Welcome to our Ceiling and Wall Terminology. Whether you’re a homeowner, a contractor, or an interior designer, understanding these terms will help you make informed decisions about your ceiling and wall projects.
Let’s make it easy – here’s a list of common ceiling and wall terminology with clear explanations to help you get started.
A
Acoustic Ceiling Tiles — Special tiles designed to absorb sound and reduce noise in a room. They are often used in commercial spaces, theatres, and offices. Learn more about acoustic ceilings.
Architectural Molding — Decorative strips or trim installed on ceilings and walls to add style and elegance to a room. Common types include crown moulding and baseboards.
B
Backsplash — A protective wall covering, often found in kitchens and bathrooms, designed to shield walls from splashes, stains, and moisture.
Batten — Narrow strips or boards used to cover joints or seams in ceilings and walls. They can also serve as decorative elements.
C
Caulk — A sealant used to fill gaps, joints, and seams in walls and ceilings, preventing air and moisture from penetrating.
Ceiling Fan — An electric device mounted on the ceiling that circulates air to cool or heat a room. Ceiling fans come in various styles and sizes.
Coffered Ceiling — A ceiling design featuring sunken panels or recessed sections, often adorned with decorative moulding or trim.
Cornice — A decorative moulding or trim installed where the wall meets the ceiling. It adds a decorative touch to the room.
Crown Molding — A specific type of cornice, characterized by its decorative, often ornate design.
D
Drywall — Also known as plasterboard or wallboard, drywall is a common building material used for creating interior walls and ceilings.
E
Eggshell Finish — A type of paint finish that has a subtle sheen, often used for walls to provide some washability and a slight gloss.
F
Faux Finish — A decorative painting technique that mimics the look of materials like wood, marble, or stone, often used to enhance walls and ceilings.
Fire-Rated Drywall — Drywall designed to provide fire resistance, commonly used in areas where fire protection is required, such as garages or near fireplaces.
G
Gypsum — A mineral used in the production of drywall and plaster. Gypsum is a key component in creating smooth and even wall surfaces.
H
Hanging Beams — Decorative beams suspended from the ceiling, used to add visual interest and character to a space.
I
Insulation — Material used to control the temperature and sound in a room. It is often placed in walls and ceilings to improve energy efficiency and reduce noise.
J
Joint Compound — A substance used to cover and smooth seams between sheets of drywall, creating a seamless and even surface.
L
Lath and Plaster — An old building technique that involves attaching a wooden lath to the wall or ceiling and then covering it with plaster for a smooth finish.
M
Mural — A large, painted image or scene that covers a wall or ceiling, often used to create a focal point in a room.
N
Nail Pop — The visible protrusion of a nail or screw head in a wall or ceiling, often due to temperature and humidity changes. It needs to be repaired for a smooth surface.
O
Oversized Ceiling Fans — Ceiling fans with larger blades, designed to provide increased air circulation and cooling in larger rooms.
P
Paint Finish — The level of sheen or gloss in paint, such as:
- Matte
- Satin
- Glossy
Different finishes are used on walls and ceilings to achieving desired effects.
Plaster — A construction material used to create a smooth and durable finish on walls and ceilings. It can be applied in various ways, including traditional plastering and plasterboard.
Q
Quarter-Round Molding — A type of moulding used to cover gaps or transitions between baseboards and floors, as well as at the top of walls.
R
Recessed Lighting — Light fixtures that are installed into the ceiling, provide an unobtrusive and even source of light.
S
Soffit — The underside of an architectural element, often used to cover and protect roof overhangs or ceiling edges.
Stucco — A textured wall finish created by applying layers of cement, sand, and water. It can be used on both interior and exterior walls.
T
Textured Ceiling — A ceiling with a non-smooth surface, often created with techniques like popcorn or stippling to add visual interest.
U
Underlayment — Material installed beneath the main wall or ceiling covering to provide additional insulation, support, or soundproofing.
V
Venetian Plaster — A high-end wall finish created by applying multiple layers of plaster and then burnishing the surface to achieve a polished, marble-like appearance.
W
Wallpaper — Decorative paper with patterns or images that is applied to walls to enhance the room’s aesthetics.
Wainscoting — A decorative wall covering that extends from the chair rail to the baseboard, often made of wood panels or beadboard.
X
X-bracing — A diagonal brace used to stabilise walls or ceilings in construction, providing additional support and strength.
Y
Yankee Gutters — An architectural feature where the roof’s gutter system is hidden within the walls, creating a seamless and elegant look.
Z
Zigzag Pattern — A pattern often used on ceilings and walls, involving a series of alternating angles or lines to create visual interest.
Thank you for exploring our Ceiling Terminology. We hope this resource has enhanced your understanding of the various ceiling terms associated with ceiling projects.
Whether you’re renovating, decorating, or designing, this knowledge will help you make informed decisions. If you have any further questions or need assistance with your ceiling and wall projects, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Your dream interior is just a call away!