Ceiling Material Ideas

Acoustical ceiling tiles hang on a metal grid system.

With so many design elements to consider, homeowners may overlook the ceiling when making choices about materials for use in building or remodeling. The ceiling can really enhance a room's look, however, making a period home seem more authentic or complementing the rest of the decor colors. Some ceiling materials are better at absorbing sound than others, and some are easier to maintain.

Pressed-Tin Panels

Old-fashioned pressed-tin ceiling panels complement older homes. Many homeowners install them on top of an existing drywall ceiling after nailing up furring strips. Paint the panels any color with oil-based paint after installation to avoid chips, then seal them with clear polyurethane. Pressed-tin panels don't have the same sound-absorbing properties as drywall, so you may not want to use them in large rooms where you entertain a lot of visitors, although rugs and drapes will help absorb some sounds.

Plank Paneling

Plank paneling, commonly used as wainscoting on walls, will give an authentic look to a period home or complement a country decor. Install the paneling so that the boards run perpendicular to the ceiling joists. Finish the look and hide gaps around the ceiling with flat molding or crown molding. Paint the plank paneling white for a classic look or a lighter version of the wall color for a more striking effect.

Drywall

Drywall is the most popular ceiling material choice in newer homes, since it is easy to install and finish. You can paint it to match or complement wall colors, and small water stains are easily covered with primer and a fresh coat of paint. Some contractors will spray a popcorn texture onto a drywall ceiling to finish it. This method is faster than carefully sanding and finishing the drywall seams, but many homeowners will find themselves trying to scrape off the popcorn texture several years later, since it is difficult to clean and paint.