Great Ideas for Ceiling Remodeling Projects

When you are considering a remodel project, don't overlook the ceilings. Often times during the course of a renovation project it is easy to get so wrapped up in paint color, and wall finishes, and other design concerns that ceilings get the short stick. There are many options which can transform you dull plain white ceiling into a focal point of the room.

One easy and low cost ceiling renovation option is just to add a ceiling medallion to the room. Ceiling medallion were once very common in older homes. Ceiling medallions can add a feeling of sophistication and elegance to a room. They are especially appropriate in a formal dining room, and work well with a chandelier install. Medallions come in two types - plaster and plastic. The plaster types are becoming more difficult to find, but they are still out there, or you can even cast your own if you want.

Another great option is to install a stamped metal ceilings. Metal ceilings can add allow of character to a room, and can also add some sound attenuation to a room. Metal ceilings come in a very large variety of types including chrome, tin, steel, copper, brass, and aluminum. Most come prefinished which is a great option because you don't have to worry about them peeling or flaking later in the ceiling's life.

Another surprising option is to consider installing a suspended acoustical tile ceiling. Today's suspended ceiling options are not the same old bland options from yesterday. Today's ceiling tiles come in a variety of styles and types. An especially contemporary look is to use two foot by two-foot tiles. Suspended ceilings are especially appropriate in certain applications. For example if you have some piping or other things that you want to hide on your ceiling (like a basement remodel) then a suspended ceiling is a great idea.

An idea, which has become more and more popular, recently is to install tongue and groove beadboard wainscoting. While it is common to use this product on walls and bookcases it can be installed on ceilings with a great effect. An ideal location to consider using this product is in a home office area. Because it is a wood product it gives some great acoustics, and it lends a warm feeling to a room. This helps to create the right feeling for a home office.

A low cost idea is to not even touch the ceiling proper, but just to install some decorative molding around the ceiling to help to kick up the feeling and elegance of a room. When compared to some other ceiling renovation options this one is very inexpensive and is well within the area of a typical home do it yourself project. Precut, prefinished molding is available in Lowes or Home Depot. The prefinished option makes installing the molding a snap.

No matter what ceiling renovation project you undertake one word of safety is in order. Be aware that many so-called "popcorn" ceilings, which were installed in the 1970's, contain asbestos. You will want to make sure that you have the ceiling tested by an asbestos remediation expert before you touch or disturb the ceiling.