If you have ever entered an older Victorian house, you will likely notice one thing: the ceilings are very tall. Built from a solid wood frame, these homes have an average height of 13-feet and have a vaulted design. These taller ceilings create the illusion of more space in the home and even have positive psychological benefits.

While these tall ceilings create more space in the home, it also has multiple functional purposes that make the home more comfortable. Whether it’s a multi-story home or a cathedral church, the architectural features of a taller ceiling were necessary during its time. 

This article will cover why old houses have tall ceilings and why newer homes have lower ceilings.

What Are The Benefits Of High Ceilings?

Until the 1950s, air-conditioning systems were not standard in households, and most homeowners had no ceiling fans either. In the summertime, the lack of air-conditioning was a tough challenge to face for many. However, with taller ceilings, the heat became much more manageable for people.

One of the main benefits of high ceilings in a home is that it manages temperatures better in warm climates. Warm air rises, so the lower levels of the home will stay cooler and be more comfortable for the occupants. Additionally, many of these homes have vents on the roofs used to expel out the hot air.

With the added window space in the home, people could add more ventilation to their homes. As the most common window style for old homes, the double-hung window increased a home’s ventilation. The bottom hung of the window collected cool air, with the top hung ventilating the hot air out of the home.

If you have an old home built in the 20th century, the prevalence of smoke inside was much more common during that period. Whether it was tobacco smoke or candles, smoke was a regular part of life. With the taller ceilings, the smoke would rise and be out of the way of the occupants.

The Psychological Benefits of Taller Ceilings

Believe it or not, there are also benefits to taller ceilings that weren’t apparent until they became lower. In a study published in 2007 by the University of Minnesota, there was a shocking discovery that ceiling height played a significant role in how someone thought.

While the main focus of this study was based on consumers, it can translate into home life as well.

When a person was in a space with ceilings taller than 10-feet, they thought more freely than someone with a shorter ceiling. There is a real connection to tall ceilings and feeling a sense of freedom in the space. If you are living in a home with short ceilings, you could potentially feel constrained or limited.

Additionally, the added height for the ceilings will create a sense of more space in the home. Even if the space is an ordinary room, a tall ceiling will create the illusion of more square footage. If you have claustrophobia, the importance of tall ceilings can not be understated and would make a massive difference for mental health.

Are There Any Disadvantages To High Ceilings?

While it may seem like there are only benefits to having high ceilings, there are reasons why it has not remained the preferred choice when building a new home. One of the biggest disadvantages to high ceilings is the added costs to cool or heat the home. Tall ceilings were introduced in old homes to ventilate hot air without air-conditioning.

When you have an HVAC unit in the home, you will need to pay extra to cool the added space of the home. The problems extend to the winter seasons as well, with the hot air rising above into the tall ceilings. Your HVAC unit will need to work that much harder to keep your home warm in the middle of the winter.

Another disadvantage with taller ceilings is they do not stop noise as well as lower ceilings. This is particularly significant in semi-detached houses. Whether it’s a car honking outside or your kids playing, the noise will echo throughout the home and can become frustrating for homeowners. However, if the home is in a quiet area, this disadvantage won’t be as noticeable.

How Tall Are The Ceilings in Old Houses?

In today’s age, a tall ceiling is considered anything over 10-feet for a residential home. However, the average height for a Victorian home was over 13-feet. These homes were built in the United States as far back as 1870. The tall ceiling style stayed popular until the addition of HVAC units in homes.

After Victorian-style homes started to lose popularity, many homes were built in a bungalow style. These homes were affordable and had lower ceilings that were modest for the homeowners. These homes typically had a ceiling height of 8-feet, which was the standard measurement.

What’s The Most Common Ceiling Height For Homes Today?

Things have evolved since the time of Victorian-style homes. Home designs have become more predictable, with more regulations for what you can do with a home. With the help of new HVAC systems, there is no longer a need for high ceilings to cool the home down. You can have lower, more cozy home styles without worrying about the heat.

In most homes today, the standard ceiling height is 9-feet tall. However, the building code states you only need a ceiling height of 7-feet. Custom home builders will also make 9-feet the standard height unless instructed differently. You will not feel restricted and have better energy efficiency than a higher ceiling with this ceiling height.

For homes built today, very tall ceilings are seen as a display of luxury and wealth of the homeowner. Ceilings 13-feet or higher have become very rare, as the build expenses are costly for builders. Most contractors recommend not going over 13-feet, because the home will have trouble with energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Since the 20th century, homes have had tall ceilings out of necessity for keeping the home cool in warm climates. The warm air rose to the top, letting the occupant relax in the cooler air below. However, since the introduction of HVAC technology, taller ceilings have become less popular in today’s homes.

If you want to live in an older home, you will receive all of the beautiful architecture and natural ventilation benefits. However, it would be best if you understood the added costs associated with heating and cooling.