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Writer's pictureAleksandra Furman

Tray Ceiling Design Ideas

Updated: Oct 17, 2024

You’re looking for Tray Ceiling Design Ideas, but you don’t actually know what a tray ceiling is or about the different types of tray ceilings. You’re in luck because we’re about to tell you! 


A tray ceiling is a type of design for a ceiling that creates a recessed effect in a room by having the ceiling set higher than the perimeter. Exposed beams can add to the sensation of the recessed ceiling by highlighting the structural difference between the two surfaces. This creates a “pushed in” or “tray” appearance. Aside from being stylish, tray ceilings can make a room appear more spacious, elegant, and add personality to the architectural style.


There are different types of tray ceiling design ideas that have various architectural functions depending on the type of building you’re designing. While it is possible to have a tray ceiling in a smaller room, these designs are typically used for larger spaces or to give a room the appearance of having more depth. You can add a tray ceiling to a smaller room, but give yourself enough surface area in the ceiling so that the design doesn’t look rushed or busy.


a white tray ceiling with beige walls and modern stylish furniture
A tray ceiling in a modern and spacious room


Simple Tray Ceiling


Simple or “single” tray ceilings are the most common form of tray ceiling design ideas. The ceiling is recessed in a single and level surface area within the perimeter and creates a spacious look for any room. While most commonly used in living rooms, simple tray ceilings are also commonly used in great-rooms, master bedrooms, and in commercial spaces to add the appearance of depth without sacrificing space or style. One of our pro tips is to use a darker color for the ceiling than used for the walls to add a slick appearance of added depth. 


Multi-Tier Tray Ceilings


Multi-Tier tray ceilings are another option when considering tray ceiling design ideas. With Multi-Tier, the area recesses several times into multiple levels to create an intricate design with tapered surface areas. While multi-tier tray ceilings are less common than single, these are ideal for larger areas with a greater surface area so that each level can be set progressively higher to add a more dramatic desired effect. 


Coffered Tray Ceilings



The word “coffer” loosely translates to “indentation.” Coffered ceilings are a series of indentations or sunken panels in a geometric shape such as a square or rectangle that are framed by beams or moldings, but can be made out of virtually any material that you choose to make the panels and patterns. These coffered panels add texture and create a stylish pattern in the ceiling. 


Coffered Tray Ceilings combine the two designs by adding coffered panels into the recessed tray ceiling. The coffered paneling adds texture and sophisticated decoration to the recessed and spacious tray design. These are less common tray ceiling design ideas, as they’re generally used in more formal spaces like a museum or an older building. 



White coffered tray ceiling with an elegant and intricate pattern inside of a museum
Coffered tray ceiling with an elegant design

Rounded Tray Ceiling


Rounded tray ceilings serve the same function as a typical tray ceiling, except that the angles are curved instead of sharpened. These are done by curving or sanding the borders of the perimeter rather than having the recess meet the perimeter on a 90 degree angle like a wall meeting a ceiling would normally have. Rounded tray ceilings can be used in residential homes as well as commercial, and are generally the choice for modern bedrooms or bathrooms. Rounding gives a softer and more natural look than traditional tray ceilings. 


If you’re looking for tray ceiling design ideas, it’s important to consider what your building’s style is and what you’re trying to accomplish. For a room in a residential building, a simple tray ceiling is probably the most practical option. If you’re looking to really transform your house’s great-room or the lobby of your business, then multi-tier tray ceilings might be a good option. For a sophisticated older building like a museum, you may want to look into coffered tray ceilings and try different patterns for your coffered panels. Lastly, if you’re looking for something more subtle, rounded tray ceilings are a great choice for most rooms and gently add fashion without sacrificing space or materials.


If you’re just not sure which tray ceiling design ideas you’re looking for, you can contact us with any questions.




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