In areas where the temperature does not get uncomfortably cold, or in some more rustic decorative settings, some people enjoy the option of not having a ceiling and allowing the roof to be exposed. Situations that would benefit from no ceiling are summer cabins and attic living spaces.
A common ceiling material is painted drywall. The homeowner installs the drywall in place, finishes it with joint compound, sands the seams and then paints the ceiling with the indoor-rated house paint of his choice. The ceiling can be painted a solid color or it can have patterns.
Textured drywall uses the drywall backing and then covers it with a texture such as a popcorn material or stucco. The texture can be a basic white, beige or gray color, or it can be painted over with house paint to match the decor.
Tile is a versatile home building material because its glossy look is appealing and it can be installed to create a variety of patterns. A tiled ceiling would be appropriate for a bathroom or kitchen installation.
Suspended ceilings that use acoustical tiles are simple to install and can be relatively inexpensive. A tile ceiling can be installed by a do-it-yourself homeowner for as little as $2 per square foot, according to the Home Wyse website at the time of publication. Tiles can come in a variety of designs and colors to match any decor.
A copper-powder-coated tin ceiling can be installed on a suspended ceiling grid or to drywall. It offers a very deep, brown color that can help accent the decor of a library or den.
Tin is installed in panels either in a suspended ceiling grid or over drywall. It comes in a variety of designs and offers a distinctive look.
Engineered or real hardwood ceilings can be used in rustic settings to match the color of the floor, or it can be used as a distinctive decorative touch to any other room. The pieces of a wood ceiling interlock like a floor and can be installed vertically or horizontally.
Inexpensive wood paneling can be used as a ceiling material as an alternative to using an engineered or hardwood ceiling. Paneling can also be used in smaller areas such as closets or pantries.
Aluminum offers a modern look that can come in a square or rectangular panels. Aluminum ceilings can have a decorative design printed on them, or they can be left as a flat sheet that reflects light.