Features

40 East 20th Street, #5/6, a duplex condo with 20-foot ceilings (Brown Harris Stevens)

From Great Listings Cathedral Ceilings: The pros and cons of double-height spaces + See 16 stunning examples

By CityRealty Staff Thursday, December 1, 2022

After turning away from the window to look at the view, the first thing anyone does upon visiting a New York City apartment is turn their attention to the interiors, where ceiling height plays a significant role. Bob Vila considers the standard ceiling height to be nine feet, but some apartment developers and designers are thinking much bigger than that. Industrial buildings are likely to feature super-high ceilings that get worked into residential conversions, and new construction condos are also incorporating double-height ceilings. In any setting, the highest ceilings are typically found on the highest floors and in the most expensive units.

Like many of real estate’s luxurious amenities, this is a matter of personal preference. High ceilings with exposed beams or ornate crown molding can be difficult to keep clean, which can make the tidiest apartment appear dingy. Even the less ornate present challenges when it comes to tasks like repairs, painting, or changing light bulbs. And at a time when energy costs are up, it should be noted that heating costs in these spaces can run almost as high as the ceilings.

However, the advantages to high ceilings are hard to overlook, especially when visiting this atmosphere. 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. At any time of year, the ceiling height gives the rooms more space and a highly dramatic atmosphere. Finally, the rooms with soaring ceilings often come with correspondingly high windows, which flood the space with incredible natural light.

173 Bayard Street, #2R
$995,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 665 ft²

173 Bayard Street, #2R (R New York)

From the Listing: Features of this 665-square-foot lofty home include exposed brick and steel beams, polished concrete flooring throughout, HVAC central air conditioning/heating, double-height ceilings, virtual doorman that syncs with your smart-phone and an in-unit washer/dryer. The home opens into an informal entryway area adorned with a custom kitchen that highlights white quartz counter-tops, a suite of stainless steel kitchen appliances including a Bertazzoni oven, Blomberg refrigerator and Blomberg dishwasher. The living room is dramatic and movie-like with huge sun-soaking windows, double-height ceilings, a remote controlled shade system and stairway leading to the upper mezzanine, which is perfect for a bedroom that maintains just the right amount of privacy. Finally, the unit also comes with a private deeded rooftop! See floor plan and full details here.

The Printing House, #502
$1,649,000 (-14.3%)

West Village | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 750 ft²

The Printing House, #502 (Compass)

From the Listing: As you enter this loft, you are greeted by sunlight that has made its way from the oversize floor-to-ceiling windows on other end of the space. An elegant living room is found at the far end of this loft with a double-height ceiling (15-feet high). The entire second floor is dedicated to a primary suite, one of the largest of comparative 1-bedrooms. Morning light from the east floods the bedroom and living room. Through the residences 9-foot double-paned windows is a green park-space, allowing unobstructed views of the West Village, Empire State and buildings to the north. See floor plan and full details here.

259 Elizabeth Street, #1B
$1,795,000

NoLiTa/Little Italy | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,200 ft²

259 Elizabeth Street, #1B (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Apartment 1B is a very special offering at 259 Elizabeth Street. The entry foyer provides great hidden storage space and a grand entrance to the apartment. The kitchen was just renovated and features high end finishes and appliances (including a dishwasher).The double-height ceilings soar to 15' in the multi-functional living and dining area. On the first floor, there is a bedroom with sunroom-style windows that can be closed off with electric shades. A separate closet contains a combo washer/dryer. The full staircase leads to the second floor which features a second bedroom, bonus space that can be used as a home office or lounge area, and a huge walk-in closet. See floor plan and full details here.

Warehouse 11, #6N
$1,999,000 (-7%)

Williamsburg | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,333 ft²

Warehouse 11, #6N (William Luxe New York)

From the Listing: Welcome to this expansive, elegant two-story penthouse with a terrace offering views of McCarren Park and beyond. The first level has a dramatic floor-to-ceiling 17' living room window which open to a Juliet balcony. The north/east exposure bathes the space in sunlight all day. The state-of-the-art chef's kitchen features a Jenn-Air refrigerator and stove and a Bosch dishwasher as well as quartz countertops. The generous living room can accommodate a dining table and a full living room set. The bedroom on the main level can be used as an office/guest room, or den. An elegant staircase leads to a second, light-filled level which offers expansive park views from the nearly 200-square-foot terrace. The over-sized bedroom offers a wall of deep, custom-built closets that not only has ample space for clothing on hangers, but also can accommodate a bureau. Two parking spaces are available for purchase, and residents also enjoy a tax abatement until 2025. See floor plan and full details here.

