How to make my ceilings higher

Question

I recently bought a house that was built in the 1950's. the ceilings are lower than what typical newer houses have these days. I would like to make the ceiling seem higher and give the kitchen and family room more open air and a better vibe. The roof is old school trusses ever third ceiling beam. I was thinking about making coffered ceilings. To do this can I take the drywall down and put new drywall on the top of the rafters as they are 2x8's which would expose the beams and use them for the ridges in the coffered ceiling?

any advice would be appreciated

Answer 1

yes, painting vertical stripes might help, and whomever said use drapes that reach the ceiling is correct. also, my ex's dad painted his dining room ceiling to look like the sky and it was gorgeous and made the ceiling look higher.  

Answer 2

I agree that you should do some vertical stripes as decor to make it look taller, and dont have big furniture.  

Answer 3

To make ceilings appear higher, get neutral colored striped [up and down only] wallpaper. Avoid tall furniture, and lamps.  

Answer 4

Simplest thing i would do. is add drapes or curtains that reach the ceiling. It gives an illusion that the ceiling is much higher.

Answer 5

Sit down

Answer 6

Yes, but that's a lot of work............paint it white

The problem will be, if you nail the sheet rock, the nails will pierce your roofing, (this could be a problem).

White will make the ceiling seem further away..........

Luck

Answer 7

Lower the floor......

Seriously, not much you can do other than paint vertical stripes on the walls. Consider talking with a building contractor, or structural engineer  before you remove all the ceiling or you may find you pay alot more later to fix what you messed up..

Putting the ceiling on top of the rafters all depends on what raftering system the house has and will gain you only about 6 - 8 inches more, plus you have to contend with the trusses also.

With all the rafters and some of the trusses exposed, the air circulation will be greatly hindered up by the celing also.