Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Ceilings are an often overlooked aspect of home improvement, but they can change the look and feel of a room.
Most people think that drywall is the only ceiling option available to them. But there are many other options out there for you to choose from. You should consider these alternatives if you want your home to have a unique look or better functionality in certain rooms.
The best way to determine which type of ceiling would be best suited for your needs is by researching each one individually. And we’ve made that easy by outlining the following types of ceiling.
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1. Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
Acoustics Ceiling Tiles are a great alternative to the traditional ceiling tile. If you want more sound absorption than an acoustic foam ceiling provides, these tiles could be a good solution for you.
As the name suggests, this type of ceiling comprises various little tiles that can be installed in numerous patterns on your existing ceiling.
Pros
- It absorbs sound and noise
- It hides unsightly necessities such as design problem
- Saves money by lowering energy bill as it can let in more light
- They are versatile and flexible
Cons
- It can be difficult to install
- It’s not waterproof
- It can deteriorate over time
2. Barrel Vault Ceiling
The barrel vault ceiling is made up of a series of arches that create a barrel shape. Depending on your design plan, this structure can be used the same way you would use a dome or umbrella roof.
It’s a very popular choice for residential buildings and commercial spaces like stores, restaurants and theatres because it offers a spacious appearance.
Pros
- It creates more visual space
- Flexibility, making it fit any interior design style
- Allows more natural light in the interior
- They can serve as a visual centerpiece, thanks to their impressive look
Cons
- The design can become monotonous if the same system is used throughout the space
- Makes spaces feel smaller than they are
- Flexibility may result in some of the interior walls lacking sufficient support for their structure
- Makes it easy for water to accumulate and cause a moisture problem
- High construction cost
3. Beam Ceiling
In a beamed ceiling, the beams are exposed and not covered by any material. The beams themselves can be made from a number of materials, including wood, steel and concrete.
Pros
- Increases natural light
- Beamed ceiling encourages creativity
- An exposed ceiling help in cooling your home
- They add real character with their exposed rafters
- Provides extra room
Cons
- High installation cost
- Requires high maintenance
- They can make your home less energy efficient
4. Cathedral Ceiling
A cathedral ceiling is usually flat, but it can also be curved. The height of a cathedral ceiling comes from the structure above it and not by raising the roofline.
Ceilings with higher heights feel more luxurious. The light that streams in via the skylight or window makes it easy to relax inside your home.
Pros
- Increases space in your home
- Allows enough light into your room
- It’s strategically positioned into the ceiling height
Cons
- It can be expensive
- High maintenance cost
5. Cloister Ceiling
It has a spherical center that looks like a dome or a half-sphere. This curved ceiling is most commonly used in the nave, which is the central area of the church where people gather to pray and sing.
It was built at the center of monastery buildings to provide light and create unity among houses.
Pros
- It can take up the entire room
- It creates a dramatic and elegant look to a home
- It’s flexible with other interior design styles
Cons
- Increased utility bills
- Additional maintenance cost
6. Coffered Ceiling
With their aesthetic presentation, they are commonly found in churches, libraries, hotels and high-end homes. They bring a luxurious and classic look into a home.
It can be a focal point in a room if chosen properly. It also draws attention to the center of a room, providing an excellent place for artwork and enhancing the décor.
Pros
- A classic look that blends with many design styles
- An elegant appeal that brings drama to any space
- An excellent way to show off art
Cons
- They are more expensive
- Requires professional installation
Related: 38+ Best Coffered Ceiling Ideas and Designs
7. Conventional Ceiling
It is a modern look that you will find in any office building, hotel or other commercial space. It is preferable when light and airy feel are ideal for the design.
The smooth, flat surface allows your style to show through without interference from anything else.
Pros
- A modern look that complements many styles
- Attractive
- Easy to install and remove in case of repairs
- Allows easy light installation
Cons
- It can easily become discolored due to its smooth surface
- Needs regular repair and maintenance
8. Cove Ceiling
Cove ceiling comes in many different designs. The concept behind it is the one that elevates your lighting fixture to an area where it is visible.
There are designs with a single cove and others with multiple coves with multiple light fixtures.
Small designs can be applied to any room in your home or office so long as you get creative in the placement of the lighting.
Pros
- Adds some style to a room
- Can make your ceiling appear higher
- Can add value to your home
- Can give your home an elegant and smooth feel
Cons
- It’s a little bit difficult to create, making you spend more
- The tough transition between the walls and ceiling makes it difficult to properly paint a room
9. Dome Ceiling
Dome ceiling creates an illusion of expanded height and space, so if you want your home entryway and hallways to be spacious, then install this type of ceiling.
