Whether you are looking to conceal electrical work, create a drop ceiling, or simply add some visual interest, a false ceiling can be a good choice. However, before you start your project, it’s important to know the false ceiling costs involved.

This guide will teach you how to calculate the cost of your false ceiling so that you can budget for your interiors with confidence.

What is a false ceiling?

false-ceiling-price-guide
Transform your ceiling into a masterpiece with a false ceiling

A false ceiling is a secondary ceiling that drops from your original or true ceiling. It helps you conceal your air conditioning ducts and electrical wiring to give your ceiling a seamless look. Moreover, it also helps in sound insulation.

False ceiling price per sq. ft.

The false ceiling price per sq. ft. can vary depending on the material used. Here’s a detailed picture of false ceiling costs:

MaterialsFalse Ceiling Price per Sq. Ft.*Notes
POP ceiling price
(Plaster of Paris)
₹95 to ₹105 per sq. ft. + 18% GST
Standard gypsum
false ceiling price
₹75 to ₹85 per sq. ft. + 18% GSTFor a gypsum false ceiling
with a Gyproc board and
local A-grade channels
Premium gypsum
false ceiling price
₹90 to ₹105 per sq. ft. + 18% GSTFor a gypsum false ceiling
with premium Gyproc board
and channels
Laminate false
ceiling price
₹700 to ₹800 per sq. ft. + 18% GSTThe cost may vary depending
on the finishing used
on the laminate
Veneer false
ceiling price
₹900 to ₹1,200 per sq. ft. + 18% GSTThe cost may vary depending
on the base price of the veneer
and type of polish such as PU
or melamine
PVC false
ceiling price
₹160 to ₹185 per sq. ft. + 18% GSTFor a laminate PVC ceiling

*The prices mentioned above are an estimate of false ceiling design costs based on the scope of work. Your overall false ceiling design prices can vary depending on the city, labour charges, material and finish, design, and the size of your home.

POP false ceiling price

pop-false-ceiling-price
False ceiling designs add depth and dimension to your space

POP costs are lower than most materials and hence it is one of the preferred options that you may see in Indian homes. This quick-setting plaster made of white powder is also fire-resistant and malleable.

The POP false ceiling price range is between ₹95 to ₹105 per sq. ft. + 18% GST

Also Read: 50+ Captivating POP Ceiling Designs That Will Blow Your Mind

Gypsum false ceiling price

gypsum-false-ceiling-price
Apart from being budget-friendly, gypsum is also a fire-resistant material

One of the most popular false ceiling materials is gypsum. These sheets are readily available in a 6-foot x 4-foot size and are both fire-resistant and budget-friendly.

However, a gypsum false ceiling can be on the bulkier side compared to other materials, occupying a few inches of height. Hence, only consider using it in rooms that have a high ceiling.

Standard gypsum false ceiling price Premium gypsum false ceiling price
₹75 to ₹85 per sq. ft. + 18% GST with a Gyproc board and local A-grade channels ₹90 to ₹105 per sq. ft. + 18% GST with a premium Gyproc board and channels

Laminate and veneer false ceilings

false-ceiling-cost-for-10x10-room
If your budget cannot support real wooden rafters, consider using laminates as a cost-effective alternative

If you want the look of a wooden false ceiling, but don’t want to worry about maintenance, use materials like laminate and veneer. Though these materials may be priced comparatively higher than other options, they are durable and offer a luxurious look.

Laminate false ceiling price*Veneer false ceiling price**
₹700 to ₹800 per sq. ft. + 18% GST ₹900 to ₹1,200 per sq. ft. + 18% GST

Between the two, laminate false ceilings are cheaper compared to veneer. This is because veneer and solid wood require polishing, whereas laminate is a finished product.

*The cost may vary depending on the finishing used on the laminate.
**Prices may vary depending on the base price of the veneer and type of polish used, such as PU or melamine.

PVC false ceiling price per sq. ft.

pvc-false-ceiling-rate
Say goodbye to mould with PVC false ceiling designs

PVC false ceilings are more resistant to moisture, which is why they are most commonly used in bathrooms and balconies. Moreover, PVC is also available in a wooden texture, making it a cheaper alternative to real wood.

