Cathedral Ceilings: NYC homes with double-height spaces ready for your 12-foot Douglas Fir

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Double-height living room at Morgan Studios, #3C (Corcoran Group)

When stepping into a New York City apartment, past the foyer, your initial attention usually shifts from the windows/view to the feel of interior spaces, where ceiling height holds considerable significance. While Bob Vila deems the standard ceiling height to be nine feet, many residential buildings have pushed boundaries with loftier designs. Industrial buildings often retain super-high ceilings in residential conversions, and some new development condos are embracing double-height ceilings to create grander residences. Typically, the highest ceilings are found on the top floors and in the most upscale units.

As with many luxury amenities in real estate, ceiling height becomes a matter of personal preference. Ceilings that are excessively high and lack proportion to the floor space might create a cavernous feel or give the impression of being in a hallway. Additionally, ceilings embellished with exposed beams or intricate details like crown molding may present cleaning challenges, potentially diminishing the pristine appearance of even the most immaculate apartment. Even the less ornate alternatives pose difficulties for tasks such as repairs, painting, or changing light bulbs. Furthermore, amidst escalating energy costs, it's worth noting that heating expenses in these spaces can approach the heights of the ceilings.

Nevertheless, the advantages of high ceilings are compelling, especially in person. From a seasonal standpoint, residents of these apartments have room for taller Christmas trees than one would think possible for a New York City apartment. Throughout the year, the elevated ceiling height imparts a sense of spaciousness and a striking atmosphere. Finally, rooms with soaring ceilings often boast correspondingly tall windows, which can floor the space with abundant natural light.

Cons of High Ceilings:
● Cavernous Feel: Excessively high ceilings may create a cavernous or hallway-like impression.

● Cleaning Challenges: Ceilings adorned with details like exposed beams or crown molding can pose cleaning difficulties.

● Maintenance Tasks: Less ornate options still present challenges for tasks such as repairs, painting, or changing light bulbs.

● Heating Expenses: Escalating energy costs may result in higher heating expenses in spaces with tall ceilings.

Pros of High Ceilings:
● Sense of Spaciousness: Elevated ceiling height imparts a feeling of openness and grandeur.

● Seasonal Decor Opportunities: Residents can accommodate taller Christmas trees and seasonal decorations.

● Striking Atmosphere: High ceilings contribute to a dramatic and visually appealing environment.

● Abundant Natural Light: Rooms with soaring ceilings often feature tall windows, flooding the space with natural light.

Featured Listings with High Ceilings

Fit for your own Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or 'World's Largest Menorah' on Fifth Avenue

Waverly Mews, #3J
$730,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath

Waverly Mews, #3J (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to apartment 3J at Waverly Mews; a meticulously renovated true loft home. the apartment has been reimagined to feature a free-flowing open layout that you feel the moment you enter. Featuring soaring 11’3” ceilings, the dynamic scale of the sunny south-facing windows opens up a large and flexible living space that allows for a separate office nook. See floor plan and full details here.

43 East 10th Street, #2D
$850,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

43 East 10th Street, #2D (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to the heart of Greenwich Village where the loft apartment you've always wanted awaits. The gracious open living space, with 13.5-foot ceilings, is bright with large windows overlooking the tree tops of East 10th Street and has room for a separate dining area. Your lofted bedroom can fit a queen-sized bed, nightstands, a dresser and has a spacious walk-in closet. See floor plan and full details here.

3 Hanover Square, #3F
$899,000

Financial District | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 930 ft²

3 Hanover Square, #3F (Compass)

From the Listing: Apt. 3F is located downtown at the Queen Elizabeth ll Gardens at Hanover Square in the Financial District and 2 blocks from Wall Street.A large loft-style duplex at approximately 930 SF with soaring 18-foot ceilings is a rarely available unit in a well-desired, full-service prewar CO-OP, built at the turn of the century as the New York Cotton Exchange. See floor plan and full details here.

