Ceiling Material Options?

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My goal is to install white ceilings (of some kind) in my home in order to improve the lighting (to reflect the light). I am looking for alternative solutions to traditional drywall. If possible, the solution would be lighter in weight than drywall, and would not require compound and sanding work. This is a post and beam house (Amish style carpentry), and the existing ceilings are all wood. Downstairs ceilings are essentially the flat floor boards of the upstairs rooms. Additionally, each room is divided into rectangular ceiling areas by the exposed beam work. My goal is to leave the beams exposed and to install white rectangular ceiling sections up against (or close to) the flat ceiling boards. A typical room will have 4 or 6 rectangular sections, each measuring approx. 4 feet by 7 feet. Sound insulation is also a consideration, though it's of secondary importance to the lighting goal. Does anyone know of some cuttable moderately lightwieght material designed for this (which isn't just particle board), which might end-up looking (mostly) like painted drywall, and might be decent for absorbing or blocking sound? Am I asking too much? Thanks in advance for any advice.