In an era where each and every detail of home design has to be crafted from cookie cutter descriptions, each genre tries to be a little different. Improvisation is always essential in taking an overrated concept and making it you own. This applies to all types of design – be it graphics, illustrations, architecture or interiors. Ceiling design is only one single aspect of interior design, but it might as well define your entire ambiance. It is a singular entity that houses so many sub genres of its own that it is hard to pin down a single thing to like or want. Tray ceilings are one of the most common, and simple ceiling designs used in interior designs.

They are generic and require little to no maintenance – a particular cookie cutter ceiling design concept. It is called so because it resembles an upside down tray that can be molded with the right lighting patterns. Now you can take the standard shape of the tray ceiling and design it with a personal flair. Today, we will be looking at a few beautiful tray ceilings that might inspire you to redo your own.

by Mark pinkerton photography

Knowing the Tray Ceiling

The tray ceiling is the exact reverse of a drop ceiling. The edges of the tray are usually done in the drop, while a large depression forms the belly of the ceiling. You can hang chandeliers from the very middle of the depressed part, or you can run the length of rope light on the very edges of the tray drop – it ultimately depends on you. The tray ceiling is not a very grand design, but it can add a bit of elegance and sophistication in an entirely simple way – an overall classic approach. Below, we’ve compiled a list of excellent tray ceiling ideas for you to choose from.

by Cornerstone Architects

Playing with Shapes

No one room is ever the same size or shape. Dimensions always vary when it comes to the specifications of interior designing. Similar is the case with tray ceilings. You can always play with the edges of the tray ceiling – add some steps to make it seem uniquely designed. You can also use the tray ceiling design in circular or hexagonal/octagonal rooms to achieve a classier ambiance through ceiling design. Even in more rigid room schemes such as square and rectangle, you can play with lighting fixtures as well as ceiling drops to create unusual shapes.

by Vanguard Studio Inc.

Using Steps

Since the tray ceiling is a very generic formation of false ceilings, you can always add more levels to the tray drop to create steps. Not only would this form make the simple tray ceiling more appropriate for grand settings, but it will give you opportunities to play with ideas and fashions in rope lighting trends. One step is the simplest form, but having two to four can enhance the aesthetics of your ambiance. These steps would have to be 6″ or 1′ higher to feature a respectable drop.

by RLH Studio

Crown Molding

Crown molding or cornices are an age-old way for decorating room edges and are the best feature to have if you want a simple, yet elegant ceiling design. These act as great dividers between the wall space and the original ceiling. Elementary in nature, the crown molding is done in small, strategically spaced steps that give it a more classic look. These can be color coordinated to match with the color and texture palate of your ceiling. These are also available in various designs, so you would have a vast variety even when you want the simplest form of false ceiling. However, if you overdo the crown molding in any way, it can also take away from the elegance of your room.

by Lowery Design Group

Now that you have an idea of the different forms of false ceilings, you can know what to look for to enhance the ceiling design.