The Armory, #1B
$900,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,176 ft²

The Armory, #1B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to the charming unique duplex apartment at The Armory on West 42nd Street. This 2-bed, 2-bath gem boasts a spacious living room with soaring double-height ceilings, a stylish kitchen with an island, ample closet space, and a distinct loft space via a spiral staircase.. You can easily create 2 bedrooms or a 1 bedroom with a home office - whichever design suits you better. See floor plan and full details here.

36 West 35th Street, #PHF
$950,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 775 ft²

36 West 35th Street, #PHF (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Coop with Condo Rules. Building allows co-purchasing, parent purchasing, and guarantor / co-signer purchasing. Frustrated by your never-ending search for that perfect live/work duplex two-bedroom with one bathroom, including personal outdoor space with views of the Empire State Building that is also centrally located? Your dreams have been achieved. See floor plan and full details here.

The Forum, #PH1C
$995,000

Lenox Hill | Condop | 3 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

The Forum, #PH1C (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: PH1C at The Forum is a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath duplex with great city views and amazing light. Exposures are south and west. It features high ceilings, large windows, and a wood-burning fireplace.

The lower level features an entrance gallery, a powder room, a living room with a fireplace, a dining room with a double-height ceiling, a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a guest bedroom and bath. See floor plan and full details here.

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199 Humboldt Street, #3B
$1,050,000 (-8.7%)

Williamsburg | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 946 ft²

199 Humboldt Street, #3B (Compass)

From the Listing: Price reduced to sell and easy to show! Nestled on tree-lined Humboldt Street in East Williamsburg, a lofted home beckons. This spacious residence has double-height ceilings in both the living area and primary bedroom, with natural sunlight bathing the interiors through expansive east and west-facing windows. A versatile mezzanine level, with a ceiling height slightly above 6 feet, serves dual purposes: a guest sleeping area and a home office. See floor plan and full details here.

The Link, #16C
$1,250,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 738 ft²

The Link, #16C (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to this sophisticated and stylish residence located in a luxury condo on the only floor with double-height, 12-foot ceilings. Nestled in the vibrant and sought-after neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, this apartment comes complete with all custom furnishings as well as stunning panoramic city views. See floor plan and full details here.

235 East 49th Street, #1CD
$1,495,000

Midtown East | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,800 ft²

235 East 49th Street, #1CD (Elegran LLC)

From the Listing: Step into luxury through the entrance rotunda, leading you to a spacious living room and dining area (14' × 25'). Ascend the circular staircase to a loft wrap library and home office, offering a unique blend of style and functionality. The den/media room provides a cozy retreat, while the stainless and granite eat-in chef's kitchen caters to culinary enthusiasts. See floor plan and full details here.

924 Lafayette Avenue, #PH
$1,595,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

924 Lafayette Avenue, #PH (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: 13 YEAR TAX ABATMENT! The Penthouse is a 3 bed, 2 bath 1413 sq ft one-of-a-kind duplex apartment with an impressive 772 sq ft of outdoor space showcasing Manhattan city skyline views. Just off the deeded vestibule with custom entry closet and double-height ceiling, you will immediately be welcomed into the sunny living space with incredible 17' ceilings. See floor plan and full details here.

Morgan Studios, #3C
$1,650,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Morgan Studios, #3C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Triple mint, Pre-war one bedroom with a dramatic double height living room with wood burning fireplace and beautiful casement windows. The north-facing living also has an elevated work/office space. The apartment is impeccably maintained with a renovated kitchen and a bathroom, which can be accessed from either the hallway or bedroom. See floor plan and full details here.

Liberty Tower, #PH31A
$1,795,000 (-10.3%)

Financial District | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

Liberty Tower, #PH31A (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Unit PH31A occupies the entire floor of the building and is one short flight up from the 30th-floor elevator landing. Its new residents will experience four exposures with panoramic views of the city including the historic Financial District skyline and the Hudson and East Rivers. This unit enjoys the unique status of being the former attic of the building which comes with special architectural details such as the sloped and vaulted ceilings as well as exposed beams and pipes. See floor plan and full details here.

