Ceilings Perth may not be a focal point in the room, but they can certainly add character and personality. The options are endless – from sound-deadening materials to circulating fans, wood paneling, coving and more.
Although it fell out of favor in the Modernist and Minimalist-dominated decades, old-world grandeur is making a comeback. Rose Uniacke recommends restoring ceiling mouldings, and paint to achieve a decorative look.
If you’re not fond of the textured look, plain and smooth ceilings offer a sleek, classic appearance that complements any style decor. They’re also much easier to clean and maintain, as there isn’t any texture to trap dust and dirt.
While the appeal of a textured ceiling is still debated, many home and business owners prefer the clean, modern look of smooth finishes. Removing a popcorn ceiling and replacing it with a smooth finish is a relatively affordable project, especially when compared to the cost of repairing or repainting a damaged drywall surface with a matching texture.
In addition to being easy to keep clean, plain ceilings can help to make a room seem taller. Painting the ceiling a lighter color than the walls can draw the eye upward, making the space feel more spacious and open.
One downside of smooth ceilings is that they tend to be more susceptible to damage from water and moisture than textured surfaces. It’s not uncommon for a stray drop of water to cause a small amount of mold or mildew to develop. If the damage isn’t repaired right away, it may become more serious over time.
If your ceiling is prone to mold or mildew, there are products on the market that can help prevent these issues and keep them from coming back. These products typically involve putting up plastic barriers that can be placed against the ceiling to protect it from water and other damaging substances.
Depending on the type of ceiling you have, there are a few other considerations to take into account. For example, if you have wood beams, they’re likely to be visible on the ceiling and may need to be treated to prevent water or insects from damaging them.
As with everything, it comes down to personal preference and budget. Some people like the classic flat look of a smooth ceiling, while others prefer the added dimension that texture can provide. If you’re not sure what to do, consult a professional to see which option is best for you. They’ll be able to give you expert advice and work within your budget to ensure you get the results you want.
Beamed
Ceiling beams can add significant architectural style and character to a space. They may be made of wood, metal or a combination of materials and are often characterized by extra moldings or other features. They can also be stained or painted to suit the room’s decor. Beams can be used in many different styles of homes and can be incorporated into virtually any design theme.
A girder or web beam is an element of a timber-framed structure that carries a load, such as the weight of walls, ceilings and roofs. Generally, these beams are curved and have an ‘I’ or ‘H’ cross-section that is efficient at transmitting bending and shear loads. They are found in buildings and other structures such as bridges, trusses, and sheds.
Whether you are installing exposed beams in a new home or retrofitting them to an existing residence, it is important to take careful measurements and consider the structural limitations of the ceiling. It is also a good idea to consult with a professional engineer to ensure that the beams are properly sized and positioned to meet your design requirements.
If you are planning on using wood beams in your ceiling, it is essential to allow the beams to acclimate to the humidity of your home’s environment. This will prevent cracking and shrinking later on. It is also a good idea to use lag screws rather than nails. This will help prevent them from coming loose over time, and it is easier to tighten them down than to remove and replace a nail that has already come loose.
Some homeowners choose to use faux or simulated beams in their ceilings. Usually manufactured out of clear, light-radiating pine, they are often finished with natural oil to give them an authentic look. They can also be painted white or another color to match the rest of the ceiling. Some faux beams even have the appearance of weathered, aged or distressed wood.
For a more dramatic effect, you can paint a trompe l’oeil (fool the eye) illusion of real beams on your ceiling. This is a specialized technique and requires a high level of artistic skill, but it can be an inexpensive way to achieve the desired effect.
Vaulted
The ceilings of a building are often overlooked as a design element, but they have a large impact on the look and feel of a room. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing one there are many options to choose from that can add visual interest to your space and enhance the acoustics of a room. Beamed ceilings – either the actual support beams or decorative ones that are added over them can create a warm rustic feel to your home. Cathedral ceilings, which have 2 sloping sides can make an area feel bigger and are great for living rooms or dining areas.
Exposed
With the recent rise in popularity of modern farmhouse-style homes, exposed ceiling beams have become a staple design element. Whether defining a kitchen with their rustic charm or adding an architectural accent to a dining room, wood beams add dimension and interest to any space. Often found in new construction or in older renovations, beams offer an easy way to break up expanses of drywall and inject personality into soaring spaces. Whether reclaimed or new, they can also help to express the story of a building and offer a sense of heritage and security.
While exposing joists and beams has its own appeal, there are several considerations homeowners should keep in mind before making the decision to opt for this ceiling style. Firstly, unless spray-applied fireproofing has been used in the ceiling, exposing these elements may lead to violations of the local fire code. Secondly, a well-executed exposed ceiling can actually look better than a conventional ceiling and can provide a great amount of visual impact. However, it is important to remember that these ceilings do require extra maintenance as they must be regularly cleaned to maintain their attractive appearance.
Additionally, if these structures are not properly insulated, they can increase energy costs as heat will rise through the ceiling, unlike a suspended ceiling where ductwork and piping is hidden below the surface. Consulting with a professional is recommended to ensure proper insulating and the right aesthetic.
In the case of commercial buildings, the use of exposed ceilings can make a room feel bigger and create more visual interest, which helps to keep employees more focused. In addition, the extra overhead space allows for more air circulation and can help with cooling bills in warmer climates.
The biggest drawback of an exposed ceiling is the fact that it does not conceal mechanical and electrical installations. This can be a problem for those who want to install custom lighting fixtures or plumbing pipes. However, with the right ceiling clouds and baffles, these issues can be solved. These materials can be purchased in a variety of shapes and depths, colors, wood looks, and installation options to address the needs of any space.