Translated from French, "caisson" means "box", in architecture this concept arose as a decorative decoration of arches, arches, ceilings or walls. These are often square, less often polygonal or round indentations resulting from the crossing of beams. Caissons are usually used to decorate public buildings, offices, libraries, offices. An important role is played by the ability of such structures to absorb sounds, improving sound insulation. The beams that make up the supporting frame, as a rule, are made of wood, but can also be of gypsum in cases where stucco molding and plaster rosettes are used for decoration. The coffered ceiling is a good decoration for rooms with exposed concrete beams on the ceilings. In this case, false beams are used to create the desired pattern, which are added to the existing ones.
The coffered ceiling has been known since ancient times. The mention of Greek paintings on the caissons dates back to the 7th century BC. In the tombs of the Etruscans in the painting there are outlines of caissons. The Romans moved away from the usual square shape, and in their architecture you can find rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, diamond-shaped and even round shapes of recesses. Their middle could be decorated with painting. Some samples of caissons are still preserved. Roman architecture is characterized by the use of a large number of techniques, but the execution of parts is often rude and false.
Further artistic development of this direction of decoration took place in Greece. The coffered ceiling was formed by laying thin cassette tiles on the beams. It turned out an organic imitation of a wooden structure. Beam ceilings were created from marble, which allowed to achieve high definition and grace of architectural forms.
The Renaissance period introduced its architectural innovations. Mostly Roman techniques and forms are used, which allows for greater lightness and grace. In the palaces, the caisson ceiling was decorated with wooden carvings and gilding. Then there appear stucco caissons with a wooden base.
Later, the architecture used the achievements of the Renaissance, but nothing new was added. Today, coffered décor is widely used taking into account old technologies, but using modern materials. Decorating a room in a classical style, one cannot but pay tribute to the nobility of such material as wood. The coffered ceiling can become a highlight of any interior, organically combining with the luxury of wooden furniture. One of the options for decorating the ceiling is frosted glass mounted in a caisson , under which spotlights are hidden in niches. Due to this, the light becomes diffused, soft. In this way, uniform illumination of the room can be achieved. Another option is to make a caisson from a false ceiling, for this use direct, recessed panels. This is a way to save the budget, while achieving the desired result.
However, if the decor requires chic and a maximum of grace, then they will not skimp on the use of the most complex techniques. They can be handmade woodcarving according to the individual sketch of the designer, the use of heraldry and painting of individual elements. If gypsum is used as the main material, then such caissons are decorated with stucco and alfrei painting.
Among the advantages that a decorative ceiling has, the ability to hide most of the defects of the ceiling, improve sound insulation, expand the visual room, and the rhythmic pattern will help to focus attention. The design of the coffered ceiling allows installation of finished cells using modern fixtures in a matter of hours. Easy assembly and disassembly of individual elements makes it possible to conveniently place and maintain fixtures, ventilation ducts, and an air conditioning system.