The cost range for a laminate PVC ceiling is ₹160 to ₹185 per sq. ft. + 18% GST

Which false material should you choose?

false-ceiling-rate-dining-room
Discover how material choices can shape your project’s cost

Since each material offers its own unique qualities, the option you choose can further affect your false ceiling cost. Here are some of the features each material offers:

MaterialsFire-resistantBudget-friendlyWater-resistantMalleable
POPYesYesNoYes
GypsumYesYesNoNo
Laminate NoNoNoNo
Veneer NoNoNoNo
PVCNoYesYesNo

Also Read: Which Type of Ceiling Is the Best for Your Stunning Home?

Additional electrical costs involved

false-ceiling-cost-for-10x10-rooms
Lock down your electrical works before you finalise your false ceiling design

While false ceilings are priced on a sq. ft. basis, electrical work for false ceilings is priced on a per-point basis.

Type of workEstimated false ceiling rates**
Electrical looping per point₹600 to ₹750 per point + 18% GST
Fixture installation₹100 to ₹120 per light + 18% GST
Fan installation₹425 to ₹500 per fan + 18% GST
Light gala cutting₹100 to ₹120 per point + 18% GST
Cove ₹95 to ₹105 per RFT (including GST)

**The false ceiling rates mentioned above are an estimate of the electrical work that goes into your false ceiling design costs, based on the scope of work required. The overall charges for your electrical work can vary depending on the city, labour charges, and the size of your home.

How to measure a false ceiling?

false-ceiling-cost
Time to bring out the measuring tape!

As size influences cost, here are the steps that you must follow to measure your false ceiling rate:

  • First, calculate the surface area of your ceiling in square feet
  • Multiply the square-foot surface area by the unit price per square foot
  • Calculate the cove length in running feet (To install one cove, you need to consider 3 times its length as there are 3 internal vertical Gypsum sheets that need to be installed to create a cove)
  • Multiply the calculated cove length by the unit price per square foot
  • Add the cost of finishing as per the design (paint or polish)

This combined total will give you an estimate of your overall false ceiling design price.

Important questions to ask to get the best false ceiling design

false-ceiling-cost-for-10x10-room-best
Curate your dream space effortlessly by asking the right questions for the best false ceiling design!

Psst: We have already answered them for you!

Q1: Is the ceiling height of my home sufficient for a false ceiling?
A: The minimum floor-to-ceiling height required for a false ceiling is 8 feet. Your false ceiling usually sits at a 4-inch drop from the true ceiling. 

Q2: Do the materials and finishes you prefer suit the features you are looking for? 
A: For kitchens, POP and gypsum can be used as they are fire-resistant. POP costs less than other materials as well. These two materials can also be good options for your living room. PVC is water-resistant and can work well in bathrooms.

Q3: Does the design need to account for fans or any other additional fixtures? 
A: Maintain proper distance between the placement of fans and lights. Lights cannot be added above the fan and need to be placed away from other elements in the room such as furniture. Your lights also need to be evenly distributed to avoid concentrating them in one spot.

Q4: Do you have any colour or shape preferences? 
A: If the purpose of the false ceiling is to act as a statement piece, opt for intricate designs and shapes. Smaller living rooms can benefit from a circular false ceiling, whereas a rectangular false ceiling works best for bigger living rooms. Similarly, a colourful or highly patterned design can make the room appear smaller and hence works best in bigger rooms.

Also Read: 20 Sensational False Ceiling Designs That Will Leave You In Awe

Q5: Is the false ceiling meant to be a statement design piece, or is its purpose purely functional? 
A: Statement pieces can be more detailed and dramatic, whereas functional designs are solely to help conceal electrical wiring, soundproof the space, and give it a clean look. It can also help conceal wires that run through your air-conditioning system.

Q6: Where is the false ceiling being placed?
A: You can use false ceilings in any room but select your materials carefully. High-moisture areas like bathrooms and balconies need materials like PVC that are weather-resistant. On the other hand, laminate, veneer, gypsum, and POP can be great options for a false ceiling in the living room. 

Factors affecting your false ceiling design price

hall-design-false-ceiling-rate
You can accessorise your false ceiling with paint, wallpaper or lighting to further accentuate its design

Multiple factors can affect your false ceiling cost per square foot. Here are a few to note:

  • Material: Gypsum, POP, laminate, veneer and PVC are some common false ceiling materials you can choose from. The material you choose can further affect your overall false ceiling cost. POP costs are considerably less compared to other materials
  • Drop height: The height at which your false ceiling drops from the original ceiling can influence the false ceiling rate. The lower the false ceiling is, the higher the design cost can be
  • Floor-to-ceiling eight: Your false ceiling cost can vary depending on the floor-to-ceiling height. Additionally, you may incur scaffolding charges for high ceilings
  • Design: The design style and level of work required can push up the false ceiling rates
  • Volume of work: The higher the volume of work, the lower the price can be with applicable discounts
  • Detailing and electrical work: Intricate detailing in your designs can directly affect the false ceiling rates. Different electrical fixtures are also priced at different ranges. The type of false ceiling lights you choose for your home can add to the false ceiling design price

Does the false ceiling cost differ from city to city?

