The beauty of barrel-vaulted ceilings: 25 NYC homes that soar with grace

The Schumacher 36 Bleecker Street, #3C | https://www.cityrealty.com/nyc/noho/the-schumacher-36-bleecker-street/apartment-3C/eoIMacFqhkF

Monday, Jun 2, 2025 By CityRealty Staff, CityRealty contributor

The majority of New York City's loft buildings were once manufacturing and storage hubs that had to support the heavy loads of the industry/machines they hosted. Rather than use enormous beams and a forest of columns for structural support, barrel-vaulted ceilings provided a more efficient means to distribute gravity loads without cluttering the spaces with columns.

There is no one set classification for barrel-vaulted ceilings, but New York real estate defines them as vaulted ceilings with an arch and ribs serving as support. It turns out the construction method results in in some unexpected soundproofing, and now with many industrial spaces turned residences, acoustic insulation is undoubtedly a useful perk in New York City.

Barrel-vaulted homes typically come with loftier ceiling heights and open layouts, which let in more natural light. The vaults can be coated in light-reflecting paint or the brick portions can be left exposed. One negative aspect is that high-ceiled spaces require higher energy demands to keep the air temperate. Nevertheless, if one can overlook this caveat and the cost of buying such an apartment (a type often found in the city's most desirable neighborhoods), one can truly appreciate the character and wow factor these ceilings add to any space.

Some people admire barrel-vaulted ceilings so much that they'll pay to have one put in their homes. But in New York, it's possible to go straight to the source. This antiquated architectural feature is relatively rare but find below 25 available apartments in converted buildings with barrel-vaulted ceilings.

Select listings with barrel-vaulted ceilings

The Dandy, #PH
$32,500,000

NoHo | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 8,000 ft²

The Dandy, #PH (Modlin Group LLC)

From the Listing: In an elite group of the most rarefied homes in the world, this exceptional penthouse sprawls over 12,000 square feet of private indoor and outdoor space. Five expansive bedrooms and palatial living space occupy an interior 8,000 square feet, while two rooftop terraces and a heated swimming pool spread over an additional 4,000+ square feet. Located in vibrant, coveted Noho, this spectacular home is a study in stunning modernism and traditional design with no expense spared and no detail unconsidered. See floor plan and full details here.

The Shephard, #5A
$12,500,000

West Village | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 2,930 ft²

The Shephard, #5A (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: New to market: A triple mint and spacious condo in in the coveted new development, The Shephard. This home offers everything: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, plus an office, in a light-filled space with city and garden views of the West Village. The primary bedroom even has a windowed dressing room and double size walk-in closet with custom shelving. See floor plan and full details here.

63 Greene Street, #PHA
$11,500,000

SoHo | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,597 ft²

63 Greene Street, #PHA (Serhant)

From the Listing: Perched atop a 19th-century former silk showroom in the Soho Cast Iron Historic District, Penthouse A at 63 Greene Street is a one-of-a-kind 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom duplex that combines rich architectural history with luxurious modern living. Spanning nearly 3,600 square feet with a rare 100 feet of frontage along coveted cobblestoned Greene Street, this grand-scale home is capped by a spectacular private rooftop terrace measuring over 1,000 square feet. This is the largest residence in the building and a true full-floor home, wrapped in light from oversized sash windows and defined by 12-foot barrel-vaulted redbrick ceilings, exposed ducts, and cast-iron columns. See floor plan and full details here.

The Schumacher, #3D
$10,995,000

NoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,900 ft²

The Schumacher, #3D (Compass)

From the Listing: Residence 3D at The Schumacher is a masterfully conceived, grand-scale loft offering approximately 2,900 square feet of impeccably designed interior space, featuring 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Crafted for the most discerning buyer, the residence effortlessly balances the integrity of its 19th-century Romanesque Revival origins with the sophistication of contemporary design. Soaring 11-foot barrel-vaulted brick and terra cotta ceilings, 17 oversized arched wood-framed windows, and wire-brushed and oil-brushed 7.5-inch wide-plank white oak floors set a dramatic tone, while bespoke blackened steel and custom millwork details underscore a subtle, tactile luxury. See floor plan and full details here.

