The Old Ceiling Trend That's Coming Back (And If It's Right For Your Home)

When it comes to architectural design and residential homes, there are a million different design choices that can be made and just as many preferences among homeowners. Among these potential design choices, one old ceiling trend seems to be coming back with a vengeance, bringing a grand and dramatic look to many homes: double-height ceilings.

Double-height ceilings can bring a new level of sophistication to a home while ensuring an open and spacious feel. This design ensures plenty of open vertical space in a room — most commonly, the living room. With the increase in space above a living area, this ceiling style can create a quieter room and improve ventilation and air circulation. If matched with large windows, the design can also provide a better view while letting plenty of sunlight in. As a result of these benefits, you may also find that high ceilings add value to your home and can help you sell it for more if you ever decide to do so. 

Like with any type of home trend or feature, however, there are pros and cons, so you'll want to put some serious thought into whether it's the right choice for your home or not.

Perhaps the biggest disadvantage to double-height ceilings is that they can cause energy efficiency to suffer considerably. When there's so much extra vertical space in a room, it will become harder to heat it, especially if there are large windows as well. Likewise, cooling can also be difficult and your AC will need to work a lot harder.

On top of the decrease in energy efficiency, the openness of the room can lead to less privacy as well. It can reduce privacy in mezzanine areas and the increased window size may also lead to more people being able to see inside your home if there are no window treatments or shades. Cleaning hard-to-reach spots when you have high ceilings can also be tricky as can maintaining and repainting these areas. You'll also need to think carefully about how to decorate a room with high ceilings. Also, be aware that the costs of renovating a home to include double height can also be more expensive, even if it can help increase home value. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you have a double-height ceiling in a room, it may prevent you from making use of the same space for other purposes. In the same area, you could add a second floor instead and have other upstairs rooms at your disposal.

So, when considering this ceiling trend for your home, be sure to think about both the good and the bad. While high ceilings offer a stylish look and extra spaciousness, other factors may suffer. These disadvantages may or may not be worth it for you.