I like my coffered ceilings painted white.

Picture

Would definitely raise up the ceiling.

Think painting the beams, and the ceiling in between a light tan, would be nice.

I would consider removing the crown molding. It looks like it was added at a different time anyway. Could simplify and clean things up a bit. You might have to add a small trim piece depending on what the edge of the panels detail is to the beams. Love the beam work! @Eric Owens

yeah that ceiling is pretty low to be coffered like that. lighten lighten lighten. if it makes you crazy just take it down, i dont know what the previous people were thinking.

since you are going to get rid of the really pretty dreadful carpeting for hardwood, you might want to do that before you spend any money on the ceiling. reassess when you have visually a bit more height.

I would also remove the ceiling fan and add recessed can lights to the ceiling.

I would consider painting all of the ceiling and coffer beams the same color white. Perhaps a satin sheen. If you had some additional money in the budget I would consider removing the dental crown and replacing it with a cove mould or crown mould. Good Luck!