What Is the Difference Between Tray & Covered Ceilings?

Tray Ceilings

• A tray ceiling is one that has a raised center, with squared or angled areas and edging. The squared and angled areas are lower and typically surround the perimeter of the ceiling. Tray ceilings add volume and height to a room. They are most often used in rooms with high ceilings.

Covered Ceilings

• A covered ceiling is one that has a material on the surface, which is typically something other than paint or a plain treatment, such as “popcorn” or acoustic-style tile. A ceiling can be covered with a wide scope of materials and embellishments, ranging from fabric to wallpaper and murals, or from tin to wood or bead board. Any material that covers and transforms a ceiling from having a plain, continuous surface qualifies a ceiling as being “covered.”

Similarities

• Tray ceilings and covered ceilings add interest, depth, dimension and character to a ceiling. Instead of just looking up and seeing a plain white or solid color, the eyes see shape, texture and definition. Covered ceilings are used to add texture and color. Tray ceilings add height and dimension. Both styles can give a room a wide scope of looks, from simple and subtle to ornate and full of decorative moldings and details. You can also create a combined tray and covered ceiling. For example, the ceiling might have a tray perimeter and the center space of the ceiling can be covered with fabric. Tray and covered ceilings can be designed and installed by professional interior designers or taken on as a do-it-yourself project.

Differences

• A tray ceiling requires the use of wood or wood-like panels, such as MDF board, to create and build a second tier to the ceiling. The tray is usually no more than 2 feet wide and often less than 1 foot in height. The edges of the tray treatment are often enhanced with decorative molding, which might also be a buildup of several molding strips of different sizes. The molding can be ornate, to give the room a classic style, or simple enough to frame the edges without being too ornate. You can choose from a wide range of materials to create a covered ceiling, while the requirements to create a tray ceiling focus more on straight panels to create the height and molding to create the decorative touches.