The price of installing a false ceiling differs from place to place. This is because the cost of labour and the cost of materials used in creating the false ceiling can vary. As a result, the exact false ceiling costs per square foot can vary by approximately 10% from one city to another.

Real-life examples from Livspace homes

circular-pop-false-ceiling-price
The circular gypsum false ceiling from the Sehrawats’ home is a great option for smaller rooms

Who Livs Here: The Sehrawats, New Delhi

Design Details:

  • Each room in the home flaunts a different type of false ceiling
  • The circular gypsum false ceiling with in-laid wallpaper in the dining area is the highlight of the space
unique-pop-false-ceiling-price
Take a peek at the POP ceiling from the Agrawals’ home which is painted in two different colours, helping it match the rest of the interiors

Who Livs Here: Vivek and Himani Agrawal, Pune

Design Details:

  • Our designer ties the POP false ceilings in the living and dining areas together by using a uniform shade of brown to create a cohesive look
  • For the kid’s room, cloud-shaped POP false ceilings take centre stage
ceiling-design-pop-cost
Don’t forget to take in the wooden look-alike false ceiling at the Pals’ Gurgaon home that’s made with a combination of veneer and melamine polish

Who Livs Here: Niveditaa and Malay Pal, Gurgaon

Design Details:

  • Lending a rustic touch to the dining area, the combination gypsum and veneer false ceiling is further accentuated by a melamine polish finish
  • For the bedrooms, our designer uses cove lights for a modern look

Need more design inspiration? Be sure to check out our varied collection of false ceiling designs.

Design gallery

From circular designs to cloud-shaped patterns, there’s a false ceiling design that can suit every room. Let’s browse through some of the designs that Livspace homeowners love to go for. Check out stunning false ceiling designs:

How can Livspace help you?

Eager to get your hands on a unique ceiling design for your home? Book an online consultation with Livspace to get started. Our team of seasoned and creative designers is ready to collaborate with you to bring your vision to life.

  • Our expert team can custom design your dream home with curated render designs and expert advice
  • We have delivered over 75,000+ happy homes
  • We promise high-quality and durable materials

Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. So, mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Additionally, please note that the false ceiling designs showcased within the story are subject to availability and will vary based on the year the homes were designed in. Consult our designers for more details on the latest false ceiling designs.


Popular Services:

Modular Kitchen Designs | Wardrobe Designs | Bathroom Designs | Master Bedroom Designs | Living Room Designs | Pooja Room Designs | TV Unit Designs | False Ceiling Designs | Kids Bedroom Designs | Balcony Designs | Dining Room Designs | Foyer Designs | Guest Bedroom Designs | Window Designs | Flooring Designs | Wall Decor Designs | Wall Paint Designs | Home Wallpaper Designs | Tile Designs | Kitchen Cabinet | Home Office & Study Room | Home Interior Designs

Popular Locations:

Interior Designer Bangalore | Interior Designer Mumbai | Interior Designer Pune | Interior Designer Chennai | Interior Designer Hyderabad | Interior Designer Gurgaon | Interior Designer Delhi | Interior Designer Ahmedabad | Interior Designer Vadodara | Interior Designer Kolkata | Interior Designer Thane | Interior Designer Navi Mumbai | Interior Designer Coimbatore | Interior Designer Lucknow | Interior Designer Patna | Interior Designer Nagpur | Interior Designer Chandigarh

Popular Stories:

2 BHK Interior Design | 3 BHK Interior Design | 1 BHK Interior Design | Interior Design Cost In India | Painting Cost Per Square Foot | False Ceiling Cost | Bathroom Renovation | Sofa Design Ideas | POP Design for Hall | House Paint Colours | Main Door Design | Granite Countertops | Vastu For Home | Cool Wallpapers | Types of Kitchen Layout | Types of Flooring | What Is Plywood | Pooja Room Vastu | South Facing House Vastu | Which Plants Are Good for Home Vastu | Vastu Tips for Home