A ceiling is the visible surface that closes the upper limit of an interior space. It is commonly described as the surface covering the top of a room. In most buildings a ceiling is not a primary structural element: rather than carrying loads it hides the underside of the floor above or the roof structure and finishes an interior.

Materials and common forms

Ceilings are made from a variety of materials and may be finished plainly or ornamentally. Typical materials include plaster or gypsum board (drywall), timber planks, metal panels and manufactured tiles. Suspended or "drop" ceilings create a secondary plane below the structural slab to conceal ductwork, wiring and piping. Architectural forms include flat, vaulted, domed and coffered ceilings; each form affects room volume, light and acoustics. For discussions of how ceilings relate to broader building design see general architecture resources.

Types and characteristics

  • Plaster and drywall: smooth, paintable surfaces used in most residences.
  • Wood: warm appearance; often used with exposed beams or panelling.
  • Suspended systems: removable tiles for easy access to services.
  • Decorative finishes: plaster mouldings, frescoes and glazed or mosaic mosaic or tile coverings.

Certain finishes are chosen for acoustic control or fire resistance as much as for appearance. Ceiling height, surface texture and the location of lighting all shape how a space feels and functions.

History and notable examples

Ceilings have been decorated since antiquity. In many religious and civic buildings the overhead surface became a prominent field for art: painted frescoes fresco work, gilding and inlaid mosaics transformed ceilings into narrative or ornamental planes. One of the most famous examples is the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo Buonarroti, which illustrates how a ceiling can be both architectural element and major work of art.

Beyond aesthetics, ceilings perform practical roles: they conceal services, contribute to thermal and acoustic performance, and define the perceived scale of a space. Distinctions to note include the difference between a ceiling and a roof (the former is interior finish, the latter is the outer weatherproof covering) and between a ceiling and a soffit (a lowered exterior or interior surface under an overhang). For more on construction methods and design considerations consult technical or architectural sources.