How We Built Our Dining Room Tray Ceiling
One of the most-asked questions I get is about our dining room tray ceiling. It’s one of those architectural details that instantly adds charm, warmth, and character to a space.
Why We Added a Wood Tray Ceiling
When we designed our dining room, I wanted something that would bring in warmth and visual interest while complementing the rest of our home’s cozy neutral style. The wood adds so much texture and dimension, and it gives the entire space that inviting, custom look I love so much!
Dining Room Measurements
Our dining room ceiling is 10 feet tall to the main ceiling and 10 feet 10 inches to the inside of the tray. The full room measures 12’ x 10’, while the tray inset itself is 10’ x 8’ — just the right proportions to create depth without overwhelming the room.
Materials We Used
We used 21 pieces of 1×6 pine tongue and groove boards, placed side by side to fill the tray area. To finish it off, we added a clean border using four pieces of 1×2 pine trim. The result feels tailored yet natural — simple materials with beautiful impact.
The Stain Color
The most-asked question: What stain color did we use? We applied two coats of Early American by Sherwin-Williams, which gives the pine a warm, timeless brown tone that ties in beautifully with our other wood finishes throughout the home. It’s cozy, inviting, and perfectly complements our warm neutral palette.
The Finished Look
The finished ceiling adds such an elevated charm to our dining room. It’s that perfect mix of cozy and character-filled — and it makes the space feel layered, warm, and welcoming.
If you’ve been thinking about adding personality to your dining room or creating a custom look in a builder-grade space, a wood-stained tray ceiling is such a rewarding DIY project to try!