It has the potential of dramatically enlarging your room. This feature makes it so popular among the architectural features.
Pros
- Adds a lot of space to your home
- Dramatically uplifts the ceiling height
- Low maintenance
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Difficult to create, making it more expensive for you
10. Drop Ceiling
This type of ceiling is very common in offices and stores because it is easy to create and install.
You may ask for a large space if you want to have this type of ceiling installed in your home entryway or hallways. They drop to obscure anything that you wouldn’t want to see when looking up.
Pros
- It hides things that you don’t want to see, such as pipes, ductwork and wire
- It can be a soundproof
- It comes in a variety of colors and types
Cons
- It deteriorates much quicker than other ceiling types
- Can reduce the height of your room
11. Exposed Ceiling
This type of ceiling is a combination of both lath and plaster ceilings. Exposed ceilings are excellent for living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms or bedrooms because it has the ventilation and looks required for these room types.
This is also a good way to bring more character into your home without doing a lot of work.
Pros
- Allows hot air to travel in your home
- Makes room more visually appealing
- Gives room for creativity
Cons
- Additional maintenance
- Does not allow airflow in some cases.
12. Groin Vault Ceiling
If you love dramatic angles and curves, then take this type of ceiling off your hands. This is a true testament to how creative you can be.
The groin vault ceiling comes about when you have space between the floor and your roof, so it would make sense that this type of ceiling is used in under-the-floor areas like the basement and garages.
Pros
- Brings more space into the room
- Can add natural light into your home
- Adds a sense of charm and character into your space
- Provides venting area for hot air to escape
- Adds a sense of oomph into the design of your space by creating aesthetic appeal
Cons
- High-maintenance cost
- Uses high energy to keep the temperature normal in your room
- It might not be cozy
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13. Knockdown Ceilings
Knockdown ceilings are the type of ceiling that we use in our houses. These ceilings can be classified as the most common type of ceilings because they’re used in almost all areas of a house.
Pros
- It helps reduce sound and noise
- Easy to install, making it cheaper
- Doesn’t require high maintenance
Cons
- If water is collected on the ceiling, it can seep through to your home.
- Help keep sound and noise high inside the room.
- The materials used for this kind of ceiling are less durable compared to other types of ceilings.
14. Popcorn Ceiling
This type of ceiling was largely used in the past. However, as things keep on changing, it has kept on losing its popularity as many are getting rid of it in their homes. It’s good at covering any faults that a ceiling may have.
Pros
- It’s cost-effective
- Help in hiding imperfections
- Gets rid of noise
Cons
- Hard to clean
- Difficult to repair and is outdated
15. Shadow-Line Ceilings
The shadow-line ceilings get rid of light and give the illusion that it’s taller than it is. It also gives a sense of height and width to your home. This type of ceiling uses black lines that help cast shadows in certain areas.
Pros
- Gives your living space a clean, sleek and contemporary look
- It’s affordable
- It adds style and function into the room
- Adds a sense of personality and character into your home
Cons
- It’s difficult to maintain because it will be easily scratched
- The shadow-lines have a tendency of going out of shape
16. Shed Ceiling
Even though it sounds basic, it’s not the most basic because a shed roof is one of the oldest forms of the roof. Its simplicity, flexibility and cost-effectiveness have been its keys to success for centuries.
The slant towards the walls makes it easy to install solar panels on top of this kind of ceiling and gives your home or office that rustic look without sacrificing much space inside.
Pros
- It’s easily affordable
- They’re very adaptable to site conditions and climate changes
- It helps minimize heat coming into your room
- Allows sunlight and natural light to get into your room
- Offers a new realm of internal space
- It adds value to your property
Cons
- It can drop low, hence making certain spaces look smaller
- It can make other parts of your home look dark, especially the bedroom
17. Shiplap Ceiling
Shiplap ceiling is a traditional type of roofing material. It’s made up of long and short wooden boards laid horizontally on the rafters to hold the roof’s weight in place.
When talking about this ceiling style, you can have some creative freedom since they’re done entirely by hand.
Pros
- It adds interest to a room
- It’s not expensive
- You can install it anywhere at your home
Cons
- It traps a lot of dirt, making your look dirty
- It can easily warp and rot if not installed properly
18. Sloped Ceiling
A sloped ceiling is a type of roofing that has one angle going to another. It can be slanted, angled or curved at certain spots, thus making the entire room look more alive and fresh.
