What’s the Difference Between a Coffered Ceiling and a Tray Ceiling?

The ceilings in your home can be conventional and flat, or you can elevate your space with a unique ceiling design that adds both flair and includes functional benefits, such as improved acoustics. Coffered and tray ceilings are two popular options for decorative ceilings, but what sets them apart? We've highlighted the key features of each style to help you choose the best fit for your home, design preferences, and budget.

What Are the Differences Between Coffered Ceilings and Tray Ceilings?

While coffered ceilings and tray ceilings are sometimes used interchangeably, they are distinct in appearance and intended architectural function. Take a closer look at what sets these ceiling styles apart to choose the best option for your home.

Coffered Ceilings vs. Tray Ceilings: Core Differences

While tray ceilings are sometimes thought of as wallet-friendly alternatives to coffered ceilings, these styles have significant differences that can change the look and feel of the rooms they are installed in.

Design

Coffered ceilings have multiple recessed areas, while tray ceilings just have one. Originally, coffered ceilings were used in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome to support domed ceilings with additional beams. Tray ceilings, however, became more popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a less expensive alternative to coffered ceilings.

Function

Coffered ceilings are used in rooms where you want to create an intimate atmosphere; they can break up an interior space and improve a room’s acoustics. That said, they can make a ceiling seem heavy and low, so they are best used in rooms with very high ceilings.

Tray ceilings, by comparison, offer a grandiose architectural style and work to open up a room and make it appear larger. These ceilings can also be a smart way to hide the addition of a vent system in older homes—many use the perimeter of the tray ceiling as a way to hide wires or plumbing.

Materials

These ceiling styles often use different materials. Tray ceilings are almost always wrapped in drywall and plaster and finished with crown molding. Coffered ceilings are typically made with wood, steel, or glass. The beams of a coffered ceiling can be “faux beams,” which is a lightweight material such as plaster or Styrofoam. “Functional beams” are made from real wood to add support to the ceiling. 

Cost

The cost of coffered ceilings is much more expensive than that of tray ceilings, as they require more materials and additional hours of labor. While the final price will depend on the materials used, the size of the ceiling, and optional features such as lighting, expect to spend $3–$7 per square foot for a tray ceiling and $10–$40 per square foot for a coffered ceiling. To get the most accurate quote for your ceiling design, contact a ceiling company near you.