Low Ceiling Design Tricks: How to Make a Low Ceiling Seem Higher

Here’s a common challenge faced by many homeowners: low ceilings. Yes, those confining 6-foot-high barriers that make us feel a bit like hobbits in our own homes. Our Brooklyn-based interior design firm has encountered this issue with countless client projects and has an arsenal of savvy tricks to share.

So, let’s dive into some fun and clever low ceiling design tricks that will help you make the most of your vertical limitations.

Understanding Low Ceilings

Low ceilings can sometimes make a room feel a bit like a cozy cave, but they don’t have to be a design dilemma. Understanding why ceilings are low in the first place is the first step to addressing the challenge. Often, low ceilings are a result of the building’s design, the materials used, or the era in which the property was constructed. Older homes, for instance, frequently feature low ceilings due to the building techniques of the time. In contrast, some modern homes might have low ceilings as a deliberate design choice to create a more intimate atmosphere. Regardless of the cause, the key is to create the illusion of higher ceilings and make the space feel more open and inviting

Low Ceiling Design Tricks: Using Furniture and Art

As I work a lot in various small and large spaces in Manhattan and Brooklyn, I see all types of room shapes, sizes, and in this situation, ceiling heights. So I realize that a low ceiling should not always be viewed as a design flaw. Rather, by taking a fresh look at your room, and adding some creative choices you can transform this potential challenge into a cozy and inviting space that you’ll genuinely enjoy.

By carefully considering the room’s proportions, you can use design elements like furniture and art to create the illusion of a taller space.

First and foremost, embrace the verticality! Just because your ceiling is low doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice storage or style. Consider installing floor-to-ceiling bookcases or hanging art that extends to the ceiling. We’ve certainly developed particular skills at creating spaces and setting moods through art. By drawing the eye upwards, this clever trick creates an illusion of height and alleviates the feeling of confinement.

Paint & Lighting: More Low Ceiling Design Tricks

Next, let’s not underestimate the transformative power of paint! Selecting the right colors for your walls and ceiling can make a significant difference in the overall atmosphere of the space. Opt for lighter shades such as white or light blue, as they help reflect light and create a sense of verticality. Painting the ceiling a slightly lighter hue than the walls can also give the illusion of a larger space, ensuring you don’t find yourself in a narrow room despite the physical limitations.

Now, the ever-important issue of lighting. Illuminating a low-ceiling space can be tricky. You want to avoid creating a cave-like atmosphere while not drawing attention to the low height. One solution is to incorporate low ceiling lights, such as recessed lighting, which provides a subtle glow without occupying much visual space. Another option is to strategically hang pendant lights, being mindful of fixtures that are not too low to avoid further accentuating the ceiling’s proximity. (I looked at some interesting ones today on Bergdorf Goodman’s website…didn’t know they had them!) Here’s a link to see what they are showing which includes a wide variety of styles, colors, lengths, and price points. Pendant Lighting)

Of course, there are many places to look for lighting but this can give you some ideas. And if you want more ideas and help working on issues such as low ceilings (or other interior design challenges/opportunities) we’d love to help.

Window Treatments

Window treatments are a game-changer when it comes to making low ceilings seem higher. One of the best tricks is to use floor-to-ceiling curtains or drapes. This creates a continuous vertical line that draws the eye upwards, giving the impression of higher ceilings. Opt for sheer or light-colored fabrics to reflect natural light, which can make the room feel brighter and more spacious. When selecting window treatments, think about the style, material, color, and texture. For instance, floor-length curtains in a light, airy fabric can enhance the sense of height and openness in your living space.

Mirrors and Reflections

Mirrors are a powerful tool in the arsenal of low ceiling design tricks. By strategically placing a mirror opposite a window, you can reflect natural light and make the room feel more expansive. Additionally, hanging a mirror above a piece of furniture, like a sofa or console table, can create the illusion of more space and elevate the ceiling’s perceived height. When choosing mirrors, consider their size, shape, and frame style. A large, frameless mirror can add depth and make the ceiling appear higher, enhancing the overall sense of space in the room.

Architectural Features

Architectural features can work wonders in creating the illusion of higher ceilings. Vertical lines, such as those from floor-to-ceiling bookshelves or vertical paneling, naturally draw the eye upwards, making the ceiling seem taller. Even a well-placed window frame or door frame can contribute to this effect. When incorporating these features, pay attention to the style, material, color, and texture. For example, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf in a contrasting color can stand out and emphasize verticality, making the room feel more spacious and the ceiling higher.

Maximizing Vertical Space

Maximizing vertical space is crucial for making low ceilings appear higher. Using floor lamps, table lamps, and wall lights can create a layered lighting effect that draws the eye upwards. Additionally, incorporating vertical stripes or patterns on walls or furniture can enhance the sense of height. When planning your lighting and decor, consider the placement and scale of each element. For instance, a floor lamp placed in a corner can add height and make the ceiling seem higher. Similarly, vertical stripes on a wall can elongate the room’s proportions, creating the illusion of more space and higher ceilings.

By implementing these low ceiling design tricks, you can transform a such a room into a space that feels open, airy, and inviting. Remember, it’s all about creating the illusion of height and making the most of your vertical space. Happy decorating!