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