The Pythian, #3E
$2,350,000

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Pythian, #3E (Compass)

From the Listing: This one-of-a-kind home boasts two to three gracious bedrooms including a large primary suite with en-suite bath and a cavernous living room with 15-foot ceilings. A large kitchen offers an abundance of storage, high-end appliances, and a separate pantry with a washer/dryer hookup. See floor plan and full details here.

Oosten, #D315
$2,450,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,276 ft²

Oosten, #D315 (Compass)

From the Listing: Final Sponsor Sales! Situated on the vibrant South Williamsburg waterfront with endless amenities, Oosten brings luxury living in New York City to a whole new level. This spacious duplex home has double-height ceilings and oversized rooms throughout- Incredible space at a price per square foot you simply won't find anywhere else. See floor plan and full details here.

Morgan Studios, #23AB
$2,995,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Morgan Studios, #23AB (Compass)

From the Listing: As you enter the apartment, you'll find yourself in a spacious open living and dining area that spans 30 feet and boasts 13-foot ceilings. The room features oversized 9-foot casement windows that offer a lot of natural light. A wood-burning fireplace enhances the space and is framed by exquisitely honed marble. There's also a beautifully framed oversized mirror that adds to the room's elegance. This room is perfect for daily living and hosting memorable gatherings. See floor plan and full details here.

Pierhouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park, #N810
$3,000,000

Brooklyn Heights | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,600 ft²

Pierhouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park, #N810 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Back on the market! One of the finest views of New York City awaits you and your guests! Featuring 18.6 feet ceilings in the living room, with floor to ceiling windows, this duplex apartment offers a magnificent personal vista of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.A recently added office with glass windows offers a convenient guest room option.Located in the Pierhouse, one of Brooklyn's most luxurious recent developments, steps from the Brooklyn Bridge Park, the residence features a luxurious kitchen with Gagganau appliances, Calacutta Tucci marble countertops, and American walnut kitchen cabinets, and a mezzanine dining area with Brooklyn riverfront views. See floor plan and full details here.

180 East 88th Street, #18A
$3,385,000

Carnegie Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 1,415 ft²

180 East 88th Street, #18A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Presenting residence 18A at 180 E88th Street, showcasing 14-foot ceilings that encompass midtown views to the south, as well as extensive, views to the north and east. This open-plan living and dining room design offers the enjoyment of city-watching from sunrise to sunset. See floor plan and full details here.

27 West 67th Street, #1FW
$3,675,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

27 West 67th Street, #1FW (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Enter this sunny two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath renovated duplex through an elegant foyer with period oak wainscoting into the grandly-scaled Great Room where the 17’ barrel-vaulted ceilings and original stained glass window are certain to impress. A wood-burning fireplace and restored, hand-crafted chandeliers complement the natural light; bookshelves line the walls, providing space for objects d’art as well as large art canvases. The south-facing dining room has period oak paneling and is next to a cozy library, providing a perfect flow for entertaining with both formal and relaxed spaces. See floor plan and full details here.

The Studio Building, #89C
$4,795,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

The Studio Building, #89C (Compass)

From the Listing: This grandly scaled duplex at the iconic Studio Building is a glamorous Manhattan home, filled with light all day and featuring an impressive double-height living room as well as offering three bedrooms and two and a half baths (with the potential to add an additional en-suite bath), at the epicenter of the Upper East Side. See floor plan and full details here.

Hotel des Artistes, #616
$4,950,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

Hotel des Artistes, #616 (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to the exquisite Upper West Side of New York, where elegance and sophistication combine in this dramatic duplex apartment. Just completed a total renovation with no expense spared, this stunning residence boasts 1,800+/- square feet of ultimate entertaining space.

Prepare to be captivated by the features of this magnificent home. With soaring 18’10" ceilings in the main sitting room and a grand 14’ wooden staircase, the architectural details are truly awe-inspiring.10’ casement windows flood this south-facing home with natural light, while motorized shades throughout offer privacy and convenience at your fingertips. See floor plan and full details here.

