
- Paint your tray ceiling a color different from the walls. This will make a big impression; your tray will stand out the moment someone comes in the room. ...
- Accentuate the shape of the tray. Instead of adding color to the ceiling of your tray, add crown molding to the sides. ...
- Paint the walls the same color as the tray walls. Another easy way to paint your tray is to paint the walls of your tray the same paint color as ...
- Coordinate the color with accents. Paint your tray a color that coordinates with accents in the room. ...
- Decorate with a stencil. If you have painted your tray a deep color, kick it up a notch by adding a stenciled design to it. ...
- Decorate with moldings. For greater impact add moldings to your tray ceiling in an interesting pattern (you might need to hire an experienced contractor for this).
- Decorate with wallpaper. Make a huge statement by papering the ceiling of your tray. ...
- Decorate with wood planks or paneling. Create a beautiful focal point in your tray by installing ceiling planks. ...
What does a tray ceiling add to a room?
A tray ceiling adds depth and interest to a room. It can be simple or ornate. Check out this collection of tray ceiling ideas and photos for all rooms of the house.
What are the best tips for painting a tray ceiling?
Paint can be used to create different visual effects on a tray ceiling. The raised part of the ceiling may be painted a darker color, giving that area the appearance that is much higher than it actually is. Conversely, a metallic paint will give the room a feeling of warmth, which can be helpful in large rooms that otherwise feel a bit empty.
What to do with a high ceiling in a room?
This dining room takes advantage of the high ceiling. The area creates a graded tray ceiling with furring strips. The concept leads to the elegant tray ceiling despite the fact the area looks rather plain in white. Hanging beautiful pendant lighting seems a must-do in a classic room like this one.
What is tray design in interior design?
Design Basics. The shape of a tray ceiling often follows the contour of the room, by means of a drop-down border around the perimeter of the ceiling. The inside tray recession can be anywhere from one inch to more than a foot deep, depending on the height of the ceiling and the desired effect the homeowner is going for.

How do you make a tray ceiling look good?
Decorate Tray Ceiling with Paneling. ... Tray Ceiling and regular walls same, Tray walls different color. ... Tray slightly deeper than version of wall color. ... Tray Color same as walls. ... Accentuate the shape of tray ceiling. ... Decorate your tray with moldings. ... Decorate tray with tiles. ... Exposed beams.More items...•
Is a tray ceiling worth it?
Benefits of a Tray Ceiling "They easily add a perceived sense of height to your space, which creates a luxurious feeling from the view below." Plus, as HGTV reports, work that goes into installing a tray ceiling can ultimately add value to your home.
Is a tray ceiling dated?
Are tray ceilings outdated? The answer, if you are considering a tray ceiling, is a reassuring 'no'. Tray ceilings are not outdated – you just need a little bit of design intuition to know whether they'll fit into the architectural profile of your room.
Do tray ceilings make a room look bigger?
Unlike coffered ceilings that feature several recessed sections in a grid pattern, tray ceilings have only one large recessed section. A tray ceiling can also make a room seem larger and more spacious. They can also be used to put emphasis on ornamental decorative objects within the room.
What is the point of tray ceilings?
The most obvious benefit of a tray ceiling or step ceiling is that it adds a completely different visual feel to virtually any room in the home. These types of ceilings are common in master bedrooms as they add a feeling of luxury and elegance.
Should you paint a tray ceiling?
0:201:45Dos & Don'ts of Painting Tray Ceilings : Design Tips for the Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo there's no tried-and-true rule when talking about tray ceilings. I pretty much always paint. TheMoreSo there's no tried-and-true rule when talking about tray ceilings. I pretty much always paint. The top surface of the tray ceiling. And then depending on the angle.
What is the difference between a coffered ceiling and a tray ceiling?
While a coffered ceiling has many recessed areas (usually in the shape of a grid), a tray ceiling features a single raised area that mimics the shape of the room. While coffered ceilings can be made with a variety of materials, including different types of wood, tray ceilings are usually made with plaster and drywall.
How do you modernize vaulted ceilings?
Here are my three favorite ways to elevate the look and feel of a vaulted ceiling.Add lighting that feels architectural and interesting. This will create intrigue and balance out what can feel like a void.Add beams or a coffered ceiling. ... Paint your ceiling a contrasting color from the walls.
What is the opposite of a tray ceiling?
An inverted tray is the exact opposite of a tray ceiling. So instead of being recessed, it juts down into the room. A combination of the two types with recessed lighting can create a really spectacular look.
How do you light a tray ceiling?
By placing a chandelier or pendant light inside a tray ceiling you draw attention to its shape and design and it becomes a focal point for the room. What is this? By painting a tray ceiling a dark color, the cove lighting or recessed lights will reflect on its surface and create a fuzzy, warm look.
What are the different types of tray ceilings?
Because most rooms are square or rectangular, most tray ceilings are also square or rectangular, but there are no hard and fast design rules. Trays can be constructed in oval, circular, or other shapes if desired.
How much does it cost to tray a ceiling?
Prices vary in every city and for each project, but homeowners typically spend $2 – $4 per square foot to install tray ceilings. In a new-construction home, you might spend $500 – $1,500 total per ceiling.
How much does it cost to tray a ceiling?
Prices vary in every city and for each project, but homeowners typically spend $2 – $4 per square foot to install tray ceilings. In a new-construction home, you might spend $500 – $1,500 total per ceiling.
Can you do a tray ceiling to an existing room?
Overhead Space Concerns with Tray Ceilings Ceiling height becomes a factor, however, when installing a tray ceiling in an existing room, because the drop-down border will reduce headroom. Because of this, a tray ceiling is best suited for existing ceilings that are more than eight feet high.
What is the difference between a coffered ceiling and a tray ceiling?
While a coffered ceiling has many recessed areas (usually in the shape of a grid), a tray ceiling features a single raised area that mimics the shape of the room. While coffered ceilings can be made with a variety of materials, including different types of wood, tray ceilings are usually made with plaster and drywall.
Are coffered ceilings outdated?
As open concept homes become more and more popular, the coffered ceiling is making a big comeback. "Coffered ceilings can be a really great way to visually subdivide an open concept space," Sotropa says. "It is very common to design a kitchen, dining, and living room function into one large open concept area."