Vaulted describes a ceiling or roof that curves upward instead of lying flat. Walk into a grand cathedral and look up: you'll see a vaulted ceiling arching high above, creating a sense of spaciousness and majesty. The curved design is both beautiful and structural. For centuries, architects have used vaulted ceilings because the arch shape distributes weight efficiently, allowing buildings to span great distances without collapsing.

A vaulted ceiling makes a room feel larger and more impressive. Some houses have vaulted ceilings in their living rooms, with the roof rising to a peak that follows the angle of the rafters. Medieval castles often featured vaulted stone passageways, and many churches used elaborate vaulted designs with intersecting arches.

When describing a ceiling, vaulted usually refers to that upward curve or arch. A two-story room with a flat ceiling is tall, but a room with a vaulted ceiling has that distinctive curved sweep overhead.