In modern wood frame construction,
there are a variety of ways to treat the
ceiling. Flat ceilings that are higher
than the standard 8 feet are sometimes
called "cathedral" ceilings east of the
Mississippi. Ceilings that are flat in the
center with edges sloping or stepping
up to that center are referred to as "coffered"
or "pan" ceilings. The so-called
"vaulted" ceiling simply pushes the
ceiling up to the underside of the rafters
of a gable roof. Any of these ceiling
types can highlight a room or make it
appear larger, but none have quite the
same effect as a properly proportioned
barrel vault.
The barrel vault ceiling has its roots
in early architecture, when arches in