Low Ceiling Design Tricks

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 solutions that will help you make the most of your vertical limitations.

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.

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. and perhaps some design assistance from our interior design firm.