Historically, coffers were often the result of structural needs, as they covered support beams in large rooms. These beams created an architectural appearance that turned out to be quite visually appealing.

The most frequently used style is still a symmetrical boxlike pattern although other shapes are also used, such as octagonal or circular. These types of coffers are made from drywall or plaster beams. We found that plaster or drywall beams were far superior to wood beams as they do not crack due to expansion and contraction.