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The Best Living Room Ceiling Design Ideas For Any Home

Groin Vault and Cove Ceiling in Modern Living Room
A Groin Vault ceiling transitions to a Coved Ceiling - by Archways & Ceilings

Your living room is where you spend the majority of your time. It’s not called a living room for no reason! So, since it’s where you’re spending a lot of time, with family, on your own, or hosting guests, it should be a focal point of your home.

A great ceiling, whether you have a large or smaller home, can be what sets your home apart, taking it to new levels (excuse the pun).

There are so many options to upgrade your ceiling, from vaulted styles to cathedral-style ceilings. Here are some different types of ceilings with 10 stunning living room ceiling ideas to inspire you.

Making A Statement With A Vaulted Ceiling Design

Cross Vault Ceilings

The cross-vaulted ceiling uses the same pattern as a Groin Vault . However, the intersecting Barrel Vaults are crossed past the intersection to create a cross (hint: it’s all in the name).

Pro tip: Cross Vaults work best when they are recessed into your ceiling. So instead of a flat ceiling, you’ll have an elevated ceiling with plenty of height. Add a beautiful chandelier and your living room will be transformed immensely!

Cross Vault Ceiling in Living Room
A custom Cross Vault with a stylish finish give this living room something to talk about (besides the dog!) - by Archways & Ceilings

Barrel Vault Ceilings

If you’re looking for a living room ceiling idea that makes an impact, then look no further than a Barrel Vault ceiling . This involves lining up a continuous series of arches to form a smooth and almost tunnel-like appearance.

A Barrel Vault ceiling is wonderful if your living room is perhaps longer than it is square or wide. For example, if you live in a townhouse with a narrow living room, this is perfect for creating an appearance of height and volume in the room.

Barrel Vault Ceiling Framed in Living Room with Fireplace Detail
A Barrel Vault being framed flows into a remodeled fireplace - by Archways & Ceilings

Igloo Ceilings

Igloo Ceilings are also known as Lunette Vaults. This type of ceiling is essentially a barrel-vaulted ceiling, with the difference being the additional intersecting arches that make way for windows for doorways.

These work well if your living room has windows on opposite walls, where a regular Barrel Vault wouldn’t work. These also work well in an open-plan home, with interleading doorways, as those additional archways will take into account those walkways.

This can create a beautiful sense of flow throughout your living room and give it a more organic look with curves.

Igloo Vault for a Modern Living Room Ceiling
This Igloo Vault adds dimension and space to a narrow living room - by Archways & Ceilings

Simple Yet Impactful: Dome Ceilings

Never underestimate simplicity. A Dome Ceiling , though perhaps not as complex looking as some of the other designs, is sure to make an impact and wow anyone who steps into your home.

The great thing about Dome Ceilings is that they don’t just have to be circular (yes, you read right). There are elongated and oval dome options too.

For example, if you have a longer-shaped living room or perhaps even a narrow room, then an Elongated Dome or Oval Dome ceiling would look great. This way, it creates the illusion of height, which is great for a smaller space.

For a more modern take on this classic ceiling style, keep the molding simple with clean lines and less detail. This is a simple and stylish way to upgrade your living room and give it a whole new look.

Add a modern statement light fixture in the middle and your living room will be the talk of the town!

On the other hand, you could keep it traditional and install a beautiful chandelier in the middle instead. This works well if the overall style of your home is a more traditional or older style. Of course, it all depends on how high your ceiling is and the look you’re going for.

Recessed Dome Ceiling With LED Lighting in Living Room
A Dome Ceiling with LED lighting brings character to this otherwise traditional living room - by Archways & Ceilings

Modern Ceiling Designs for Living Rooms

Modern home designs are all about certain design elements. These include clean, simple lines, geometric shapes, and modern light fixtures, and, of course, this extends to the ceiling of a room.

If you’re looking to upgrade your room, with a modern feel, consider including interesting geometric shapes, a pop of color, or even some really cool, contemporary lighting.

Here we looked at some really great modern ceiling designs for your living room.

Radius Ceilings

If you’re looking for a slightly simpler though still impactful ceiling design, a Radius Ceiling is a great option. With various designs, from ovals to inside and outside corner radiuses, there’s something for everyone.

This style works especially well if you’re perhaps more limited with the amount of height you can extend the ceiling to.

Another great idea is to pair interesting lighting with a radius ceiling. For example, you could have colored lighting running on the inner edges of the curves. Or, for a minimalist look, you could keep it simple with downlights.

Keeping to a modern look, adding a pop of color to the ceiling is a great way to draw attention upwards and adding extra appeal to your living room.

Double Radius Ceiling With Ceiling Fan In Living Room
This custom ceiling features a double Radius Ceiling and a modern ceiling fan - by Archways & Ceilings

Astroid Curve Ceilings

If you’re looking for something more on the dramatic side for a modern home, then an Astroid Curve ceiling is the way to go.

You may be wondering what even is an Astroid Curve ceiling? Essentially, these ceilings are patterns designed and fitted into a tray or flat ceiling.

They come in various patterns and designs and are a great living room ceiling idea if your home has limited space to play with.

Modern Ceiling Design in Living Room with an Astroid Curve Ceiling
An Astroid Curve Ceiling is the focal point in this modern living room - by Archways & Ceilings

Conclusion

A ceiling is often the most overlooked part of a room’s design, especially the living room. However, changing the ceiling can make a significant impact on the overall appeal of the room.

Whether your home is small, or if you have a large family home, adding a custom ceiling to your living room can create the illusion of height and volume while adding style and character at the same time. Our living room ceiling designs can work well in any home, but even more so if your living room is small or narrow. Let your imagination run wild when it comes time to finish it, from paint to wood paneling to brick or tile, the possibilities are endless. 

At Archways & Ceilings we specialize in ceilings (it's in our name!), so of course we have many different ceiling kit options to choose from. From the simple and modern to the opulent and dramatic, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your style. And if you don't see anything at first glance, just let us know and we’ll help you customize something to fit your needs.

Design Your Living Room Ceiling Today

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