Lighting ideas for low ceilings

We all love to leaf through the glossy magazines or search online for the ideas we need to create a stunning home. But isn’t it incredible how often our homes won’t allow us to copy those ideas? Low ceilings can certainly appear to be problematic when planning your interior lighting.

Before you become eaten up with frustration about what you can’t feature in your rooms, consider what you can do with your lighting to create beautiful spaces. You still have amazing choices which can lend a touch of style, drama and individuality to your décor.

Rule out the head bangers

Low ceilings will probably mean that you have to rule out most large pendant lights and chandeliers. They would ruin the balance of your spaces and make any room look smaller than it actually is, even if you can walk across the room without banging your head.

Small pendant lights could be good options. Most pendant lights boast adjustable drops and you can still inject a little rock and roll into your lighting design by featuring crystal, copper or decorative glass. If you can’t live without a large statement piece, hang a chandelier or group of pendants over your dining table or kitchen island where pendant lighting will feel proportionate and can nicely highlight special features of your home.

Feeling flush

Lighting designers have risen to the challenge of low ceilings in recent years. Gone are the days when a flush fitting inevitably meant a characterless glass dome. You will discover gorgeous flush and semi-flush lights showcasing crystal, copper, antique brass and eye-catching forms plus more. Flush lighting doesn’t have to be bland and you don’t need a massive chandelier to make a statement.

Recessed Lighting

Spot lights built into your ceiling take up no vertical space at all and complement the simplicity of contemporary décor. If your ceilings are very low, choose spot lights with a wide beam angle to ensure that you don’t create pools of light bordered by darker areas.

Sconces and lamps

It’s worth bearing in mind that your lights don’t have to be fitted to your ceilings. Sconces (wall lights) could be outstanding solutions and your ceiling height shouldn’t restrict your choices at all. Strategically positioned table lamps and floor lamps will supplement your wall lights, illuminating dark corners. Lamps also lend greater flexibility to your lighting and enable you to change the ambiance of your space at the flick of a switch. Better still, if you choose uplighter, they will make your ceilings look higher.

Ceiling colours and textures

Paint your ceilings in light colours to create the illusion of space. Light ceilings appear higher and reflect more light into your rooms. Smooth finishes further enhance these effects whereas textured looks ensure that your ceilings are more prominent and so bring them down into your spaces.

At first glance, low ceilings can appear to limit your lighting options but they don’t have to. Flush lights can be absolutely fabulous and you can’t beat lavish lamps to complete your rooms. You can hang those enormous chandeliers above areas where you don’t walk and there is no reason why smaller fittings can’t deliver considerable visual impact.

Header image via Unsplash.