They can feature molding, lighting, wallpaper, or other decorative elements to enhance a room.

When done correctly, tray ceilings can look striking.

Want more design inspiration?

tray ceiling ideas

Instagram /@forbesmasters

Here, Michelle Berwick Design has decorated the tray ceiling with hardwood planks.

The ceiling complements the floors while the chevron-like pattern adds interest and texture in this modern,all-white room.

Moldings come in lots of different shapes, so theres plenty to choose from.

tray ceiling with wallpaper

JLA Designs

And to complete the luxe look, finish with a crystal chandelier like Charbonneau Interiors did.

Keep It Minimal

Desiree Burns Interiors

Not every tray ceiling has to be embellished with additional details.

Sometimes less is more, especially if your style leans minimal.

wooden tray ceiling

Michelle Berwick Design

Here Charbonneau Interiors added shiplap in a diagonal pattern to decorate the tray.

This instantly draws your attention to the ceiling, even though its all white.

Then paint it in a dark, glossy color that contrasts the walls like Ashley Webb Interiors did.

tray ceiling with molding

Charbonneau Interiors

This pulls a room together and is ideal for those who want a tray ceiling that complementsfarmhouse decor.

And for even more of a standout feature, paint the beams in a bold color.

This highlights your ceiling while also making it fit seamlessly with the rest of the room.

painted trim tray ceiling

Britt Design Studio

Mix It Up

Make a big statement with your tray ceiling with a mix of decorations.

This tray ceiling features molding, wallpaper, and a grid design all finished with a feature pendant light.

Kate Marker Interiors did just that and the result is a stylish living space that oozes sophistication.

circular tray ceiling

Charbonneau Interiors

The result is a subtler look that still draws attention to the ceiling while making them feel taller.

Cover With Dark Wood Shiplap

Erin Williamson Design

Go bold with a dark woodshiplaptray ceiling.

Pair With Millwork

Highlight a simple, white tray ceiling with some bright colored walls.

minimal tray ceiling

Desiree Burns Interiors

Here Britt Design Studio has accentuated the ceiling by contrasting it with dark colored, millwork walls.

Yes, tray ceilings are widely used across a variety of design styles and eras, including contemporary houses.

In other words, they are a timeless feature that will always have a place in interior decor.

shiplap tray ceiling

Charbonneau Interiors

However, there is no right or wrong way to decorate a tray ceiling.

grid pattern tray ceiling

Ashley Webb Interiors

tray ceiling with beams

Morse Design

tray ceiling with gray beams

Instagram /@brittdesignstudio

wood lined tray ceiling

Latham Interiors

two-tone tray ceiling

Mary Patton Design

double ceiling tray

Louis Duncan-He Designs

tray ceiling ideas

Instagram /@forbesmasters

hexagonal tray ceiling

Morse Design

high contrast tray ceiling

Kate Marker Interiors

modern tray ceiling

Interior Impressions

gray and white tray ceiling

Charlie Coull Design

curved tray ceiling

Charbonneau Interiors

tray ceiling with dark wood shiplap

Erin Williamson Design

matching walls and ceiling

Forbes Masters

color drenched walls and ceiling

Forbes Masters

tray ceiling with millwork walls

Instagram /@brittdesignstudio

tray ceiling with architectural molding

Mary Patton Design

tray ceiling with gold paint

JLA Designs