135 East 19th Street, #TH
$8,950,000 (-35.8%)

Gramercy Park | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 6,798 ft²

135 East 19th Street, #TH (Compass)

From the Listing: First time on the market in over 50 years, 135 East 19th Street is one of the last grand architecturally significant townhouses remaining available for private ownership in New York City. From the outside, this major townhouse is impressive and most special for its Gothic fantasy design. The real majesty begins when one enters the living room once referred to by the architect as the “Italian Room” with its massive barrel-vaulted ceiling, delicate filigree plasterwork, wood paneled walls, and massive stone fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

Liberty Lofts, #6A
$8,500,000

Central Park West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,667 ft²

Liberty Lofts, #6A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to 43 West 64th Street, a beautiful residence nestled between Lincoln Center and Central Park West. Step out of your private elevator into an oversized gallery, separating the gracious living and dining areas from the bedrooms. The great room features vaulted ceilings and a Juliet balcony with beautiful views of Lincoln Center. Offered fully furnished. See floor plan and full details here.

The Schumacher, #4A
$8,299,000

NoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,991 ft²

The Schumacher, #4A (REAL ESTATE SERVICES USA LLC)

From the Listing: This historic Queen Anne Victorian and Romanesque Revival-style, masonry and white marble print atelier has been sensitively refashioned into a boutique address of 20 two- to four-bedroom condominium residences featuring barrel vault brick ceilings up to 15 feet in height. Residences are resplendent in loft grandeur including oversize, wood-framed windows for brilliant light and artisanal finishes. See floor plan and full details here.

55 Hudson Street, #3BCD
$6,600,000

Tribeca | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 4,040 ft²

55 Hudson Street, #3BCD (Compass)

From the Listing: This Tribeca loft defines pre-war scale with 12-foot ceilings and 4,000+ square feet of meticulously designed space. Natural light flows throughout the home with 24 windows offering north, east, and west exposures. The barrel-vaulted ceilings soar overhead, adding a touch of grandeur and character to the space. Currently arranged as a 2 bedroom with multiple dining and entertaining spaces, this is an entertainer's dream. Private storage room included. See floor plan and full details here.

114 Liberty Street, #7
$5,999,000 (-7.7%)

Financial District | Condominium | 6+ Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 5,400 ft²

114 Liberty Street, #7 (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to your spacious and timeless, 14-room, 5,400-square-foot full-floor sanctuary! This grand home offers a contemporary fully equipped kitchen, six bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and one powder room. Additionally, it features a windowed corner library, a windowed breakfast room, a separate home gym, private laundry, and an extra-large private storage room off of the private foyer. The residence includes pristine hardwood floors throughout, dramatic 12-foot ceilings, quadruple exposures, architecturally significant cast iron columns, and barrel-vaulted ceilings in the living and dining areas. See floor plan and full details here.

114 Mercer Street, #PH
$4,995,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

114 Mercer Street, #PH (Serhant)

From the Listing: Tucked between Prince and Spring Street on a prime Soho block, this extraordinary penthouse loft is a luxurious and quiet oasis. Clearing the neighboring buildings, there are beautiful panoramic views south, east, and north from 22 oversized windows. The loft features 11-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings, exposed brick walls and piping, all contributing to its authentic industrial charm. Step off a private keyed elevator into approximately 2,300 square feet of versatile living space. See floor plan and full details here.

Archive Lofts, #702
$4,495,000

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,079 ft²

Archive Lofts, #702 (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)

From the Listing: This one-of-a kind loft conversion refashions a historic former art warehouse, discreetly tucked away in Lenox Hill. Residence 702 is a spacious and sunlit three-bedroom with 150 square feet of outdoor balconies and featuring three full-bathrooms, keyed elevator entry, a proper entry foyer, and a versatile home office. Enter the expansive 31-foot living and dining space boasting 11-foot barrel vaulted ceilings and 10-inch wide-plank engineered oak floors. See floor plan and full details here.

