Here we share cathedral ceiling design ideas including popular types of lighting and pictures of them in living rooms, bedrooms & kitchens.
What Is A Cathedral Ceiling?
By architectural definition, a cathedral ceiling has symmetrical steep and equal slopping sides joining at a higher point in the middle of the room and usually conform to the pitch of the roof structure. The term cathedral ceiling originated from the design most popular with cathedrals, and so the style was particular to describe the certain type of element of a ceiling design now widely use in both traditional and modern residential architecture.
Cathedral vs Vaulted Ceiling
Vaulted ceiling as defined in architecture, slopes upward from both sides to form a peak and constructed with a self-supporting arch in the form of an arched or barrel shaped ceilings. Unlike the cathedral ceiling, the vaulted ceiling does not have to be the same pitch as the roof and could have a single slope and uneven sides. Unlike the cathedral ceiling, a vaulted ceiling can have a curved or an ached shape.
Both cathedral and vault ceiling extend higher than a flat ceiling and create an illusion of larger space overhead, adding air space and increases the natural light in the room especially when installed with skylights or roof windows. Both ceiling design can greatly improve the character and overall beauty of a home. A cathedral or vault ceiling can create a more interesting design by incorporating unusual detail which help add tonal warmth, elegance, and grandeur to any room.
Cathedral Ceiling Lighting
Here are some things you need to consider in planning and installing lighting fixtures in your design.
• Be mindful of the amount of light you require in a room.
• Consider the areas which needs to be illuminated – indicate which part or spot in the room that needs maximum lighting or any architectural features you want highlighted.
• Measure the highest and lowest point in terms of ceiling height as well as the height difference of the walls in the room.
• Take into account the floor plan and the design concept of the room.
• Consider all existing beams and exposed trusses that line the sloping ceiling planes.
• Calculate the number of watts level required for a cathedral or vault ceiling.
o Measure and multiply the width by the length of the room and multiply the number by 25. This calculation will give you the approximate watts needed to illuminate the room.
o The total number of watts can be distributed within the quantity of lights to be used to allocate enough lights and create layers in the room.
Types of Lighting Fixtures for Cathedral Ceilings
• Pendants and Chandeliers – This will bring the light to a more standard level for a tall or high ceiling type.
• Linear lights – These light fixtures are perfect to be installed along the ceiling edge to highlight the beams and add drama to the room’s ambience.
• Recessed lights – Installing shovel-cut cans recessed lights that are angled on vaulted ceiling at a 45-degree slope allows light to shine straight down and work wonders in the room.
• Track lights – These types of lighting fixtures work best for kitchen with vaulted ceiling as well as any area of your home. By using track lights, you can easily adjust the lamp heads in the direction where you need most of the light.
• Cable Lighting – These are lighting fixtures similar to track lights but without taking a lot of visual space. Cable lighting are the best option to use when you have exposed huge log beams and you want to highlight this architectural structure of your ceiling.
Cathedral Ceiling Ideas
Tongue and groove planks – Using tongue and groove boards or plank and beam design in high ceiling creates a dramatic impact to the extra space and adds visual contrasts.
Wood trusses & beams – Another design concept is combining squared trusses, horizontal beams and wood paneling help create a contemporary cathedral ceiling look a bit retro and cozy.
Skylights – Installing skylights is another design feature a cathedral ceiling may have. These skylights allow natural light to brighten the room and the upper part of the ceiling; plus, it offers extra ventilation for the room.
Cathedral Ceiling Living Room
Cathedral Ceiling Kitchen
Cathedral Ceiling Bedroom
For another related picture gallery visit our tray ceiling ideas page.
I am in the middle of house hunting now, and my one non-negotiable is that the house cannot have vaulted or cathedral ceilings. No matter how nice the house is, as soon as I see vaulted or cathedral ceilings I am reminded of military mobile homes from my childhood. These ceilings were boring to look at and so much nothingness that they made the rest of the room look bland as well.
That was until I read this article and saw these pictures. I did not get these ceilings at all!! My mind is blown, I am stunned at the design opportunities here. I have never seen anything like this before. My non-negotiable about these ceilings is no more. I want a cathedral ceiling now. When it’s done right, they are absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for this article!