INTERIORS : High Ceilings Getting You Down? It’s Easy to Lower What’s Overhead

Lowering can be the simplest solution to a ceiling that’s a problem, either because of its condition or finish or because its height makes the room seem cavernous.

If the high ceiling is adding important character to a room, you probably won’t want to lower it. But, in the right circumstances, it can be used to hide ducts, improve sound and heat insulation and provide a space for flush or concealed lights.

A room’s character is largely determined by the relation of its area to its ceiling height. Low ceilings are considered charming and cozy, while tall rooms are felt to be very imposing, though they are usually larger.

The sense of coziness or emptiness may be based on practical experience.

For example, the volume of a low-ceiling room is less than that of a high-ceiling room of the same floor area, so it would be easier to heat evenly. And a room with an even temperature feels more comfortable than one where the temperature varies due to rising air currents.

Acoustics in a small room may also be better, inducing a relaxed feeling.

Yet the qualities of light and space in a room may be due to its high ceiling, and if it were lowered, changing the room’s proportions, the tall windows might look awkward and the sense of space might be lost.

Several options are available when it comes to lowering a ceiling. Wood framed ceilings are heavy but they can be custom-made to suit the style and shape of a room using basic woodworking skills.

Manufactured suspended-ceiling systems are relatively lightweight, easy to install and offer a wide choice of materials for the paneling. The downside is that a strong grid pattern is unavoidable.

A full lowered ceiling will change the room proportions, hide the old ceiling or mechanicals and is least likely to appear as a conversion. This ceiling can be fitted with cornice moldings.

A partially lowered ceiling is similar to the full lowered ceiling but has the added interest of the split-level. The end transition between levels can be vertical or sloped, the latter being preferable when parallel with a window.

The open-board ceiling is not a true ceiling but a framework that appears to be continuous. This option is most effective in hallways or passageways. It does not seal off the old ceiling and can be dismantled for access to services.

The suspended ceiling appears to be suspended away from the walls and appears to float, an illusion that’s enhanced by concealed lighting. This ceiling imparts a modern character, hides the old ceiling and mechanicals and is not demountable.

The final option is a suspended ceiling system. This is a grid system manufactured from lightweight materials for self-assembly. This demountable system is composed essentially of individual translucent or opaque panels that are positioned in the grid framework.