Cathedral Ceiling

• A cathedral ceiling has equally sloped sides that are taller than the walls. While a cathedral ceiling gives a room a spacious appeal, it has design issues. The roof trusses, which support the ceiling, must provide enough room for ventilation and insulation. It is more difficult to change light fixtures, paint or repair, and it costs more to heat and cool a room with a cathedral ceiling.
  
  

Vaulted Ceiling

• Unlike a cathedral, a vaulted ceiling can have uneven sides, since it has a different pitch than the roof. Common in cathedrals and buildings for centuries, vaulted ceilings come in many styles including rib, wagon and fan. The vaulted ceiling's downward slope to the lowest wall makes a room look larger, but the extra height adds to the utility costs.
  
  

Cove Ceiling

• A common ceiling of the Victorian era, a cove ceiling has a smooth, curved surface that joins the walls with the ceiling. With a luxurious and formal look, it is one of the most expensive ceiling to build because it requires more skill and time. Named for cove molding, a cove ceiling works and looks best in rooms with 10-foot minimum height.
  
  

Suspended Ceiling

• A suspended ceiling is an effective way to conceal wiring, plumbing and provide sound insulation. Ceiling tiles fit into a metal grid that hangs from the ceiling beams, and lowers the ceiling about 6 inches. Gypsum or drywall tiles have an industrial appearance, while fiberglass is the cheapest but does not paint well. The more costly plaster ceiling tiles give a room a formal look and paints easily to fit your decor.
  
  

Shed Ceiling

• Only one side of a shed ceiling slopes, making it more practical for painting and repairs. The added height still gives a room a strong visual appeal. The shed roof does not slant as much as a cathedral, so utility costs are cheaper. It usually solves the insulation and ventilation issues with an attic above the ceiling.