Home Garden

Solutions for Vaulted Corners

A vaulted ceiling forms an arch, encompassing a room. Several home designs use this type of ceiling in the living room or family room. Because of the ceiling's loftiness and arched shape, the corners present special problems for homeowners, but these can be addressed with several solutions.
  1. Decorating

    • If the ceiling and upper corners of a vaulted room make the space feel too lofty and undefined, that can be corrected with the installation of crown molding. The molding will add definition to the shape to a room and make the ceiling feel lower. But installing molding where the top of the wall meets the angle of the ceiling presents its own challenge. If you do not have experience cutting and installing interior trim, it is best to have an accomplished carpenter do the job.

    Insulating

    • The lofty corners of a vaulted ceiling have a tendency to lose cool air. Make sure that the corners of the ceiling are properly insulated before installing the drywall. Use a spray foam insulation that will penetrate the gap between the wall studs and ceiling joists. Spray the foam insulation into the gap and ensure that the insulation runs from the bottom of the ceiling corner to the peak of the ceiling.

    Heating

    • Heating a room with a vaulted ceiling can increase your utility bills. Since heat rises to the top of the room, the corners and peak of a vaulted ceiling will be warmer than the rest of the room. Insulation, as described in Section 2, will prevent most of the heat from escaping through the ceiling corners. Additionally, installing ceiling fans will circulate the heat in the room and drive down the extra utility costs.

    Cleaning

    • The corners of vaulted ceilings have a tendency to collect more dust and cobwebs than other parts of a room. Attach an extension onto the handle of a dry mop, duster or vacuum wand to clean the corners regularly. Using ceiling fans in the room will also help prevent the build up of dust.