Coffered Ceiling Vs. Tray Ceiling: What Is The Difference?

People often lump coffered and tray ceilings together, but there are many differences between the two. The differences span from price, ease of installation, and materials to the style options that come with each.

When it comes to coffered ceilings vs. tray ceilings, both have similar design elements like recessed areas and geometric expressions. Both treatments can also add dimension and depth to your space. Though, coffered ceilings are made up of two primary design elements: a crossed beam pattern and the infill panels that extend across between beams. Tray ceilings, on the other hand, consist of a single raised area in the middle of a drop-down border that goes around the room’s perimeter.

However, these aren’t the only differences between these two ceiling treatments. When deciding whether to add coffered ceilings or tray ceilings to your home, consider your priorities. If your focus is dramatic design, and your budget is high, coffered ceilings might be a better choice. If you want a less expensive, more subtle way to add something unique to your ceiling, we suggest tray ceilings.

In this article, we’ll go through the features of each type of ceiling. Then we’ll address the pros and cons of each, and which type of ceiling is best for your needs.

The word “coffer” literally means “indentation”, in architectural terms. A coffered ceiling features a group of sunken panels in a variety of shapes in a ceiling. The grooved shapes give the ceiling a 3-D effect and are usually arranged in a grid-like pattern.

The indentations in the ceiling are framed by hollow faux beams. These beams are purely decorative and are not part of the structural integrity of the ceiling.

The coffered ceiling look has been around for centuries. Today, they are a modern nod to the baroque and early Renaissance style of architecture. In early iterations, coffered ceilings were made of stone, which was an impressive feat for the time.

Tray ceilings are sometimes known as inverted or recessed ceilings. With a drop-down border around the perimeter, they look like an upside-down tray – hence the name. The center section of the ceiling sits anywhere from several inches to several feet higher than the outside perimeter.

Recessed ceilings are often used in large, open rooms like living rooms or dining rooms, or wherever you’ll be entertaining. Since the ceiling is usually the main focal point of the room, many people add elaborate molding. Contrasting colors and special lighting are also ways to enhance the effect.

Tray ceilings are constructed using dimensional lumber and are wrapped with drywall. They are usually constructed within the ceiling joists during construction, but can also be added in later.

So, what’s the verdict? Both ceiling types have many advantages. They are similar in that they both can be retrofitted to an existing ceiling. However, installing them during construction is easier.

Both coffered ceilings and tray ceilings enhance the visual appeal of the room they are in. They are a great talking piece for guests, and both offer many options for customization. While they have similar benefits, tray ceilings do not have quite as many drawbacks. If we base this strictly on the pros and cons, tray ceilings have our vote. Tray ceilings can be just as beautiful as a coffered ceiling but are easier, faster, and cheaper to install. If you want a budget-friendly, quick way to improve the look of your ceiling, this is the way to go.

While a tray ceiling can make a room feel bigger, more open, and have a more lavish architectural design, a coffered ceiling has the effect of breaking up a space and making it feel more intimate. Coffered ceilings can also be designed with a variety of materials, but tray ceilings are almost always covered in drywall and plaster and then finished with crown molding.

However, as with most things, your choice should be based on your priorities. If you want to make a more elaborate visual statement, and time and money are no object, choose coffered ceilings.

With a cost range of $2.50 to $10.50 per square foot for an average-sized room, tray ceilings are quite a bit cheaper to install than coffered ceilings, which cost between $17 and $60 a square foot. Again, since coffered ceilings require more advanced carpentry skills, labor, and time to complete, they are more expensive to install.

Depending on the material and design you choose, coffered ceilings cost an average of $25 per square foot. You can expect to spend $3,750 on average to put in a coffered ceiling on a standard 150-square foot build.

Tray ceilings, on the other hand, are generally easier and quicker to install and use more standard materials. Like coffered ceilings, the price of a tray ceiling will depend on several factors, like the size of your room and the details involved. It also depends on whether you’re adding it during construction or afterward.

Tray ceilings usually cost anywhere from $500 to $1500 during a new home construction. Whereas, to add in a tray ceiling afterward, it will probably cost around $1500 to $3000.

Related Questions

Can you add a tray ceiling to an existing room?

Yes, you can add a tray ceiling to an existing room. However, it’s important to note that the drop-down border of a tray ceiling will reduce headroom in the space. So, it’s recommended that you only add tray ceilings to rooms with ceilings that are already more than eight feet high.

Is there a quicker way to install coffered ceilings?

Some ceiling companies offer coffered ceiling kits that you can install yourself. The company customizes the kit for the size of your room. They also give you detailed instructions and videos on how to install the ceilings. Depending on the size and details, this might be an easier and more cost-effective way to add coffered ceilings.