Pros
- It gives your home a huger look than what it originally is
- It’s very easy to install and maintain
- You can add any character in the ceiling
Cons
- It’s energy inefficiency
- High installation cost
19. Suspended Ceiling
A suspended ceiling is similar to a drop ceiling, but the main difference is that it comprises tiles or panels instead of metal sheets.
They are usually found in offices and other industrial buildings where there’s an assurance that they won’t be damaged by moisture, dust, or certain elements.
They also allow people below to see what’s above. They can also look great in homes.
Pros
- Easy to install in an office or at home
- It can easily conceal any imperfections such as wires, ductwork and pipes
- They’re more economical than doing renovation
- By installing, you can block sound from outside, making your room cozier
Cons
- Suspended ceilings reduce the height of the room by several inches
- They may deteriorate faster
- They’re not sturdy as their traditional counterparts
20. Tall Ceiling
Tall ceilings are very common in different types of ceilings. While average ceilings have an average height of 8 feet, tall ceilings can rise much higher than that.
Tall ceilings can be used as a design element in the overall scheme of things, and they are often associated with high performance or big budgets.
Pros
- Makes the room more spacious
- Brings in natural light
- Tall ceilings are aesthetically appealing
- Can increase the value of your property
Cons
- High cost of maintenance and cleaning
- Tall ceilings can cause unnecessary echo and noise
21. Tin Ceiling
Tin ceiling tiles are used in many different types of ceilings. This type of ceiling tile is considered very stylish, and its popularity skyrocketed during the 1920s.
Because tin is lightweight, it makes installation easier. However, it also makes it more susceptible to corrosion, so great care must be taken when handling these ceiling tiles.
Pros
- They’re very attractive
- You can easily customize them to fit your design
- They’re practical since their nonporous material doesn’t soak up stains
- They can also be painted in any color and still maintain the shine for several years
- It’s durable
Cons
- It’s one of the most expensive types of ceiling available
- Requires high maintenance
22. Tongue and Groove Ceiling
Most often found in older homes, this type of ceiling is made up of interlocking planks. They’re usually plywood or hardwood and are laid on top of each other and nailed to one another.
It’s a fairly simple installation, though it takes a lot longer than other types like tin ceilings.
Pros
- It’s simple to install
- Gives a beautiful natural ceiling that can create interest in your space
- You can stain any color with tongue and groove ceiling
Cons
- It’s not sound resistant
- Hard to paint
23. Tray Ceiling
This type of ceiling can share some features with a cove ceiling. It helps in opening up a room, and it’s easy to install.
It is made out of veneer sheets or plywood panels nailed on top of each other in an overlapping manner. It can help you get creative with lighting in your rooms.
Pros
- They’re attractive
- It pairs nicely with other architectural styles
- They can bring the dynamic design to any room
- They can increase the height of your space
- They add value to your property
Cons
- Their two distinctive height makes them hard to paint and clean
- The drop-down border in the tray ceiling can reduce the headroom
Related: 44+ Best Tray Ceiling Ideas and Designs
24. Vaulted Ceiling
The vaulted ceilings are the ones that have an arching pattern with a rounded peak. The most interesting thing about the vaulted ceiling is that it can be used to create more space in your rooms.
Another benefit of having this type of ceiling is that it allows you to move around easily without bumping into something. With their rising features, they give your room an open feeling.
The vaulted ceiling is a custom ceiling, which makes it more expensive than the standard ones. They are usually made of wood, and sometimes metal is used in their design as well. This type of ceiling can be applied to any room, including kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
Pros
- They create a more spacious feeling
- They make a room brighter
- They add lots of character compared to other basic types of ceiling
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive
- Requires highly skilled personnel to install
25. Metal Ceiling
Metal ceiling tiles are made of metal, and they can be applied to any room in your home. They have a plastic coating on their surface, making the installation process easier because you don’t have to paint them afterward.
In addition, they have strict insulation features, making it possible for them to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and help reduce heat.
Pros
- Easy to install
- It’s fire-resistant
- The metal ceiling doesn’t crack or warp with time and retain its shape
- They also don’t rot and absorb moisture
- They add strength to your home
- They’re durable
Cons
- Metal cost is very expensive compared to other materials
26. PVC Ceiling
PVC ceiling tiles are a low-cost option for your home. They feature a wood-like texture and are available in many great colors, making them attractive in every room of your house.
In addition, they’re very easy to install even if you don’t have experience installing ceilings before because they’re pre-attached to one another.
