How do you modernize a tray ceiling?
John Castro
Published Mar 18, 2026
How do you modernize a tray ceiling?
This idea to make your tray ceiling a focal point works brilliantly when a room allows in plenty of natural light. When the tray is painted a slightly deeper version it can help draw your eye towards the center of the room.
What are the different types of tray ceilings?
Tray ceiling design ideas can feature many different styles such as rounded design, molding, different paint colors, lighting, wood shiplap, arched construction and tiered levels, just to name a few.
Is a tray ceiling worth it?
“Tray ceilings can bring dynamic design to any room,” says interior designer Kendall Wilkinson. “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.
Where should tray ceiling be placed?
Tray ceilings installed during the building of a new house are likely to be constructed within the ceiling joists. The border surrounding the tray should be the same height as the ceilings in the other rooms in the house, while the interior tray will be higher, so headspace will not be affected.
Should tray ceiling be lighter or darker than walls?
By painting your tray ceiling the same color as the walls of your room a space will naturally feel more intimate and cohesive. This is option is perfect for bedrooms. Going a darker than the wall color on the ceiling will have a similar effect, but will make the space feel even cozier.
Do tray ceilings make a room look bigger?
The Pros And Cons Of A Tray Ceiling Tray ceilings make a dramatic focal point. They look good in several house styles. Your ceiling will look higher, which creates more visual space. Tray ceilings can help separate different areas of a large room.
What style is a tray ceiling?
inverted
A tray ceiling, also called an inverted or recessed ceiling, features a center section that is several inches (or several feet) higher than the areas around the perimeter of the room. This design allows for the use of colors painted on the trim that can turn a bland ceiling into a focal point.
Are tray ceilings expensive?
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.
Do tray ceilings add value?
A tray ceiling will add architectural interest to your bedroom and turn an ordinary room into an elegant retreat. The woodwork involved in building a tray ceiling will also add value to your home.
Is tray ceiling expensive?
Associated Costs 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.
Are tray ceilings dated?
Tray and coffered ceilings with the banding painted in an accent color. When tray ceilings first became popular for dining rooms and bedrooms, multiple colors and contrasting banding were used to make people take notice of the trayed effect. That looks so dated now. Accent or contrasting color under the chair rail.
How to build a tray ceiling?
Attach drywall to the entire ceiling. Cut drywall to size with a sharp utility knife and a straightedge.
What is a tray ceiling in house?
A tray ceiling has a raised center section and drop-down border that resembles an upside-down tray. Also known as an inverted or recessed ceiling, this design creates a focal point above a room and often features woodwork and painted trim. The tray ceiling is a cousin to the coffered ceiling, which has multiple recessed sections in a grid pattern.
What is a ceiling tray?
A tray ceiling, also called an inverted or recessed ceiling, features a center section that is several inches (or several feet) higher than the areas around the perimeter of the room.
What is a trayed ceiling?
A tray ceiling is a rectangular architectural feature that is either inverted or recessed. Tray ceilings can be plain, ornate, subtle or dramatic. Lighting is commonly featured in this design, and these ceilings are often found in dining rooms, hallways and living rooms.