While doing up our home, we take a lot of interest in everything, like the walls, the flooring and the general décor. Often the ceilings go quite unnoticed. However, now doing up ceilings is the current trend. Recent research has shown that ceiling height affects problem-solving skills. High ceilings activate the idea of freedom, and enable a flow of problem solving to unfold. In a low-ceiling room, feelings of constraint and confinement reduce problem solving.

Says A Bimal Hegde, Director - Marketing, Chartered Housing, “Ceilings play an important role in interior decoration. They are one of those elements that, if not treated well, spoil the ambience, but if done well, do a great deal to enhance the same. They are also used for lighting purpose. In case of galleries and other such similar spaces, lots of lighting is from the ceilings.”

False ceilings
A false ceiling is placed below the actual ceiling and is used extensively to cover the main ceiling. It is also useful as it acts as a good sound barrier and can be used to change the lighting of any space. False ceilings come in different colours and patterns to complement the overall decor of the room. Plaster can also be used to create a rough texture on ceilings as per one’s design considerations. With a false ceiling there is a big advantage of concealing things like wiring, ducting, etc. Also the air gap between the two layers works as a layer of insulation. “In these cases the lighting is generally done once the building is occupied, keeping in mind the position of work stations, etc. They can be moved without any hassle to any position required since the wiring will be hidden above the false ceiling. In case of residence, false ceiling is not that common, but is used to create a particular ambience or in some cases to cover a structural oddity,” explains Hegde. Using panelling is a good option to create physical barriers and different lighting effects. “By increasing and decreasing ceiling height and adding diffused lighting, the entire ambience of a space can be changed,” explains Pritvi Rao, partner, PR Design Group. In fact, he opines that wooden panelling can create a feeling of warmth in a room. Also, as far as lights are concerned, it is recommended not to have direct light. 

Skylights
Skylights or roof windows are used in ceilings to ensure there is a natural light stream in a room and create a sense of cheer and space. Introducing a skylight can create a dramatic effect in any space. The location of the skylight is usually based on the sun angle and prevailing wind direction if the skylight has the option to open. They come in myriad styles and sizes and in addition to offering extra light, the overhead window enhances ventilation when opened. Skylights are glazed with acrylic, polycarbonate or glass. “Skylights are created with a wash of natural light and brightens up large areas. In homes normally they are commonly used above the bathtub or washbasins in the bathroom,” explains Rao. However they can be very effectively used to attract and draw attention to a specific space.

  Twinkling roofs
And finally after a hard day’s work, if you would like to see stars (yes, quite literally!) you can check the option of a ‘twinkling roof’. With this you will not just see stars and planets, but also the moon, rockets and satellites on your ceiling. The process involves creating objects with an imported material on your ceiling with imported glue. During the day this is invisible but once the room is dark, the objects are seen. The process takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete for a 100 sq ft ceiling that is 10x10 and costs between Rs 50 and Rs 500 per sq ft, depending on the design. Kiran Kumar, proprietor, SHY, the brainchild behind this concept, says, “Customer response has been encouraging. Most customers are happy, some feel refreshed and others say their concentration levels have improved and ‘solve problems’ due to ‘vaastu’ properties.”

In fact, another variant is ceiling art that you can paint yourself or have some professional paint a picture on your ceiling that would match the overall image of the room. For example, in a child’s bedroom it would probably be more appropriate to use cartoon characters or animals. However be cautioned that ceiling art cannot be changed easily and becomes a somewhat permanent fixture.

“Personally, I think the ceiling should be simple and not attract too much attention. Light colours can be used to make the space feel more open and large. For residences there could be very minimal lighting on the ceiling. But the lighting on ceiling should be thoughtfully positioned or else there will be lot of glare, and become very disturbing for the users,” adds Hegde.

 Remember there is a lot you can do with ceilings. Just combine the materials you choose with lighting to achieve the ambience to suit your requirements. And remember the sky is the limit!