Pros
- It’s very easy to install and maintain
- It’s the cheapest ceiling material available
- You can still customize it to look more expensive
- It’s durable and easy to clean
- It’s not prone to insect infestations
Cons
- It doesn’t give a great look like other types of ceiling
- It gets damaged when exposed to heat
- It releases toxic chlorine gas over a period of time
- It has visible joints between the panels
27. Styrofoam Ceiling
It’s the most commonly used material for the ceiling. Styrofoam is made up of polystyrene, making it fireproof and easy to maintain because you can paint or stain it depending on your preferences.
In addition, it comes in a variety of colors, so choose one based on your home design.
Pros
- They provide good insulation
- They’re easy to find and install
- They come in different varieties
- They help to lower energy bills
Cons
- Not easy to maintain
- They’re not fire-resistant
- They absorb stain more than any other type of ceiling
28. Faux Tin Ceiling
They help to give your home an old-fashioned look. The faux tin ceiling is made from a mixture of metal and plastic sheets, giving it that reflective and shiny look.
They’re fire-resistant, but they don’t provide much insulation making them less efficient than regular ceilings.
Pros
- It’s very attractive
- It’s cost-effective
Cons
- It requires high maintenance
- It may not look realistic
29. Vinyl Ceiling
They’re made of plastic sheets, which makes them very lightweight. They have large sizes and come in different designs that give any room a unique look.
Pros
- It’s easy to install as you only need to stick it on the wall or ceiling.
- They can be painted if you want them to blend with your room decor
- They’re resistant to humidity
- They’re versatile
- They’re durable
Cons
- They can warp in extreme temperature
- They can release harmful chemicals when burnt
30. Glue up Ceiling
They’re made of metal sheets which make it a heavy ceiling. They have standard dimensions and come in different designs that give any room a unique look.
This is the best option to disguise cracks on your ceiling. You can also paint it if you want it to blend with your room’s color.
Pros
- Glue Up ceilings are easy to install
- They’re durable
- Good sound and noise resistant
- They can cut the tiles to tightly fit the wall
Cons
- They are expensive
- They’re difficult to remove in case you want to change the decor
31. Plywood Ceiling
Plumbers prefer these types of ceilings because they’re easy to install and removable. They have a thickness that’s just right for supporting any room.
Choosing this kind of ceiling gives a standard look to your house. They give a more rustic feel to a room with their wood texture.
Pros
- It’s cheaper
- Plywood is strong and durable
- It adds aesthetic value to a room
- You can easily arrange it to your design and style
- It’s lightweight
Cons
- It requires more extra work of applying laminate or veneer
- It’s difficult to cut
32. Drywall Ceiling
This economical type of ceiling comprises layers of different materials pressed together to form large sheets. The sheets are then used to cover the entire ceiling, which is then dried and pressed into molds.
This type of ceiling is cheaper compared to the other types. Drywall ceilings also provide a more finished look than wood joists, or open beams do.
They look like the standard whiteboard material used in offices everywhere, but they are suspended from an exposed truss system that may be visually distracting.
Pros
- They’re versatile
- They’re available in multiple finishes and design
- It’s also fire resistant
- It’s a good insulator
Cons
- It is susceptible to damage
- They require a professional to install them.
- The cost might be too expensive for some homes
Related: 24 Types of Drywall Alternatives For Your Wall, Basement, Ceiling, Shed
33. Plaster Ceiling
Plaster is the most common material used in making ceilings. It provides a sturdy and durable surface that adds beauty to the interior of a home.
However, in larger areas such as large living rooms with vaulted ceilings, plaster might not do justice to the room.
Pros
- Plaster is highly customizable
- It’s cheap and has an extensive lifespan
- Its proper insulation makes it great for both cold and warm weather
- It’s lightweight and durable
Cons
- It’s also difficult to install and repair.
- Plaster is more susceptible to water damage
34. Beadboard Ceiling
While the ceiling has its use in design, sometimes it can also be overlooked. Many people install a beadboard ceiling to add an eclectic touch to their room’s style.
Beadboard is easy to handle, and it provides great insulation for your home.
Pros
- It’s cost-effective compared to other types of ceiling
- It’s easy to install
- It can easily transform the look of your home
- It can help to update an outdated popcorn ceiling
Cons
- It’s hard to take down in case of renovation
- It’s not subtle
Conclusion
There are many different types of ceiling systems that you can choose from when installing a new one in your home. However, you need to consider your budget, your space and what you want the ceiling for.
These types of ceiling vary in size, shape and budget, so you have to research before settling for the best that suits you and your space.