Coffer  refers to a recessed or sunken panel, frequently rectangular, square or octagonal, found in a ceiling, dome or barrel vault, and usually laid out in a repeating pattern.

The capital dome in Washington D.C. is coffered, the dome of the Panthenon in Rome with its distinctive oculus is also coffered. Coffered ceilings in public buildings are frequently extensively decorated and embellished.

This photo shows a more recognizable form of a coffered ceiling found in residences, and it is a dropped-block coffered ceiling; it is also called a boxed-beam coffered ceiling. In this particular photo you will notice that speciality lighting has been added to the interior coffer. This type of ceiling is frequently found in Houston in a paneled Study or Library, and it can also be found in other rooms as well, usually Family Rooms, Game Rooms and Kitchens.

This is a very desirable feature to many buyers, so if your home has vaulted or coffered ceilings, you want to be sure that it is appropriately highlighted in the property's marketing materials. In a SMARTePLAN a coffered ceiling is both depicted in the floor plan drawing, as well as described in detail in the amenities text (room-by-room text description of each room) Both the floor plan w/embedded photos and the amenities text are available online as part of the MLS listing 24/7 for the life of the listing.

Judith, The Floor Plan Lady