Everything You Need to Know About Coffered Ceilings

When it comes to the interior design of a room, we may initially think of what is right in front of us: the walls, the furniture, and perhaps the windows and lighting. But the key to high quality, effective interior design is to never forget about the fifth wall.

Your ceiling is heavily responsible for setting the tone of your space. From warm and cosy low-ceilinged living rooms to expressive high-ceilinged libraries and museums, ceilings draw the eye and have the ability to create façades and illusions, aiding you in transforming your space and moulding it to your wishes.

In this blog, we will be exploring coffered ceilings, a classic architectural detail that has been creating interior design magic for thousands of years.

What are Coffered Ceilings?

A coffered ceiling is a series of sunken panels laid out evenly and framed by beams or mouldings that are used to decorate a ceiling in a grid-like pattern. These recessed panels are often square or rectangular but can also be seen in triangular, hexagonal, and octagonal varieties.

Coffered ceilings are celebrated for their ability to add depth and drama to any space. The architectural elegance that a multi-dimensional ceiling imparts on a room creates a real focal point, drawing the eye upwards and creating more visual intrigue.

Origins of Coffered Ceilings

Ancient Egypt

Early examples of a grid-like pattern being used to decorate a ceiling are firmly rooted in Ancient Egypt. Tombs and temples constructed by pharaohs featured stone ceilings with recessed panels that were painted with celestial bodies and religious scenes.

Along with being stunningly decorative, the recessed panels in the coffered ceilings of Ancient Egypt were utilised to reduce the weight that large stone slabs would add, making the upper floors of buildings lighter and therefore easier to support.

The Middle Ages

The rise of Gothic architecture brought verticality and light into focus during the Middle Ages. Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses became all the rage, with elaborate, decorative details such as ornate paintings and stucco being used to adorn ceilings and create visual intrigue. During this time, the beams of the coffered ceilings were usually created using wood instead of stone for better structural integrity.

Stunning examples of coffered ceilings in Medieval architecture can be seen time and time again in Italy, such as in St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

The Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

Coffered ceilings saw a huge surge in popularity in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, primarily featuring in the homes of the wealthy elite. Whilst coffered ceilings had served a primarily structural purpose until this point, the nineteenth and twentieth century saw a number of coffered ceilings installed solely for their aesthetic allure and decorative grandeur.

The most notable example from this time period is Buckingham Palace which features a number of coffered ceilings, most notably in the Royal Closet and the Throne Room. These coffered ceilings serve the purpose of adding depth and visual intrigue to such large rooms, with elaborate adornments such as plasterwork flowers, gold and royal blue details, and coat of arms embellishments featuring in the intricate designs.

The 2020s

Coffered ceilings have made a huge comeback in the 2020s. With wide design variations at their fingertips, architects can create unique experiences through the refurbishment of mid-century buildings with concrete vaulted ceilings or on geometric feature ceilings in new builds. Popular details include SAS WoodTones, SAS Mesh, SAS740 linear, and completely bespoke ceilings.

Benefits of Coffered Metal Ceilings

Increased Sound Absorption

Coffered ceilings help to absorb sound and reduce noise levels and echoes in a room, making spaces feel quieter and more comfortable. Using perforated metal tiles, the increased area and varied orientation of each surface both absorbs and diffuses unwanted noise. This feature is especially beneficial in large, open spaces with high ceilings.

Improved Light Reflectance

Available in a variety of finishes, natural light reflectance is controlled using different gloss levels. The design of coffered ceilings also helps to reflect, or sometimes magnify, light more effectively, brightening up a room without the need for additional lighting. This can create a more inviting and open atmosphere.

Dramatic Lighting Integration

Coffered ceilings provide a unique architectural framework for integrating ambient or accent lighting. The recessed panels create the perfect setup for adding LED strips or pendant lights to a space. With a wide range of geometrical shapes and depths, each layout is unique in the way that shadow and light are considered.

Our Coffered Ceiling Projects

Concrete & Metal Coffered Ceiling Integration