Coffered ceilings date way back to the time of ancient Rome. It's a ceiling that has recessed panels that are framed by beams. This design was used to help with the heaviness of the dome in the Pantheon. Today we use coffered ceilings as merely a decoration, though there are other benefits. There are many different coffered ceiling designs including Victorian and English. You'll want something
. that will pop, yet still flow with the rest of your decorum. For some design ideas and tips, go to this website: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/coffered-ceiling-design.html.