How to Light a Room With a Low Ceiling

What do bungalows, many historic homes, and older condos have in common? Ceilings that measure only 7 or 8 feet high.  Fortunately, there are style techniques that interior designers use that make these rooms appear larger. Even better, there are lots of lighting fixtures – and even ceiling fans – on the market with slim profiles that provide ambient lighting without visual heft. Here’s how to light a room with a low ceiling.

Go Vertical

One of the most effective ways to make a space seem “taller” is to subtly lead our eyes from floor to ceiling. You can achieve this by hanging drapery closer to the ceiling rather than along the top of a window frame or specifying wallpaper with a vertical pattern. Placing large vertically oriented wall art (and hanging it higher than you would normally) or a large leaning mirror at the back wall are other techniques interior designers utilize to direct attention to the furthest point, making the room seem longer.

By their shape and nature, floor lamps can vertically elongate the room; first by their frame and then by the light source drawing your eye up to a mid-level point in the space. Having some distance between the lamp and ceiling reinforces the illusion of height.

Installing a wall-mounted lamp or sconce at mid-height will essentially provide the same effect and is an especially good solution for those who want minimal furnishings to help make a small room look larger. Low-profile sofas, chairs, and tables create a streamlined appearance in a smaller scale without taking up a lot of space. Another alternative is to use an arc floor lamp (like this one) that can provide illumination over the seating area similar to the way a ceiling fixture would.

Embrace the Ceiling

Interior designers are split on advice on how to treat the ceiling in smaller rooms. Some advocate painting the ceiling the same color as the walls so there is no visual demarcation between the two, while others suggest painting the ceiling in white or light-color high-gloss paint because of its light-reflective properties.

Years ago, homeowners were more or less discouraged from installing ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures in rooms with low ceilings, but thanks to design evolution, you can install decorative lighting and ceiling fans if you have an 8-foot ceiling. If you want the slimmest profile, look for the words “flush mount” in the product description. This refers to a fixture or ceiling fan designed to fit snugly against the ceiling with no visible space between them.

Flush mounts are extremely versatile, able to suit a range of décor styles. If you are seeking a more decorative aesthetic, look for the words “semi flush” in the product description. Although a semi-flush will take up a little more vertical space than a flush mount because it extends from a “stem” affixed to the ceiling, there is typically a wider variety of materials and styles available compared to models in the flush mount category.

You Can Find What You Need at LightsOnline

No matter how small your rooms are, LightsOnline has a comprehensive assortment of lighting fixtures that will capture your lifestyle and aesthetic simply, beautifully, and affordably.

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Read more from Linda Longo:

• How to Choose Outdoor Lighting That Lasts
• What is RLM Lighting and Why Do I Want It in My Home?
• How to Add Luxury to Your Bath
• How to Choose Lighting That Enhances Your Home’s Style