Tricks to Make Your Ceilings Look Higher

Low ceilings can make a room feel cramped and small, but with a few design tricks, you can create the illusion of a taller space. From color choices to lighting, here’s how you can make your ceilings appear higher, and transform your room into a more expansive area.

Light and Bright

A well-known trick is to paint your ceiling a lighter color than your walls. Light colors reflect more light, which can make any space seem open and airy. Consider a classic bright white or a soft pastel to visually lift your ceiling.

Vertical Illusions

Drawing the eye upward can give the impression of height. Use vertical lines and features like striped wallpaper or tall, thin bookshelves or curtains to guide the gaze from the floor to the ceiling. Even a tall lamp or vertical artwork can add to this elongating effect.

Low Profile Furniture

Select furniture with a low height. Lower furniture creates more visible space above, enhancing the feeling of height in a room. Think sleek and low sofas, tables, and beds.

Statement Lighting

Choose lighting fixtures that draw attention upward. A beautiful pendant light or an elegant chandelier can become a focal point, drawing the eye upward. However, ensure the fixture is proportionate to the room size – too large, and it could have the opposite effect.

Use of Space and Scale

Incorporate shelving that reaches up high or hang curtains from the ceiling down to the floor. These features can trick the mind into believing the ceiling is higher than it is, due to the extended lines and use of vertical space.

Declutter

A cluttered room feels smaller. Keep your decor minimal and avoid overcrowding the space with too much furniture or too many accessories. A minimalist approach gives the room a cleaner line and sense of openness.

Recessed and Directional Lighting

Instead of floor lamps, use recessed lighting or directional wall sconces. These can spotlight areas of the room, drawing the eye upward and creating a sense of space.