Cathedral Ceiling Ideas

Tongue and Groove

• A natural wood tongue-and-groove ceiling is a beautiful feature in a home, creating a grand yet simultaneously informal effect. Knotty pine finished with clear polyurethane will reflect enough light to make it practical, and will also add more to the insulative value of the ceiling than will drywall. Tongue-and-groove lumber should be brought into the living area at least a week before it is to be installed, in order for it to acclimate. If the pine is installed in the middle of winter and it is dry and cold, it could swell and buckle in humid weather. Conversely, if it is installed in the heat of summer, you may find gaps between the boards in January.

Skylights

• A cathedral ceiling is an ideal opportunity to include skylights in your home. The height of the ceiling, combined with the light-filled and airy effect of skylights, creates a very spacious feeling in a living room. If you live in a very hot climate, skylights should be installed on the north-facing part of the roof in order to avoid direct sunlight entering the home. In a primarily cold climate, the opposite is true; solar gain from a skylight can help to heat your home. If you are not skilled in roofing techniques, it is advisable to hire a professional to install your skylight. Improperly installed skylights are the cause of many roof leaks, which can lead to structural damage in your home.

Chandeliers

• If you have ever wanted a chandelier in your home, your cathedral ceiling is the place to put it. Few modern homes are built with the 15-foot ceilings of earlier eras, so the only places a chandelier is a possibility are stairwells and cathedral ceilings. A modern home can be complemented by a minimalist chandelier made of brushed nickel and white glass globes, while a heritage home can show off an ornate antique chandelier to great advantage. If possible, install your chandelier so that it can be lowered down to floor level for easier cleaning; it will get very dusty over time.