DIY Blog - A Dabbled Dwelling

Raise the Roof: An Easy Guide to Installing a Coffered Ceiling

March 29, 2025 by kelsey.mackall Leave a Comment

Imagine walking into your family room and looking up to see… something spectacular. No more plain, boring ceiling—just a stunning coffered design that adds elegance, depth, and a touch of timeless charm. Whether you’re aiming for a classic, sophisticated look or a modern statement piece, installing a coffered ceiling is a game-changer. Sure, it might seem like a big project, but with the right plan, some basic tools, and a little patience, you can transform your space into something worthy of a design magazine. So, grab your measuring tape and let’s get started on giving your family room the stylish ceiling it deserves!

Installing a Coffered Ceiling

A coffered ceiling features a grid of sunken panels, often framed with decorative beams or crown molding. This design not only enhances the visual appeal of a room but can also help with acoustics and conceal imperfections in the ceiling. While traditional coffered ceilings are often elaborate, you can customize the design to fit your space and style.

Before beginning construction, it’s crucial to plan the layout of your coffered ceiling. First, measure the dimensions of your ceiling and decide on the size and number of coffers. A well-balanced grid will enhance the room’s aesthetics. Use a chalk line to mark the beam placement directly onto the ceiling. Next, locate the ceiling joists using a stud finder, as securing 2x4s to joists will provide added stability.
Start by installing the grid of the coffered ceiling. Cut the perimeter boards to size and attach them along the edges of the ceiling. Use a level to ensure they are straight before securing them with screws or nails into the ceiling joists. These will serve as the foundation for the inner coffered sections.

Once the perimeter 2x4s are in place, begin adding the inner 2x4s that form the grid pattern. Measure and cut each one to fit within the marked sections of the ceiling. Attach these by screwing them into the ceiling and ensuring they align with the perimeter 2x4s. It’s important to check that each one is level and evenly spaced to maintain a professional look.

Giving It a Polished Look

Once all of the 2x4s are up, attach primed 1x5s to them with a brad nailer to widen the grid lines, then add decorative crown molding or trim inside the coffers. Measure and cut the molding using a miter saw to fit within each recessed section, then secure it with a brad nailer. This step enhances the overall appearance and adds depth to the ceiling design.

After the framework and molding are installed, fill any nail holes or gaps with wood filler and sand the surfaces for a smooth finish. Apply a primer before painting or staining the ceiling to match your room’s aesthetic. Lighter colors create an airy feel, while darker tones can add a dramatic touch.

A Gorgeous Coffered Ceiling

Installing a coffered ceiling is a rewarding home improvement project that can significantly enhance a room’s elegance and value. While it requires careful measuring, cutting, and assembly, the result is a timeless architectural feature that transforms a plain ceiling into a stunning focal point. With patience and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking coffered ceiling that elevates the entire space.

Goodwill Bookshelf Flip: Turning a Small Find into a Stylish Gem

February 28, 2025 by kelsey.mackall

While browsing Goodwill, I stumbled upon a small bookshelf for just $14. It wasn’t much to look at. Scuffed, outdated, and in need of some serious love, but I saw its potential. With a little creativity and a few simple upgrades, I knew I could give it new life and turn it into a stylish, functional piece for my home. Sometimes, all it takes is a little vision (and a good deal!) to transform something old into something beautiful.

Bookshelf Flip

To give my Goodwill bookshelf a charming makeover, I decided to add adorable scalloped edging for a whimsical touch and embellish it with cute little flowers for extra personality. Using Loctite Power Grab, I securely attached the scalloped trim along the edges, instantly elevating the piece with a delicate, custom look. Then, I carefully placed decorative floral appliqués, making sure they were firmly adhered for a seamless finish.

For the perfect finishing touch on my Goodwill bookshelf flip, I chose a warm gold paint to bring out its charming details. The rich, inviting hue added a touch of elegance while complementing the scalloped edges and delicate flower accents beautifully. It gave the piece a vintage-yet-modern feel, making it look like a high-end boutique find rather than a thrift store rescue. The warm gold not only highlighted the texture and depth of the design but also made the bookshelf a true statement piece, adding a cozy, sophisticated glow to my space.

Goodwill Find Turned to Gold

My Goodwill bookshelf flip turned out even better than I imagined! With a little creativity, Loctite Power Grab for secure detailing, and a warm gold finish, I transformed a simple thrift find into a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece. The scalloped edges and floral accents added the perfect touch of charm, making it look far more expensive than its $14 price tag. This project was a great reminder that with a little vision and the right materials, you can breathe new life into almost anything. Now, my once-forgotten bookshelf has a new home and a whole new story to tell!

Ultimate Man Cave Closet Makeover: Transforming Chaos into Cool

February 28, 2025 by kelsey.mackall

I made a big mistake when we moved in. I gave my husband the bigger closet, thinking I wouldn’t need much space. Fast forward to today, and I’m regretting it every time I try to squeeze one more pair of shoes into my overcrowded shelves. We decided to make over his space using Modular Closets, with custom shelving, drawers, and hanging sections. I let him have full creative control with it which was a huge challenge for me! But I really loved watching his closet makeover vision come to life.

Super Easy Closet Makeover

The Modular Closets team was so helpful with planning the closet system for my teen’s closet make over. I sent them dimensions and gave them an idea of what I wanted, and they provided me with a plan that was exactly what I was looking for. They sent me mock ups and an estimate and it was very reasonable. Once everything was delivered my husband got to work!

He started by taking out all of the old closet shelves and hanging bars. Then he touched up drywall blemishes with spackle before painting the space VERY green. He was pretty busy so I followed the directions to assemble the modular system for him. After assembly, it was so easy for him to hang the units on his own. In order to hang them up himself he used a handy hack! After measuring he would screw a scrap 2×4 to the wall to set the back of one section on. The piece of the system would rest on it while he was able to secure it to the wall. Once the piece was hung he removed the 2×4 and filled the holes with spackle and touched up the paint. It’s an easy hack that helps with hanging cabinets as well!

Finishing Touches on the Man-Cave

My husband chose a variety of decor to give him the man-cave feel. He added storage for his hats, belts watches, and of course his trading card collections. The closet is everything he wanted and he actually keeps it organized and clean. The Modular Closet system is so helpful with that. We are so happy with the way that it turned out!