The Pythian, #8E
$2,370,000 (-3.3%)

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,779 ft²

The Pythian, #8E (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Transport yourself to a hidden Moroccan-style sanctuary in this one-of-a-kind corner 1,779-square-foot condo, a pristine 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex graced with custom finishes and a private terrace. On the lower level of the home, residents pass through an elegant entry hall and are greeted by an open concept living room, dining room, and kitchen marked by a pair of stylish wall fountains and a stunning collection of stone, tile, and bamboo surfaces. The living room boasts soaring 16-foot double-height ceilings and a chic Moroccan tile accent wall that leads out onto a lovely terrace with views of the Central Park skyline, perfect for small meals, urban gardening, sun lounging, and more. The kitchen is adorned with a bold granite island, a hand-painted tile backsplash, a farmhouse sink, and high-end stainless steel Monogram, Miele, and Sub-Zero appliances including a triple-surface cooktop with a griddle and grill attached. On the upper level of the home is a tranquil primary suite with a private study/home office, two vast walk-in closets, and a wrought-iron balcony overlooking the living space below. See floor plan and full details here.

Pierhouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park, #N810
$2,800,000

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

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

From the Listing: 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.

480 Degraw Street, #THD
$3,200,000

Gowanus | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,597 ft²

480 Degraw Street, #THD (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome home to 480 Degraw, spacious modern condominiums in Carroll Gardens. Thoughtfully crafted, these unique homes feature soaring double-height ceilings and generous private outdoor spaces. Townhouse D is one of only two remaining townhome units, spanning 3 floors and featuring double-height ceilings in the great room and gorgeous views out to a lush private garden. As you step inside your private entryway, you'll note the crafted steel features, sustainable Blonde Douglas Fir custom millwork, spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows, and myriad built-ins. The complete offering terms are in an Offering Plan available from Sponsor. File No. CD21-0064. See floor plan and full details here.

The Sugar Warehouse, #2B
$4,495,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,400 ft²

The Sugar Warehouse, #2B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Upon entering this 2,400 square foot home through a private key-locked elevator, one is captivated by the amazing great room featuring double-height ceilings soaring to 16 feet. Eight oversized windows along with the Ebony-stained wood floors and custom Henry Built cabinetry complement the exposed brick creating a sense of warmth and industrial luxury. The renovated open kitchen has two full size paneled Sub-Zeros, Sub-Zero wine fridge, Henry Built cabinetry, Corian countertops and a solid walnut woodblock counter. The extra large primary suite has a spa-like bathroom with solid concrete double sink vanity top, deep soaking tub and a separate rain shower. Large storage unit included with the sale. See floor plan and full details here.

40 East 20th Street, #5/6
$4,998,000

Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,179 ft²

40 East 20th Street, #56 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: The 5th and 6th floor duplex at 40 East 20th Street provides the winning combination of breathtaking scale and volume of space, a crisp modern renovation, and the perfect floorplan for today's lifestyle. Your private elevator opens directly into an impressively scaled room of ideal proportion - a lounge measuring 28 feet long by 22 feet wide, with 20-foot double-height ceilings. Flooded with light from two banks of windows, this is a space with unlimited potential for creative use and design. The 18-foot-long open kitchen was renovated to perfection and features a six-burner Viking stove, Sub-Zero fridge, custom white cabinetry and a 10-foot-long quartz waterfall island with seating for four. A stunning architectural staircase leads to an epically scaled approximately 500-square-foot mezzanine loft which overlooks the double height lounge and is the quintessential home office or studio space, screening, or game room. See floor plan and full details here.

Chatham 44, #PHEF
$5,588,000 (-6.7%)

Midtown West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 3,014 ft²

Chatham 44, #PHEF (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This dramatic penthouse duplex offers 4 bedrooms (plus windowed home office), 5.5 baths, and striking 18' tall floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy day-long sunlight, panoramic views, and beautiful sunsets from the truly spectacular 1,300-square-foot terrace, which wraps around the northern and western sides of the apartment. The first floor of the duplex features a massive 34' long great room with double-height ceilings and walls of windows. Off of the great room is an open kitchen with Sub-Zero and Miele appliances, Schuller dark oak cabinetry, Caesar Stone countertops, and a spacious breakfast bar. The second floor houses three king-sized bedrooms and a spacious windowed home office, which can easily be converted to a fifth bedroom. Two deeded storage units included in the purchase. See floor plan and full details here.

