Do you have a room in your home with low ceilings that feels oppressive, dull, and dark? It’s a common problem, but there’s no need to despair! With the right lighting, you can make any low-ceilinged room feel more open and inviting.
In fact, lighting is one of the most effective ways to visually enhance a room with limited ceiling height. If your ceiling is under 8 feet high, it’s considered a low ceiling. But don’t worry – with some strategic lighting choices, you can make your space appear larger and brighter than ever before.
So why not take a look at some of these creative lighting ideas for homes with low ceilings? With some inspiration and careful planning, you can transform your low-ceilinged space into a bright, inviting, and beautiful room you’ll love spending time in.
Can a Pendant Be Hung in a Room with Low Ceilings?
Choose the Right Place
If your ceiling is only 8 feet high, it’s best to hang any hanging fixture over a space that you don’t walk under, such as a kitchen island, bar or sink, dining table, coffee or cocktail table, or even a nightstand.
Consider the Scale
When dealing with an 8-foot ceiling, you may encounter some difficulties with tall or foyer-style fixtures. Instead, opt for compact or wider designs that can comfortably sit 26-30 inches above a worktop or dining table.
Create an Impressive Look
Due to low ceilings, a traditional chandelier might not be suitable for adding drama to dining rooms. Instead, consider a longer linear suspension to achieve the desired effect within the space. Another stylish approach is to use multiple smaller pendants over a long dining table for a high-impact look.
Measure the Height
Fixtures that are hung with a cord or chain are typically the most convenient to work with since you can adjust their height during installation. However, if you are considering fixtures that use a downrod, you will need to do some research before purchasing to ensure that the length is appropriate for your space.
10 Ideas How to Light Up Your Rooms With Low Ceilings
Flush Mount Light Fixtures
If you’re looking to provide ambient lighting in a room with low ceilings, consider flush mount lights. These fixtures come in a range of shapes, such as circular, square, or rectangular. You can opt for a large flush mount fixture in the center of the room or install smaller fixtures equidistantly.
Semi Flush Mounted Fixtures
Consider installing a semi flush mounted light fixture in the center of the ceiling and use dimmers to adjust the intensity of illumination. To ensure safety, ensure the fixture’s bottom is at least six feet nine inches from the floor level to avoid hitting your head.
Different Types of Lamps
Floor and table lamps are versatile lighting options for low-ceilinged spaces. For a more modern look, consider adding a round LED pendant light above a coffee or cocktail table or in the corner of the room to provide task lighting while reading. You can also add a reading lamp on the side tables of your bedroom for sufficient task lighting.
Wall Sconce
Wall sconces can add drama and create stunning lighting patterns on the wall, making a room feel welcoming and relaxing. They can also be used to throw light upwards, creating the illusion of higher ceilings in low-ceilinged spaces.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is a popular choice for standard-height ceilings as it blends in seamlessly with the overall space. However, decorative recessed lighting, including colored glass, faux plasterwork, and crystal options, can add drama and design without taking up any headroom. With the advancement of LED technology, you can now install recessed lighting in spaces where it was not previously possible, thanks to LED trims requiring minimal installation clearance. This means that low ceilings have plenty of space for high-quality, high-design lighting.
Track Lighting
Track lighting is a great lighting option for low-ceilinged rooms as it provides sufficient light without taking up much visual space. It can be used to highlight specific areas of a room, such as artwork, bookshelves, or a kitchen island. Additionally, it can be used as task lighting for a workspace or to create a bright and well-lit living space.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can be both functional and decorative in low-ceilinged spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms. While some standard fans with downrods can work, they are not common. Measuring correctly is important, and look for flush mount fans (also called hugger fans) that give you the overall installed height in the specifications. Code requirements require at least 7 feet of clearance between the floor and the ceiling fan blades.
Spotlights
If your low ceiling has beams, there are several ways to enhance the lighting and make the space feel brighter. One option is to install spotlights in between the beams. This can create a more evenly lit space, as the lights will be dispersed throughout the room. Another option is to add additional light fixtures, such as wall sconces or floor lamps, to supplement the existing lighting. You could also consider using brighter bulbs or adding a dimmer switch, which would allow you to adjust the light levels depending on the time of day or mood you want to create. Whatever approach you take, it’s important to consider the overall design and layout of the room, as well as your own personal style and preferences, when selecting lighting options.
Use Light Color for Your Walls and Ceiling
To make a room with a low ceiling appear brighter, there are several techniques that can be used. One option is to use paint with a reflective finish on both the ceiling and walls. This will help bounce light around the room, creating a brighter, more open feel. According to Sian, a matte white color is the best option to optimize the reflectance of your lighting sources. Another option is to use mirrors strategically placed around the room to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Additionally, using light-colored furniture and accessories can help to brighten up the space and make it feel more open. Finally, consider adding extra lighting sources, such as lamps or dimmer switches, to add more light and control the room’s overall ambiance.
Use a Layered Approach
To create a well-lit room, designers use multiple sources of light at different heights to create a welcoming atmosphere and eliminate dark areas without increasing the bulb wattage. Placing ambient lighting slightly above standing and seated eye level can be particularly effective, and you can choose between sconces or table lamps. Designer Breegan Jane prefers sconces as they add light without taking up ceiling space and enhance the room’s design.
Conclusion
If you have a room with low ceilings, don’t despair! You can make your space feel bright, open, and inviting with the right lighting choices. Plenty of lighting options are available for low-ceilinged spaces, from flush mount fixtures to ceiling fans. Combining different types of lighting and using a layered approach can create a well-lit room that feels spacious and welcoming. Don’t forget to consider the overall design and layout of the room, as well as your personal style and preferences, when selecting lighting options. With some inspiration and careful planning, you can transform your low-ceilinged space into a beautiful and inviting room you’ll love spending time in.
