then a vaulted ceiling is the right option for your structure.
  8. The vaulted ceiling can provide your building with a standard or upscale look by rounding out the edges and corners of your ceiling.
  9. The last and most important advantage of the vaulted ceiling is this type of ceiling can easily be fit with most of the interior design of your home.

Disadvantage of Vaulted Type Ceilings

Disadvantage of Vaulted Type Ceilings

Here, the Cons of  Vaulted Type Ceilings are as follows.

  1. The most important disadvantage of the vaulted ceiling is, for the exceptionally high ceilings, the vaulted ceiling can increase utility bills because the vaulted ceiling increases the volume of the room, and for this reason, the room’s heating and cooling energy are needed more.
  2. Another disadvantage of the vaulted ceiling is it can create in your room an illusion of space.
  3. If you want to dramatic effect on your home ceiling without increasing the size, then you have to use crown molding. But the use of a dome ceiling increases the total cost of the structure, which is a disadvantage of the vaulted ceiling.
  4. Another disadvantage of the vaulted ceiling is this type of vaulted ceiling is very difficult to maintain because there have different types of vaulted ceilings, and also there have different types of design.

Vaulted Ceiling Cost

The cost of the vaulted ceiling varies with the size of the room, but the common cost of the vaulted ceiling is between $18000 and $25000 in a 20 foot by 20-foot room, and the ceiling size varies 11 to 12 feet.

But if you have a drywall ceiling, drop ceiling, or a flat ceiling, then dramatically, the cost of the vaulted ceiling won’t change. So, with the types of the vaulted ceiling, the price varies.

FAQ on Vaulted Ceilings

What Is a Vaulted Ceiling?

A vaulted ceiling is an architectural feature where the ceiling is raised or arched, creating a self-supporting arch that adds vertical space and visual interest to a room.

What Are the Different Types of Vaulted Ceilings?

The main types of vaulted ceilings include:

  1. Dome Vaulted Ceiling
  2. Elongated Dome Vaulted Ceiling
  3. Oval Dome Vaulted Ceiling
  4. Pitched Brick Vaulted Ceiling
  5. Cove Vaulted Ceiling
  6. Cloister Vaulted Ceiling
  7. Barrel Vaulted Ceiling
  8. Groin Vaulted Ceiling
  9. Rib Vaulted Ceiling
  10. Fan Vaulted Ceiling
  11. Igloo Vaulted Ceiling

What Are the Advantages of Having a Vaulted Ceiling?

Advantages include:

  1. Increased visual space and a feeling of openness.
  2. Potential to serve as a design centerpiece.
  3. Greater opportunities for natural light with additional surface area for windows.
  4. Enhanced aesthetic appeal, adding character and elegance to a room.

What Are the Disadvantages of Vaulted Ceilings?

Disadvantages include:

  1. Higher utility bills due to increased heating and cooling requirements.
  2. Potential difficulty in maintaining and cleaning.
  3. Higher installation costs compared to traditional ceilings.

How Much Does a Vaulted Ceiling Cost?

The cost of installing a vaulted ceiling typically ranges from $18,000 to $25,000 for a room measuring 20 feet by 20 feet with a ceiling height of 11 to 12 feet. Costs can vary based on the type of vaulted ceiling and additional design features.

Can Vaulted Ceilings Increase the Resale Value of a Home?

Vaulted ceilings can enhance the aesthetic appeal and perceived value of a home, potentially increasing resale value, especially if they complement the overall design of the home.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Maintaining a Vaulted Ceiling?

Yes, maintenance can be more challenging due to the height and complexity of the ceiling design. It may require specialized equipment or professional help for cleaning and repairs.

Can I Add a Skylight to a Vaulted Ceiling?

Yes, adding a skylight to a vaulted ceiling can enhance natural light and further improve the visual appeal of the space. It’s important to ensure proper installation to avoid potential leaks and ensure energy efficiency.

Are There Any Design Trends for Vaulted Ceilings?

Current design trends include integrating modern lighting fixtures, using bold paint colors or patterns, and incorporating architectural elements like exposed beams or decorative molding.

How Do I Choose the Right Type of Vaulted Ceiling for My Home?

Consider factors such as the desired aesthetic, the size and shape of the room, your budget, and the existing architectural style of your home. Consulting with an architect or interior designer can help you make the best choice.

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