Alternative Ceilings

Wooden Ceilings

• Wooden ceilings are regaining their popularity. Wood provides an upscale but rustic touch to a home and a variety of finishes to work around any homeowner's budget. Wooden beams can run along ceilings, and paneling can cover up any unwanted wires and support structures.

Metal Ceilings

• In Europe, metal is a popular ceiling material. In both beam and panel form, a metal ceiling provides a clean and contemporary look, which is common in high-rise lofts and art studios. A metal ceiling is a good investment because it will outlast a typical mineral ceiling, according to Buildings.com. To drown out noise and echoes, however, you must perforate the panels before installation.

Dome Ceilings

• Though most ceilings are flat, a dome ceiling can enhance the look of a home and make a room appear bigger. This ceiling is a concave dome covered in plaster, sheetrock, paint or specialized paneling such as metal or wood. Crown molding often accents the dome shape around the base to give it a classic look.

Cathedral Ceilings

• Though popular in Europe, the cathedral ceiling was an uncommon ceiling type in the United States for many years. This ceiling angles up from the walls and forms a peak at the top, usually in line with the rooftop itself. Similar to a dome shape, this type of ceiling adds depth and space to a room. A cathedral ceiling, however, costs more to heat, because hot air rises to the top of the ceiling rather than staying in the room.