Five One Five, #7N
$5,995,000 (-9.8%)

Chelsea | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,326 ft²

Five One Five, #7N (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: The soul of this 2,326-square-foot, 2-bedroom plus a windowed den, 3-bathroom apartment is the expansive 1,229-square-foot private terrace with magnificent city views and dramatic double height ceilings showcasing signature fluid glass architecture. 7N is an entertainer's dream with chef's kitchen and a spacious great room flowing into the private landscaped terrace outfitted with a Danver outdoor grill. A private keyed elevator takes you to directly into your home, opening into lavish entry gallery. Elegant European light oak floors, Motleni millwork, Dornbracht fixtures and Molteni custom closets are featured throughout the residence. See floor plan and full details here.

321 West 104th Street, #NA
$6,499,000 (-7.1%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Townhouse | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 5,200 ft²

321 West 104th Street, #NA (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: With over 5,200 square foot, this single-family brownstone boasts a beautifully preserved turn-of-the-century facade and a completely renovated interior with clean and contemporary finishes including 4-zone central air conditioning, custom African bubinga and birch hardwood built-ins, and an elevator. This spacious home is currently configured with three bedrooms, a very large home office that could be used as a fourth bedroom, three full bathrooms, and three half baths. Up the stoop, enter the dramatic parlor floor with over 10' ceilings, bay window, an enormous, wood-burning fireplace with sleek marble mantel, mezzanine library with wet bar and floor to ceiling windows facing the serene back garden. The well-equipped chef's kitchen occupies much of the garden floor. An intimate seating area off of the kitchen is anchored by another sleek, wood-burning fireplace and soaring, double-height ceilings, while offering charming views and access to the back garden. See floor plan and full details here.

Philip House, #PHS
$7,650,000 (-2.9%)

Carnegie Hill | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,738 ft²

Philip House, #PHS (Compass)

From the Listing: Have the charm and elegance of living in a pre-war building, and get all the benefits of new construction! Upon entry, the apartment feels like a true home, with a formal foyer that houses a powder room, a large laundry room with storage and a full-size LG washer and dryer, and a proper staircase (with extensive storage underneath) which leads to the second floor of home. The entry hallway graciously leads to the crown jewel of the apartment the expansive living and dining space, with double-height ceilings, oversized windows, and multiple sets of French doors leading out onto an almost 500-square-foot west-facing terrace, offering open city views, a gas grill setup, and space for multiple seating areas. There is a wood-burning fireplace (rare!) and east and west exposures allowing for all-day natural light. See floor plan and full details here.

22 Bond, #2/3
$8,000,000

NoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,939 ft²

22 Bond, #23 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence 2/3 is an exemplary duplex reflecting the immaculate attention to detail and refined fit and finishes of 22 Bond Street. Meticulously-crafted interiors feature double-height ceilings as well as generous wall space for displaying your prized works of art. This magnificent home is bathed in light from floor-to-ceiling walls of glass with north and south-facing city views. European oak tongue and groove wood flooring and custom 9' flat-close doors with hidden recessed hinges can be found throughout. Off your main living space, an oversized Smallbone-designed kitchen offers an abundance of storage, multiple prep spaces and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances. Two well-appointed bedrooms suites are located opposite the living space on this level with beautiful views over the building's lush garden. Ascending the 3-Form Chroma-White Out suspended staircase, the upper-level houses the primary suite. See floor plan and full details here.

111 West 57th Street, #14N
$13,950,000 (-12.3%)

Midtown West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | 4,547 ft²

111 West 57th Street, #14N (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Move right in to Landmark Residence 14N at 111 West 57th Street, which provides an unparalleled opportunity for one who enjoys modern conveniences within grand spaces reminiscent of the pre-war era. An elegant, windowed entry foyer offers white macauba stone floors, and leads into a grand living room with double height ceilings, custom smoke gray oak floors in a parquet pattern, fireplace, and a wet bar. The living room is situated next to a spacious formal dining room offering ample room for entertaining. The separate kitchen is finished with Cristallo Gold quartzite countertops and backsplash, custom hand-crafted cabinetry, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances. The corner primary bedroom, which boasts double height ceilings, is outfitted with a large dressing room and a bathroom clad in Italian white Venato marble and free-standing copper soaking tub handcrafted by William Holland and custom bronze fixtures by P.E. Guerin. See floor plan and full details here.

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