When the ceilings in a room are low, they can make the space feel cramped and closed off. This is why a lot of people dream of having high ceilings in their homes. But note that high ceilings have some real downsides, such as being difficult to heat and challenging to decorate. In fact, window coverings for high ceilings are expensive as well as adding artwork to tall walls. Rooms with lower, more modest ceiling heights are warmer, more intimate, and more suitable to most human sizes. But what solutions are there to make rooms with low ceilings feel more spacious, particularly for people who do not like small and tight spaces?
Fortunately, there are different ways to create the illusion of height and openness in spaces with low ceilings. With the right techniques, you’ll be able to transform a room with low ceilings into a more spacious and inviting space. If you want to learn more about this, we are here to help you. In this article, we are going to explore some of the best solutions for making low ceilings appear higher.
Paint Colors
One of the simple and easy ways to make low ceilings appear higher is by using the right paint color. Lighter paint colors can reflect more natural light and create a sense of spaciousness in any area. Darker colors, on the other hand, can make rooms feel smaller and more enclosed. Also, when you pick a ceiling color that is similar to the color of your walls, it creates a seamless transition that can make the ceiling feel less noticeable.
You can also incorporate vertical stripes, as they can create the illusion of height by drawing the eye upward. Painting narrow, vertical stripes on your walls is one of the effective ways to make low ceilings appear higher. However, avoid choosing colors that are not too contrasting, as this can make a dizzying effect. You can also paint any molding or trim on the ceiling the same color as the ceiling for a cohesive look.
When painting a low ceiling, using the right techniques is very important to avoid making it feel lower. Choose a matte or flat finish for the ceiling as a glossy finish can make it feel closer. Using vertical brush strokes when painting is better in order to create the illusion of height. Lastly, do not use dark or heavily patterned wallpaper on your ceiling as this can also make it look and feel lower.
Lighting
Using the right types of ceiling lights can also help make a low ceiling appear higher. Below are the different light fixtures that you can use for low ceilings to make them look and feel higher:
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is one of the best ways to do this. By placing lights in the ceiling, you’ll be able to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height. For low ceilings, narrow, recessed lights that do not protrude too far from the ceiling are recommended to avoid a cluttered look.
Pendant Lights
Aside from recessed lighting, you may also use pendant lights. These can help create the illusion of height by drawing the eye upward. But only choose those that hang down at least a foot or two from the ceiling. You also need to ensure that they are not too bulky and heavy, as this can also make the ceiling feel lower.
Wall Sconces
Wall sconces are also an effective way to add light to a room without taking up much space on the floor or ceiling. When you choose to install wall sconces, it is better to place them high on the wall to create the illusion of height.
Furniture and Décor
The furniture pieces and decorations you put in a room can also affect how a low ceiling appears. When the room is filled with a lot of things, the ceiling can appear lower and the space will feel more cramped. To prevent this, below are some tips to make a low ceiling appear higher through furniture and décor:
Choose Low Profile Furniture
Placing low-profile furniture pieces in a room with a low ceiling can help create the illusion of more space. Furniture that sits close to the ground, such as a platform bed or a low sofa, can make ceilings appear higher. Avoid furniture pieces that have tall backs or legs, as they can create a cluttered look and make the ceiling appear and feel lower.
Hang Art and Décor Higher
When you hang art and décor higher on the walls, you’ll be able to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height. Therefore, try hanging art and décor closer to the ceiling instead of at eye level when you have a low ceiling in your room. You can also hang curtains higher than the window frame to make the windows appear taller.
Add Vertical Décor
It is also a good idea to add vertical decorations, such as floor-to-ceiling bookcases and tall plants, as these can also make a low ceiling appear higher. When you draw the eye upward, ceilings will seem to be higher and create a more spacious ambiance.
Remove Clutter
Keeping the room organized can create a more open and spacious feeling, which can also help make low ceilings appear higher. Therefore, try to remove unnecessary furniture, décor, and accessories, and try to give the room a more minimalist look. You can also try to use storage solutions like floating shelves and hidden cabinets to keep clutter out of sight.
Architecture
Improving the architectural design of a room can also help in making a low ceiling appear higher. Below are some tips that you can follow:
Add Height to Doorways
Adding height to your doorways can help create the illusion of taller ceilings. You can do this by extending the door frame or adding some decorative molding above the door.
Install Crown Molding
Install crown molding at the intersection of the ceiling and walls. Doing this will help you create a more seamless transition between the two. Crown molding can also draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of taller ceilings.
Install Taller Baseboards
When there are taller baseboards, they will make the walls in a room appear taller, too. This, in turn, makes low ceilings appear higher. Adding a few extra inches to the height of your baseboards can help create a more dramatic effect.
Raise Window Treatments
To make windows and ceilings appear taller, you can raise window treatments, such as blinds or curtains. When you hang window treatments closer to the ceiling instead of at the top of the window frame, you can create a more open and spacious ambiance in the room.
Illusion Techniques
Aside from the tips and tricks we’ve mentioned above, there are also more illusion techniques that you can try to make low ceilings appear higher. Below are a few examples:
Use Mirrors
Mirrors are among the best things that can help you create the illusion of more space. They can also make low ceilings appear higher. When you place a big mirror on a wall, you can reflect light and create the impression of a larger room.
Optical Illusions
You can also create some optical illusions in the room to make the ceiling appear higher. For instance, you can paint horizontal stripes on the walls, which can create the impression of wider walls and taller ceilings. Aside from this, you can also use vertical lines and patterns to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of higher ceilings. You can do this by using wallpaper with vertical stripes or by adding a tall, vertical piece of artwork to the wall.
Install Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelves
When a room has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, it creates the illusion of taller walls and higher ceilings. You can fill the bookshelves with books and decorative pieces to draw the eye upward and create a more dramatic effect. For a seamless look, painting the bookshelves the same color as the walls is a good idea.
Conclusion
There are indeed many different ways to make low ceilings appear higher and make a room feel more spacious. Through the use of paint colors, furniture, lighting, and illusion techniques, you’ll be able to turn a room with low ceilings into a roomier and more inviting space. With a little creativity and some strategic design choices, it is quite easy to transform any room with low ceilings into a beautiful and more comfortable living space. We hope this article helped you learn more about how you can make low ceilings appear higher.