27 West 67th Street, #2FE
$4,300,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

27 West 67th Street, #2FE (Christies International Real Estate Group LLC)

From the Listing: Step into a living work of art at 27 West 67th Street, a distinguished duplex once home to acclaimed French painter Fran oise Gilot. Situated in the heart of the West 67th Street Artists" Colony Historic District, this exceptional residence offers the rare opportunity to own a piece of New York City's artistic legacy. Perched above one of the most picturesque blocks on the Upper West Side, this dramatic duplex features soaring 18-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and oversized north-facing windows that flood the expansive Great Room with natural light. See floor plan and full details here.

The Schumacher, #3C
$4,250,000

NoHo | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,132 ft²

The Schumacher, #3C (Compass)

From the Listing: Cozy, warm and inviting, this masterfully designed split two-bedroom, two-bath residence at the much coveted Schumacher condominium welcomes you like an old friend - so warm, inviting and peaceful, you'll want to luxuriate by staying. Featuring original 11' barrel vault ceilings and glorious oversize wood-framed arched windows, along with steel-brushed 7" wide white oak floors, this exquisitely styled home is resplendent with bespoke design details and is the perfect pied-a-terre or full-time home. See floor plan and full details here.

The Ice House, #3E
$3,800,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,701 ft²

The Ice House, #3E (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Residence 3E is a thoughtfully reimagined 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence that seamlessly blends contemporary sophistication with timeless architectural character. Arriving via private elevator landing, you're welcomed into a sprawling 1,700-square-foot home with soaring 11-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings and an abundance of natural light throughout. The open-concept layout offers a perfect setting for both relaxed living and elegant entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

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114 Mercer Street, #6
$3,495,000 (-5.4%)

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,300 ft²

114 Mercer Street, #6 (Compass)

From the Listing: Located in the vibrant heart of SoHo, this meticulously crafted, move-in-ready home seamlessly combines the industrial charm of the late 19th century with the finest contemporary finishes. Accessed by a private, key-locked elevator, you are greeted by an impressive great room with soaring 11-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings, massive double-height windows, and sweeping views of Broadway’s landmarked cast iron buildings. This light-filled space, designed for grand entertaining, effortlessly accommodates dining and seating areas under ambient LED lighting, while wide-plank oak floors add warmth and character throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

114 Mercer Street, #5
$3,425,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 2,300 ft²

114 Mercer Street, #5 (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: This exceptional full-floor Soho loft masterfully blends authentic prewar character with sophisticated contemporary design. A private keyed elevator opens directly into the expansive home, revealing soaring 11-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings and dramatic, oversized west-facing windows that flood the space with natural light. Whitewashed brick walls, wide-plank white oak floors, smart home window treatments and custom lighting throughout enhance the loft’s warmth. See floor plan and full details here.

720 Greenwich Street, #1A
$3,175,000 (-5.2%)

West Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

720 Greenwich Street, #1A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: West Village loft boasts nearly 13-foot, barrel vaulted ceilings and nine 10-foot tall south and east windows. Currently configured as a 2-bedroom, 2-bath loft with a separate lofted sleeping area and dining alcove, it can convert to a true three bedroom. The open and airy floor plan has grand proportions, amazing light, and a sleek, industrial feel, utilizing opaque glass and steel, warm wood and recycled elements like an actual ballet barre, Paperstone kitchen countertops, and the same wide plank wood floors that grace the Whitney Museum. The trapezoidal shape of the loft allows for winged bedrooms and a kitchen area that feels separate. See floor plan and full details here.

114 Mercer Street, #UNIT2
$3,125,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 2,300 ft²

114 Mercer Street, #UNIT2 (Serhant)

From the Listing: Enjoy a luxurious loft lifestyle in this stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom co-op with the tallest ceilings in the building. A key locked elevator ushers residents into a windowed foyer with a convenient coat closet. Past the foyer is an expansive great room oversized sash windows and soaring barrel-vaulted ceilings over 12 feet in height. Exposed ducts and pipes are quintessential industrial touches, while beautiful hardwood floors add warm organic tones. See floor plan and full details here.

