Tray ceilings are one of the most common types of ceilings. They are often described as an upside-down tray on the ceiling and are also called recessed or inverted ceilings. A tray ceiling works from the outer edges of the toom. It features a recessed center that is higher than the perimeter of the ceiling, which makes the center of the room the highest part of the ceiling. This creates a leveled or stepped look for the ceiling.
This why tray ceilings are also referred to as inverted or recessed ceilings. Unlike coffered ceilings that feature several recessed sections in a grid pattern, tray ceilings have only one large recessed section. A tray ceiling can also make a room seem larger and more spacious. They can also be used to put emphasis on ornamental decorative objects within the room.