How To Know If Vaulted Ceilings Are Right For Your Home

Vaulted ceilings are grand and luxurious. Originally constructed in Roman cathedrals, they have a way of giving your home a regal look. They've been called many names, including high ceilings, cathedral ceilings, and raised ceilings, per Homedit. Historically, vaulted ceilings have only referred to those with a self-supporting arch. Now, they refer to any angled ceiling above 8 to 10 feet high, per MasterClass.

Recently, these ceilings have grown in popularity. Many homeowners add vaulted ceilings over their living rooms or other common areas. While there are many types, MasterClass says that some of the most common vaulted ceilings in homes today are domed with a more narrow center, arched with a curved beam, barreled with a curved slope, or ribbed with exposed beams. However, while many enjoy the look of a vaulted ceiling, adding one to your home may not be the best choice for you. There are a few things to consider before deciding on vaulted ceilings, including the design, cost, and maintenance requirements.

The biggest deciding factor when it comes to choosing a vaulted ceiling is your design needs. Rocket Homes describes some of the pros and cons of this design choice. Vaulted ceilings can make small spaces look and feel larger. They also allow for more natural light as they increase potential window space. Vaulted ceilings are a great way to elevate an otherwise plain room. However, while the appearance of vaulted ceilings may be enticing, you'll want to consider the vibes you want in your home. Do you like elevated design choices, or do you prefer a more homey design? If you enjoy feeling cozy and secure, vaulted ceilings may not be the right choice, as they can make spaces feel like a cavern.

Another thing to remember is that, while vaulted ceilings provide extra space above your head, they don't offer any functional space, per RGB Construction Services. If you need extra storage space or want to add square footage to your home, vaulted ceilings may not be the best option. Also, they will most likely go out of style. If having a timeless home is important to you, you might want to reconsider vaulted ceilings. Finally, slanted or vaulted ceilings can be difficult to decorate.

Choosing a vaulted ceiling is ideal for those designing their own home. Adding a vaulted ceiling to an existing home can get pretty costly. HomeAdvisor says that the average price is from $16,00 to $24,00 and will depend on the age of your home, the type of roof, and labor and material costs, among other factors. 

Before adding a vaulted ceiling to your home, you'll want to inspect your attic space. According to the Design Build Remodeling Group, attics framed with rafters are great for vaulted ceilings. However, things like ductwork, plumbing pipes, and electrical lines will need to be relocated, no matter what kind of attic you have. This is why hiring a professional to complete this job is the best option. Another cost to consider is your utility bill. Because more energy is needed to heat and cool spaces with vaulted ceilings and the thermal barrier of your attic will be removed, your utilities will increase.

You'll also want to think about the maintenance of a vaulted ceiling. Because reaching a vaulted ceiling usually requires a ladder, tasks like cleaning the ceiling fan or light fixture, dusting, or replacing the light bulbs will be more difficult. If you live in a humid climate, you'll also want to watch for moisture buildup, per RGB Construction Services. This could lead to mold or mildew growth in areas that are hard to reach.