Coffered ceiling - decor beyond time

Translated from the French "caisson" means "box", in architecture this concept arose as an ornamental decoration of vaults, arches, ceilings or walls. It is more often square, less often polygonal or round grooves, formed as a result of crossing of beams. Caissons are usually used to decorate public buildings, offices, libraries, offices. Here an important role is played by the property of such structures to absorb sounds, improving noise insulation. Beams, of which the supporting frame consists, are usually made of wood, but can also be made of gypsum in cases where stucco and plaster sockets are used for decor. Coffered ceiling is a good option for decorating rooms with exposed reinforced concrete beams on the ceilings. In this case, to create the desired pattern, false beams are used, which add to the existing ones.

The coffered ceiling has been known since ancient times. The mention of Greek paintings on the caissons dates back to the 7th century BC. In the Etruscan tombs in painting there are the outlines of caissons. The Romans moved away from the usual square form, and in their architecture one can find rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, diamond-shaped and even round forms of grooves. Their middle could be decorated with painting. Some samples of caissons have survived to this day. Roman architecture is characterized by the use of a large number of technical techniques, but the execution of parts is often coarse and false.

Further artistic development of this direction of decoration took place in Greece. The coffered ceiling was formed by stacking thin cassette tiles on the beams. It turned out to be an organic imitation of a wooden structure. Beam ceilings were created from marble, which made it possible to achieve high definition and elegance of architectural forms.

The Renaissance period introduced its architectural innovations. Used mainly Roman techniques and forms, which allows for greater ease, elegance. In the palaces, the coffered ceiling was decorated with wooden carvings and gilding. Then there are molded caissons with a wooden base.

Later, the architecture used the achievements of the Renaissance, but nothing new was added. Today, coffered decor is widely used in the light of old technologies, but with the use of modern materials. Decorating the room in a classical style, one can not but pay tribute to the nobility of such material as wood. The coffered ceiling can become a highlight of any interior, organically combining with the luxury of wooden furniture. One of the options for creating a ceiling is the frosted glass in the caisson , under which the spotlights are hiding in the recesses. Due to this, the light becomes diffused, soft. In this way, you can achieve even lighting of the room. Another option is to make a caisson from a false ceiling, for this use straight, recessed panels. This is a way to save the budget, while achieving the desired result.

However, if the decor requires a chic and a maximum of grace, then do not stint on the use of the most complex techniques. They can be hand carved wood on an individual sketch of the designer, the use of heraldry and painting of individual elements. If gypsum is used as the main material, then these caissons are decorated with stucco and alfray painting.

Among the advantages that a decorative ceiling has, there is an opportunity to hide most of the defects in the ceiling, improve noise isolation, expand the visual room, the rhythmic drawing will help focus attention. The design of the coffered ceiling allows for a few hours to install the finished cells using modern fasteners. Easy assembly and disassembly of individual elements makes it possible to conveniently place and maintain luminaires, ventilation boxes, air conditioning system.