It adds nice visual interest to an otherwise boring sea of ceiling.

I do not like them since they do always dictate furniture pplacement and maybe since this is a reno open it up to see if you like the vault at all which seems to be hiding in there . I guess the issue is are you keeping the arched doorways then IMO a nice arched vault would be a good plan but I would need a lot more info to advise more than that.

Do a search for "sky painted on ceiling". Add led tape light at the cove. That room is going to be depressing with a flat ceiling.

Commenting to add that this is a COMPLETE Reno. Look past the paint color and lack of trim. It won’t be depressing without the tray, it’ll be like any other room. We’d put in appropriate lighting, ceiling fan(s) etc. all of the paint is getting changed. Trim going up. So this comment is just added to say, when advising: look past how boring the room is now. It won’t be that way later

I did not even see the paint color but my questions are valid the style you want drives many things in a reno furnishings are added after all the other things are decided. I do not think a flat ceiling is boring but so much depends on what you are planning . You have no ideas in your idea books so we are working in the dark.

I think the barrel vault is interesting but you don’t need us to justify removing it. Design your renovation and see if it fits.

I normally like a try ceiling. I do not care for the barrel shape in this one - the proportions are off. I would vault the whole ceiling instead of filling that in.

Patricia Colwell if you see this, I wasn’t referring to you in my first comment, I did appreciate your advice! 😊. This is really my first time using the app so I don’t have anything saved yet, just thought I’d hop on and see if anyone had any quick thoughts. Most of the arches will go as we will be knocking down walls, except perhaps one, but that’s undecided. I do like the idea of a vaulted ceiling. If there’s any way to dress up or update the tray ceiling I’m open to that as that would probably be cheaper, but just needing to get feelers out there!

Maybe do wood and some uplighting for drama?

That was exactly what I was wondering - whether using wood would turn the barrel into something interesting. I really love the photo posted by Debbi above - but the barrel is wider (runs the entire ceiling). I wonder if it would look nice with it being narrower like OP's? It just seems too narrow for the size of the ceiling.

What will you be using the room for?

I like the height it adds to the room. I think I’d keep it. Paint it the same color as the rest of the ceiling. And if you can open up the ceiling and level it out that’s what I’d do. But if there’s too much stuff up there and closing it in is the only option I’d just keep it as is. I wouldn’t add too much attention to it though.

Here are some pics with more of an arch

I think what is throwing things off in your room now is that the wall color is on the ceiling. If the ceiling was white, it would feel very different. I do like the molding that was done in the last picture and lights hanging in the barrel.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone. I think what I struggle most with is how deep and narrow it is. It’s the living room of the house so it’s a main entertaining space. I think were considering between covering it up altogether or opening up to a vaulted ceiling now

This is your chance to get what you really want. Don't settle for a previous owner's vision if you don't like it.

Definitely vault it!! 💗💗💗

I think what I struggle most with is how deep and narrow it is

Yes, the scale is totally off and bothers me a lot, too. Would much rather have a flat ceiling than this ceiling.

Have you considered a coffered flat ceiling?

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I have considered a coffered ceiling but there’s not an abundance of natural light in the house and the ceilings are only 8 ft, so I’d be worried it would end up making it feel smaller and darker

I don't know what the structure allows above, but making the entire ceiling into a shallow barrel vault, doesn't sound like a bad idea.

Until you have a total plan for the room; An easy, effective, & low-cost solution would be to paint the ENTIRE ceiling the same color. (I believe it is the vast contrast between the white and the blue that makes the barrel ceiling look off.)

I think this is ahuge issue thta needs to be addressed before you can move forward. I do like coffered ceiings done with no real paln they are often the dictator for furniure and lightin arrangements . I still have no idea about your style and IMO thta will drive the bus. Right now that ceiling is the issue and nothing can be done until you decide what that will be .I think we all need to have some clue as to what your plan for style is IMO that will make this choice much easier . Without a real plan IMO do not touch anything .

We have 8 foot ceilings in our vacation home and did shallow coffered ceilings in the family room and office. They are just flat stock, only about 1-2" deep by about 3-4" wide. Arranged simply, and painted the same color of the ceiling, they add some texture and interest without being oppressive.

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