14 East 75th Street, #5E
$5,495,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

14 East 75th Street, #5E (Compass)

From the Listing: This exquisite apartment, nestled between Fifth and Madison Avenues, epitomizes timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Meticulously designed by renowned interior designer Emily Summers, this residence seamlessly melds pre-war architectural charm with contemporary amenities. See floor plan and full details here.

22 Bond, #34
$6,995,000

NoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,273 ft²

22 Bond, #34 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence 3/4 is an exemplary duplex reflecting the immaculate attention to detail and refined fit & finishes of 22 Bond Street. With direct elevator access, the foyer opens to the expansive and truly grand living & entertaining space. Meticulously crafted interiors feature double-height ceilings as well as generous wall space for displaying your prized works of art. See floor plan and full details here.

111 West 57th Street, #35
$20,250,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,492 ft²

111 West 57th Street, #35 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Enjoy beautiful views, light, and high design in this prime full-floor residence at 111 West 57th Street. Residence 35 is a 4,492 square foot three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom with a stunning great room and expansive primary bedroom suite facing Central Park.

The richly detailed finishes are conceived throughout by Studio Sofield and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to craftsmanship and quality. The formal entry gallery is finished with white macauba stone floors and a dramatic north-to-south view gallery that leads into the expansive great room highlighted by intricately patterned floors in custom smoke-gray solid oak, 14-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows through which to enjoy the views of Central Park. See floor plan and full details here.

Central Park Tower, #107
$149,500,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 12,557 ft²

Central Park Tower, #107 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: A duplex penthouse extraordinaire atop the ultra-glamourous Central Park Tower! This expansive 2-story masterpiece in the sky is impeccably designed for the most discerning luxury buyer. The magnificent residence makes an awe-inspiring impression with its soaring ceilings, top-of-the-line finishes, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows on 4 exposures showcasing magnificent unobstructed views of Central Park, Midtown, Downtown, both rivers and beyond. Savor stretching vistas of sunrises, cityscapes, and blue water and sky by day, and sparkling city lights and brilliant sunsets in the evening in your private oasis occupying the 107th and 108th floors of one of Manhattan's most coveted buildings, located on prime West 57th Street. Two terraces totaling 240 sq ft extend the views and provide a place for outdoor pleasure. An in-residence private elevator services this expansive sun-drenched 12,557 sq ft, 7 bedroom, 8 bathroom and 2 powder room jewel wrapped in fine design. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

This is your member's center

In this article:

Cons of High Ceilings:

Pros of High Ceilings:

Featured Listings with High Ceilings

Fit for your own Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or 'World's Largest Menorah' on Fifth Avenue

Waverly Mews, #3J
$730,000

43 East 10th Street, #2D
$850,000

3 Hanover Square, #3F
$899,000

The Armory, #1B
$900,000

36 West 35th Street, #PHF
$950,000

The Forum, #PH1C
$995,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

199 Humboldt Street, #3B
$1,050,000 (-8.7%)

The Link, #16C
$1,250,000

235 East 49th Street, #1CD
$1,495,000

924 Lafayette Avenue, #PH
$1,595,000

Morgan Studios, #3C
$1,650,000

Liberty Tower, #PH31A
$1,795,000 (-10.3%)

The Pythian, #3E
$2,350,000

Oosten, #D315
$2,450,000

Morgan Studios, #23AB
$2,995,000

Pierhouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park, #N810
$3,000,000

180 East 88th Street, #18A
$3,385,000

27 West 67th Street, #1FW
$3,675,000

The Studio Building, #89C
$4,795,000

Hotel des Artistes, #616
$4,950,000

14 East 75th Street, #5E
$5,495,000

22 Bond, #34
$6,995,000

111 West 57th Street, #35
$20,250,000

Central Park Tower, #107
$149,500,000

This is your member's center

In this article:

Cons of High Ceilings:

Pros of High Ceilings:

Featured Listings with High Ceilings

Fit for your own Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or 'World's Largest Menorah' on Fifth Avenue

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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