11 West 20th Street, #4
$2,995,000

Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths | 2,205 ft²

11 West 20th Street, #4 (Prime Manhattan Residential LLC)

From the Listing: Enter your loft home directly from a private keyed elevator, providing security and exclusivity. This exquisite full-floor apartment boasts an impressive 12' barrel ceiling that adds character and elegance to the spacious layout. The oversized south-facing windows enable the home to be filled with natural light, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere throughout the day. The well-designed layout offers a seamless flow between the living and dining areas, perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

University Mews, #111
$2,975,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,600 ft²

University Mews, #111 (The Agency Brokerage)

From the Listing: Spanning three airy levels, this fully renovated home's main floor offers an open layout with 17' barrel-vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling wood casement windows overlooking custom gardens. The chef's kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas, featuring Caesarstone countertops, an island, Miele/Bosch stainless steel appliances, and elegant custom cabinetry. The upper level hosts a primary bedroom with a wall of customized closets and a timeless en-suite bath with heated floors. See floor plan and full details here.

Archive Lofts, #402
$2,500,000

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,568 ft²

Archive Lofts, #402 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence 402 is a spacious one-bedroom with additional bonus room, two full bathrooms and 25-square-foot balcony. This exceptional home offers south and west exposures, 11-foot barrel vaulted ceilings and 7-in wide plank engineered white oak floors. This gracious layout features an open kitchen with a large island that leads to an expansive 49-foot living and dining space. The balcony welcomes in an abundance of natural light through a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that creates a seamless flow from indoor to outdoor living. See floor plan and full details here.

45 Lispenard Street, #8E
$2,500,000 (-3.8%)

Tribeca | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

45 Lispenard Street, #8E (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence #8E is a rare corner loft home, approximating 1,800 square feet and featuring wonderful inherent qualities, including oversized windows, 45 feet of south facing sun-drenched frontage, with northern exposure over Soho towards the evening lights of the Empire State Building, all complemented by an open layout and 10' high ceilings, replete with their original "barrel vaulting" intact. Currently set up as an impactful and highly detailed one bedroom, two-bathroom home with a windowed home office, the property lends itself to a three-bedroom conversion. See floor plan and full details here.

42 Ann Street, #7
$2,495,000

Financial District | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,708 ft²

42 Ann Street, #7 (Compass)

From the Listing: Dramatic Downtown loft where history meets modern refinement! Featuring barrel-vaulted ceilings soaring up to 10 feet, radiant heated oak floors, and a private keyed elevator that opens directly into your home, every detail of this full-floor loft has been thoughtfully designed to elevate the living experience. The soaring ceilings and generous scale create an ambiance that is both majestic and inviting. Anchoring this space is a chef’s kitchen as beautiful as it is functional. See floor plan and full details here.

Loft 124, #2A
$2,095,000

Harlem | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,946 ft²

Loft 124, #2A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Originally built in 1906 as a warehouse, this distinctive building offers a downtown living experience in the heart of Harlem. A private elevator opens directly into your foyer, leading into a dramatic living and dining room, where soaring 13'5" barreled terracotta brick ceilings immediately captivate. Oversized 10' north-facing, double-pane tilt-and-turn windows flood the home with natural light, and a cozy gas fireplace creates a welcoming ambiance. This expansive room seamlessly integrates into a top-of-the-line chef's kitchen, perfectly suited for entertaining. Enormous private storage room included. See floor plan and full details here.

40 West 15th Street, #1C
$1,600,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,750 ft²

40 West 15th Street, #1C (Bond New York Properties LLC)

From the Listing: Enter this huge prewar apartment through a hallway with ceiling heights of approximately 14'9" that leads into the Great Room. Oversized floor to ceiling, south facing windows and patio doors saturate the home with light. The current open layout includes one massive living / dining /sleeping and dedicated home office area. There is an open kitchen fully equipped with a washer, vented dryer, and dishwasher. See floor plan and full details here.

