Is it tray ceiling or trey ceiling?

Category: home and garden interior decorating
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I've got a hunch how — at least in some people's minds — “trayceiling became “trey”: “très” is French for “very” (as in “very beautiful”). However, the correct adjective for a recessed ceiling — often directly over a bed or Dining Room table, and marked with dramatic, custom moldings — is “tray.”



Similarly, are tray ceilings out of style?

Tray ceilings are certainly not outdated in this day and age. They can, however, look outdated if executed incorrectly. Modern design allows for the incorporation of tray ceilings, even in contemporary homes. Let's take a look at tray ceilings and how it can be used today.

Furthermore, are tray ceilings worth it? Many homes can feel too squarish with their straight walls, straight floors and straight ceilings. Not only are tray ceilings good at separating the different areas of a large room, they are an easy way to add lighting where chandeliers or table lamps can't reach.

Keeping this in view, what is the difference between a tray ceiling and a coffered ceiling?

The two primary elements of a coffered ceiling are the crossed beam pattern and the infill panels that span between them. Tray ceilings, on the other hand, are made up of a single raised area of a ceiling in the center of a dropped border that runs along the perimeter of a room.

What is the point of a tray ceiling?

A tray ceiling, also called an inverted or recessed ceiling, features a center section that is several inches (or several feet) higher than the areas around the perimeter of the room. This design allows for the use of colors painted on the trim that can turn a bland ceiling into a focal point.

32 Related Question Answers Found

Do you paint a tray ceiling?

Paint the walls the same color as the tray walls.
Another easy way to paint your tray is to paint the walls of your tray the same paint color as the walls in the room. Leave the room ceiling and tray ceiling a lighter shade. The contrast will enhance your tray without adding lots of color above your head.

What type of ceiling is popular?

Vaulted/Cathedral Ceilings have typically been used in living rooms and great rooms on the main floor, but are increasingly popular in master bedroom suites – even in the bathroom.

Do you paint the ceiling first or last?

If you're painting an entire room, first paint the ceiling, then the walls. It's also usually better to paint large areas like walls before repainting the trim; because you'll work more quickly when covering open areas, this can result in roller spatters, overspray and occasional errant brushstrokes.

What is the latest trend in ceiling finishes?

One of the recent trends for ceilings is an ultra-glossy, reflective finish that shines. A glossy surface tricks the eye so the room feels larger, especially with lighter colors and furniture in place. However, the surface needs to be polished smooth so no bumps show if using paint.

What does a tray ceiling look like?


A tray ceiling, also called an inverted or recessed ceiling, features a center section that is several inches (or several feet) higher than the areas around the perimeter of the room. This design allows for the use of colors painted on the trim that can turn a bland ceiling into a focal point.

Can I add a tray ceiling?

A faux tray ceiling can be DIY-installed by attaching trim molding to the ceiling where you'd like to create the tray effect and then painting the center of the ceiling a darker color than the surrounding border to create a three-dimensional feel.

Are tray ceilings expensive?

Cost to Install a Tray Ceiling
Generally, it is much cheaper to install tray ceilings during the home's construction than to go back and have the work done later. Prices vary dramatically based on your location, the size of the home, the detail work and more, but generally plan on $500 to $1,500 per ceiling.

Do tray ceilings add value?

Typical flat ceilings can be altered to raised tray ceilings which in turn bring several lighting options to the table. Recessed lighting with dimmers and either modern or traditional wall sconces help build that coveted ambiance which is highly effective in appeal and home value.

How do you light a tray ceiling?

By placing a chandelier or pendant light inside a tray ceiling you draw attention to its shape and design and it becomes a focal point for the room. By painting a tray ceiling a dark color, the cove lighting or recessed lights will reflect on its surface and create a fuzzy, warm look.

How do you cut a tray ceiling?


Flat trim, such as wall casing, bead moldings and other flat wooden trim boards are used to outline tray ceilings. They can be positioned along the outside edge of the tray, where the tray meets the border of the ceiling, or flat against the top of the tray, where it meets the side walls.

Do coffered ceilings make a room look smaller?

Ceiling Color
You can also paint the crown molding the same color as the ceiling. Making the molding the same color as the ceiling can lend to the illusion of a coffered ceiling, or a ceiling with tiers in it, which will also make your room appear to be bigger than it is.

What are the different types of ceilings?

Ceiling designs have evolved over the years, and these are some of the most common types:
  • Conventional ceiling. This is the ceiling type commonly seen in homes.
  • Suspended ceiling.
  • Tray ceiling.
  • Coffered ceiling.
  • Cathedral ceiling.
  • Coved ceiling.
  • Shed ceiling.
  • Beam ceiling.

What is a trey ceiling?

trey ceiling is a term used in house construction suggesting a raised portion of a ceiling creating a second, or higher ceiling within a regular ceiling. I do not know why the word "trey" is used to denote this shape, although most trey ceilings look from below like a very large inverted flat tray.

What is a step ceiling?

A step ceiling is a series of trays, one inside the other, at different planes. There can be one or two or more steps, depending on the size of the home, the height of the ceilings and the amount of your building budget.

What is a raised ceiling called?


Vaulted ceilings are any elevated ceiling. It's an umbrella term for elevated ceilings – cathedral and shed ceilings fall into this category. That said, flat, tall ceilings aren't typically referenced as vaulted, but can be.

What is a double tray ceiling?

Tray ceilings are bonus architectural features in any interior space. They are built upward in a vertical or angled cutout resembling a tray. Adding color, pattern, texture and embellishments to a double-tray ceiling creates a distinctive design statement.

What do you do with tray ceilings?

Great Ideas to Make Your Tray Ceiling a Focal Point
  1. Decorate Tray Ceiling with Paneling.
  2. Tray Ceiling and regular walls same, Tray walls different color.
  3. Tray slightly deeper than version of wall color.
  4. Tray Color same as walls.
  5. Accentuate the shape of tray ceiling.
  6. Decorate your tray with moldings.
  7. Decorate tray with tiles.
  8. Exposed beams.