Cathedral Ceiling vs. Vaulted Ceiling: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re building a new home or just want to redesign your existing home, a raised ceiling—like a cathedral or vaulted ceiling—can make a room appear larger and create space for windows and skylights. However, they differ in key ways when it comes to their construction and the aesthetic they offer. This guide breaks down the differences between cathedral and vaulted ceilings to see which would work best in your home.

Cathedral Ceiling vs. Vaulted Ceiling: Key Differences

It’s easy to get a cathedral ceiling and a vaulted ceiling confused. After all, they’re both types of raised ceilings that add height and a look of grandeur to a room, but they’re constructed differently. A cathedral ceiling follows the roofline and is installed on the roof trusses, while a vaulted ceiling sits below the roof trusses and is self-supporting. A vaulted ceiling can also be curved, whereas cathedral ceilings are sloped. 

Installing a vaulted ceiling can cost more than a cathedral ceiling, but the final cost depends on the size of the space, the existing structure, and the type of vaulted ceiling you choose. If you know a raised ceiling is a must-have for you, speak with a ceiling pro who can discuss your options. 

What Is a Cathedral Ceiling?

Cathedral ceilings have two symmetrical sides that slope upward, following the pitch of the roof and meeting in a ridge below the peak. They’re named for the place where they originated—cathedrals. Historic and even modern cathedrals are known for their soaring ceilings and high walls. A cathedral ceiling brings a similar grandeur into your home and creates a more open space.

Best for:

• Homes that would benefit from a symmetrical look

• Households with a tighter building or remodeling budget

• Homeowners who want more natural light in their space 

Pros of a Cathedral Ceiling

A cathedral ceiling creates beautiful symmetry in a space and makes a room feel bigger than it is. Because roof trusses can be manufactured to support a cathedral ceiling, installation isn’t as difficult as it was in the past when it had to be custom-built. Cathedral ceilings also provide the opportunity to add large windows to a room and let in more natural light. 

Cons of a Cathedral Ceiling

Cathedral ceilings, while easier to install than in the past, still add costs to your ceiling project because they require more labor and trusses that are built specifically for cathedral ceilings rather than standard ceilings. Additionally, cathedral ceilings aren’t the most energy-efficient option because heat rises, and the room will need proper air circulation or additional heating to keep the living area comfortable.

What Is a Vaulted Ceiling?

A vaulted ceiling is similar to a cathedral ceiling in that it dramatically raises the ceiling, but it’s self-supporting rather than being installed on the roof trusses. For instance, a vaulted ceiling sits below the roofline and doesn’t have to follow it. It doesn’t have to be symmetrical and can be curved (instead of sloped). This allows for several different ceiling vault types that can complement the overall design of a space.

Best for:

•  Homes that would benefit from an asymmetrical look or curved ceiling

•  Homeowners who want a custom look and design

•  Households with a larger building or remodeling budget

Pros of a Vaulted Ceiling

A vaulted ceiling offers more than a cathedral ceiling in terms of customization. The curve of a vaulted ceiling can reach between the sidewalls or form a dome in the center of the room. Vaulted ceilings can also be sloped and feature asymmetrical designs that work well in modern and contemporary homes.

Cons of a Vaulted Ceiling

Vaulted ceilings come with the same energy efficiency challenges as cathedral ceilings. Because the ceiling is higher, heat will rise and keeping the living area comfortable requires adequate air circulation or more heat, which can increase utility bills. A vaulted ceiling is also more expensive to install than a standard or cathedral ceiling because it must be custom-built to fit the space. 

Cathedral Ceilings vs. Vaulted Ceilings

Making the decision between a cathedral ceiling and a vaulted ceiling means taking a few factors into consideration. Here’s how the two ceiling types stack up in terms of appearance, customizations, installation, and price. 

Appearance: Tie

The winner of the appearance category comes down to the actual design and how it fits into the space. Both types of ceilings can be customized with beams, skylights, or other accents, though as far as the design itself, vaulted ceilings offer more customization options.

Options and Customizations: Vaulted Ceilings

While cathedral ceilings follow the roofline by definition, vaulted ceilings offer many opportunities for customization. They can be curved, domed, or have asymmetrical slopes and angles. You can add one-of-a-kind molding and detailing to enhance the space's unique look. 

Ease of Installation: Cathedral Ceilings

Cathedral ceilings follow the roofline, so while the trusses cost extra, installing a cathedral ceiling is a more straightforward process. Installing a vaulted ceiling requires more care to build the support structure and curve the drywall sheets to fit.

Price: Cathedral Ceiling

The cost to install a raised ceiling falls between $20,000 and $50,000, but the price varies with the type of raised ceiling you choose and whether you install it during the initial construction phase or find ways to raise an existing ceiling. 

Installing a cathedral ceiling during the initial construction costs less than installing a vaulted ceiling. However, the costs differ if you want to install either in an existing home. It’s best to get a consultation and quote from a local ceiling contractor who can help you transform your space.