4 West 16th Street, #7B
$1,400,000

Flatiron/Union Square | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

4 West 16th Street, #7B (Keller Williams NYC)

From the Listing: As you step inside Residence #7B, the essence of classic NYC loft living comes to life. This expansive 1-bedroom loft spans approximately 1,400 square feet, featuring soaring 11-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings, architectural columns, and light oak hardwood floors. Having exposures to the east, west, and south, a total of 7 oversized windows invites abundant natural light, enhancing the home’s airy and open layout—perfect for contemporary living. See floor plan and full details here.

Archive Lofts, #503
$1,350,000

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 735 ft²

Archive Lofts, #503 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This exceptional one-bed offers northern exposure, 11-foot barrel vaulted ceilings and 7-in wide plank engineered white oak floors. This gracious layout features an open kitchen with a large island that leads to an expansive 22-foot living and dining space. The balcony welcomes in an abundance of natural light through a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that creates a seamless flow from indoor to outdoor living. The state-of-the-art kitchen features a Miele appliance suite, garbage disposal, Colorado marble waterfall island, Scavolini integrated cabinetry, and Signature polished nickel fixtures. See floor plan and full details here.

University Mews, #507
$1,295,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

University Mews, #507 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Conveniently located where Greenwich Village, Union Square, Noho and the East Village converge, this expansive loft home is not to be missed. Enter and be drawn to the soaring 11-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling throughout as you make your way to the expansive and bright south-facing living room, which features oversized windows, exposed brick and plenty of space for multiple seating arrangements. Off of the living room is the primary bedroom that can comfortably accommodate a king-sized bed with oversized windows and a large en-suite bath. See floor plan and full details here.

The Halloran, #3C
$899,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

The Halloran, #3C (Compass)

From the Listing: Enter Residence 3C through a welcoming foyer with a coat closet, leading to a thoughtfully updated eat-in kitchen with barstool seating. At the rear of the home, a wall of oversized windows floods the living space with natural light, highlighting the home’s unique architectural character. The open living area layout features over 10-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings, whitewashed masonry walls, and solid hardwood floors. See floor plan and full details here.

121 East 10th Street, #D
$725,000 (-6.5%)

East Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

121 East 10th Street, #D (Serhant)

From the Listing: Exciting East Village living meets historic Bohemian charm in this one-of-a-kind duplex with enchanting details throughout. This stunning loft is lined with exposed redbrick walls, 10-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings, and carefully curated reclaimed vintage fixtures, which create a truly special escape. Oversized windows allow for abundant natural light, accentuating custom light fixtures and wide plank rift cut Georgian white pine floors. See floor plan and full details here.

The Williamsburg Firehouse Lofts, #1B
$599,000 (-14.3%)

Williamsburg | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 937 ft²

The Williamsburg Firehouse Lofts, #1B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Bursting with history, charm and emanating the spirit of Brooklyn, this quintessential conversion offers a truly once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of New York City history, and to make it your dream home. Jaw-dropping, 16-foot barrel vaulted ceilings, and walls of beautiful exposed brick envelope each home. Extra tall windows, many offering Brooklyn and Manhattan views, and large skylights let sunlight stream in all day long. While many original features have been preserved creating warmth, charm, and a sense of history throughout the building, the apartments are move in ready with renovated kitchens and bathrooms. See floor plan and full details here.

372 Fifth Avenue, #6C
$555,000 (-5.1%)

Midtown West | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath

372 Fifth Avenue, #6C (Compass)

From the Listing: Delivering wow-factor with barrel-vaulted 12-foot ceilings and functioning like a one bedroom, this home is renovated to deliver the owner a warmth and volume of space that typifies Manhattan loft living. This move-in ready property features a huge 25' great room with dedicated space for relaxing, dining and working from home, newer wide-plank European Oak floors, a renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, renovated spa-style bathroom, a separate and private lofted sleeping area with bedroom-like separation, and ample closet space and storage throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

The beauty of barrel-vaulted ceilings: 25 NYC homes that soar with grace

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