Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Do you know the difference between a cathedral ceiling and a vaulted ceiling? If not, don’t worry! We’re here to help.
In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between these two types of ceilings. Cathedral ceilings are more common than vaulted ceilings, but both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. So, which one is right for your home? Keep reading to find out!
What is a Cathedral ceiling?
A cathedral ceiling is a tall, arched ceiling that is often found in churches or cathedrals. The word “cathedral” comes from the Latin word for “church.” Cathedral ceilings are often decorated with paintings or sculptures, and they can be very beautiful.
Cathedral ceilings can also be found in some homes and other buildings. They are usually made of wood or stone, and they can be very high. Cathedral ceilings can make a room look very large and spacious.
Pros of Cathedral ceilings:
-They make a small room appear more spacious.
-The added height can make a room feel more open and airy.
-Cathedral ceilings can also add an element of drama or sophistication to a space.
-If you have high ceilings, you may be able to take advantage of natural light by adding skylights or windows.
-Cathedral ceilings can also be a great way to add character to a home.
Cons of Cathedral ceilings:
-They can be difficult to heat or cool.
-If you have high ceilings, you may need a ladder to dust or clean ceiling fans and light fixtures.
-High ceilings can also make a room feel more formal or intimidating.
-If you have young children, cathedral ceilings may not be the best option as they can be dangerous to play in.
What is a vaulted ceiling?
A vaulted ceiling is a type of ceiling that is constructed with arches or vaults. Vaulted ceilings are often seen in churches and other large public spaces, but they can also be found in homes. Vaulted ceilings can add an element of grandeur to any space, and they can also help to make a room feel more open and airy.
If you’re considering adding a vaulted ceiling to your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, vaulted ceilings can be quite tall, so you’ll need to make sure that your room has enough height to accommodate one.
Second, because they are often constructed with delicate materials like plaster or stone, vaulted ceilings can be quite expensive to build.
Pros of vaulted ceilings:
There are many reasons to love vaulted ceilings. They can make a room feel more spacious and airy, and they can also add a touch of drama. Here are just a few of the pros of vaulted ceilings:
-They make a room feel more open and airy: Vaulted ceilings tend to be higher than standard ceilings, which can make a room feel more open and airy. This is especially true if the vaulted ceiling is made of glass or another light-colored material.
-They add a touch of drama: Vaulted ceilings often have a sense of grandeur about them, which can add a touch of drama to any room.
-They can be energy-efficient: Because vaulted ceilings are higher than standard ceilings, they can help to trap heat in a room, making it more energy-efficient.
Cons of vaulted ceilings:
However, there are also a few drawbacks to vaulted ceilings. Here are a few things to keep in mind before deciding if a vaulted ceiling is right for you:
-They can be difficult to clean: Vaulted ceilings can be difficult to reach, which can make cleaning them a challenge. If you have allergies or asthma, this can be a particularly difficult task.
-They can be noisy: Vaulted ceilings can amplify sound, which can be a problem if you live in a noise-sensitive area.
-They can be costly: Because vaulted ceilings are often larger and more complex than standard ceilings, they can be more expensive to construct. If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, this could be a drawback, as potential buyers may not be willing to pay more for a home with a vaulted ceiling.
-They may not be allowed in some areas: In some jurisdictions, building codes may not allow for the construction of vaulted ceilings. This is something to check into before you begin any construction.
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to vaulted ceilings. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully before deciding if a vaulted ceiling is right for your home.
Differences Between Vaulted and Cathedral Ceilings
There are several key differences between vaulted and cathedral ceilings that you should be aware of before making a decision about which one is right for your home.
Perhaps the most obvious difference is the height of the ceiling; a cathedral ceiling will typically be much taller than a vaulted ceiling.
This can have an impact on the overall feel of the room, as well as the amount of natural light that is able to enter.
Another key difference is the shape of the ceiling. A cathedral ceiling will typically be more rounded, while a vaulted ceiling may have more of an angular look. This can again impact the overall feel of the room and how much natural light is able to enter.
Finally, the type of construction used for each ceiling can also be quite different. A cathedral ceiling may use more traditional methods such as wood framing, while a vaulted ceiling may make use of more modern materials such as steel or concrete.
Cathedral vs vaulted ceiling cost.
There are two types of ceilings that are often confused: cathedral and vaulted. They both have a raised, arched design, but there are some key differences between the two.
Cathedral ceilings are taller than vaulted ceilings, and they have a more dramatic, pointed arch. Vaulted ceilings are lower and have a more gentle, rounded arch.
Cathedral ceilings are more expensive than vaulted ceilings because they require more materials and labor to build. Vaulted ceilings are less expensive because they are not as tall and do not have the same dramatic arch.
Cathedral ceiling cost:
The cost of a cathedral ceiling will vary depending on the height, width, and materials used. Cathedral ceilings are made with either wood or metal beams and rafters. The beams and rafters are then covered with drywall, plaster, or paneling.
The average cost of a cathedral ceiling is $25 per square foot. This includes the cost of materials and labor.
Vaulted ceiling cost:
The cost of a vaulted ceiling will also vary depending on the height, width, and materials used. Vaulted ceilings are made with wood beams and rafters, but they can also be made with metal or concrete. The beams and rafters are then covered with drywall, plaster, or paneling.
The average cost of a vaulted ceiling is $20 per square foot. This includes the cost of materials and labor.
FAQs
Is a vaulted ceiling the same as a cathedral ceiling?
The answer is no. A cathedral ceiling is higher and has a more dramatic look, while a vaulted ceiling is more subtle and can be found in many different types of homes. If you’re looking for a way to add some height to your home, a cathedral ceiling is the way to go.
Are cathedral ceilings outdated?
Cathedral ceilings were once all the rage in new home construction. But are they now considered outdated?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding if cathedral ceilings are right for your home. First, cathedral ceilings can make a space feel very open and airy. If you have a small home or want to make a room feel larger, a cathedral ceiling can be a great option.
However, cathedral ceilings can also make a space feel colder and more formal. If you’re looking for a cozy and inviting atmosphere, cathedral ceilings may not be the best choice.
Another thing to consider is the amount of work required to maintain a cathedral ceiling. Because they are so tall, cathedral ceilings can be difficult to clean and dust. If you’re not up for the challenge of regularly cleaning a high ceiling, you may want to opt for a different style.
Do vaulted ceilings add value?
There is no definitive answer, as the value added by a vaulted ceiling will vary depending on the specific home and market. However, in general, homes with vaulted ceilings tend to sell for more than comparable homes without them.
What do you call a half vaulted ceiling?
A half vaulted ceiling is simply a ceiling that has been partially raised or extended upwards. This type of ceiling can add both visual interest and height to a room, and can be used to create the illusion of more space.
Half vaulted ceilings are often found in entryways, living rooms, or dining rooms, but can really be used in any space where you want to add a bit of drama.
Can you turn a regular ceiling into a vaulted ceiling?
The answer is yes, you can turn a regular ceiling into a vaulted ceiling. However, it is important to note that this is not a project for the faint of heart. You will need to have some experience with construction and be comfortable working with tools and materials.
Conclusion
Cathedral ceilings and vaulted ceilings are both beautiful architectural features that can add style and elegance to any home. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of before making a final decision.
Cathedral ceilings are typically taller than vaulted ceilings, and they often have exposed beams or trusses that give them a more traditional look.
Vaulted ceilings, on the other hand, tend to be more modern in appearance and often have skylights or windows that let in natural light.
Ultimately, the choice between a cathedral ceiling and a vaulted ceiling is a matter of personal preference. But knowing the key differences between the two will help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your home. Thanks for reading!
