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Design Inspiration

6 Benefits of Using Acoustic Trellis Ceilings in a Commercial Space

June 3, 2021

Commercial spaces need to have more than a builder-grade interior. They need to have a style and presence that can make clients and consumers sit up and take notice. This means that the entire room must have a cohesive look and a dynamic, multi-dimensional design in order to make a memorable first impression. 

One style and material that can help set commercial spaces apart is a Softspan® trellis ceiling. This versatile design allows for a combination coffered and trellis ceiling look while providing acoustic, noise-dampening benefits. The result can be an eye-catching ceiling that offers both form and function. 

1. Acoustic Enhancement

Traditional coffered ceilings are made from wood, which apart from being heavy and difficult to install, can lead to increased sound reverberation. SoftSpan® solves this through its construction using Arktura’s own lightweight, high-performance Soft Sound® material. This is able to improve the acoustics of spaces by absorbing unwanted sounds and echoes. Thanks to a selection of realistic Soft Sound® Wood Textures, it is able to do this while replicating an array of natural wood finishes.

For large, open spaces, as well as areas that can have high occupancy, using an acoustic ceiling can dramatically improve the sound quality of the room. With a trellis ceiling, you have sound control along with a graceful and dynamic appearance. 

2. Elegant Visual Appeal

Tom Harris Architectural Photography

Ceilings are often considered the fifth wall in interior design. This means that you need to pay just as much attention to the ceiling as you do to the rest of the surroundings. For open, airy and elegant spaces, a trellis ceiling can be the perfect complement. 

The open design and warm color add instant visual appeal and depth to the room. 

At the same time, the open nature of the trellis means that things like skylights or frosted glass ceilings can be easily seen right through the pattern. This can give you the ability to have your unique interior ceiling trellis and natural lighting at the same time. 

3. Lightweight Layered Design


“Reception Area Ceiling Detail” Featuring: SoftSpan® 48 by Arktura

An open trellis baffle system made of Arktura SoftSpan® is as lightweight as it is elegant. This means that, unlike traditional, heavy coffered ceilings, you can use them to layer over the original ceiling, creating depth and adding interest to the room. It’s also possible to change the angle and placement of the trellis ceiling panels so the design can change with the needs of the space.

Designs like this one can also be used to help define the areas below. Creating seating areas beneath each section of baffles allows you to create the illusion of private spaces within an open area. 

4. Additional Visual Height

SoftSpan® 24 by Arktura

One of the advantages of any type of interior ceiling trellis or coffered ceiling design is the way it creates the illusion of height. The spaces between the baffles make the ceiling look taller than it really is. At the same time, the warm color and natural texture of the trellis ceiling panels make it feel cozy, rather than cold and overly spacious. 

By suspending a trellis a few feet below the actual ceiling, you can fill in some of the empty space and create a more dynamic look for a big room. 

5. Design Variety

Trellis ceilings can be used in a wide variety of ways. This includes suspending them or setting them into the ceiling. Trellis ceilings can create several different looks and styles, such as helping define specific areas, while also accenting the space’s height as well as a unique style. 

It’s also possible to use the trellis ceiling panels simply as an accent — in this case, running it down the middle of the room. This keeps the room from becoming overly busy, while still offering a lot of visual interest and other benefits. 

6. Open Access

Arktura SoftSpan 24
“Office Workspace” Featuring: SoftSpan® 24 by Arktura

Many ceilings in commercial spaces need to be accessible for the HVAC, electric and plumbing work that needs to be done routinely. Using a trellis-style ceiling can give you unfettered access to these utilities, while also creating an industrial and contemporary style for the space. 

The pattern and placement of the baffles will help disguise many utility lines while allowing access and helping to control the sound from above as well as from below. 

In addition, the open features of the baffles mean that it’s easy to incorporate a range of lighting styles. Hanging pendants between the baffles can be a simple and effective measure that also enhances the overall look of the room. 

Capture the Benefits of Using Trellis Ceilings in Your Next Commercial Project

Ceilings are becoming more important to the overall look and feel of commercial spaces. This means that the days of utilizing an old, drop-ceiling are quickly fading. Make sure you understand the kinds of benefits that using a more dynamic ceiling, like this type of interior ceiling trellis, can give to a room, so you can ensure your designs are keeping pace with the changing needs of commercial properties. 

Contact the design experts at Arktura today to get started on your trellised ceiling design.


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