When it comes to designing our homes, we all strive for a space that feels open, airy, and spacious. One way to achieve this is by creating the illusion of higher ceilings in our bedrooms. Design experts have come up with clever tricks to make the bedroom ceilings seem higher than they actually are, and today we will reveal some of their secrets.
Firstly, experts recommend using light colors on both the walls and ceilings. Light shades will make the room feel brighter and more open. Additionally, painting the ceiling in the same color as the walls will create a seamless transition and give the impression of a taller space.
Another trick designers use is to draw the eye upwards by adding vertical elements to the room. This can be achieved through the use of tall furniture, such as a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, or by hanging long curtains or drapes that reach from ceiling to floor. The vertical lines will instantly make the ceiling appear higher.
Designers also suggest using lighting strategically to create the illusion of higher ceilings. Placing lights high up on the walls or using pendant lights that hang down low will draw the eye upwards and make the space feel more expansive. Additionally, adding mirrors or reflective surfaces can help bounce light around the room and create the perception of a higher ceiling.
Using patterns and textures can also have an impact on how high a bedroom ceiling appears. Experts recommend choosing rugs with vertical stripes or geometric patterns that draw the eye upwards. In terms of curtains or drapes, selecting ones with a vertical pattern or texture will have the same effect. These design elements will guide the gaze towards the upper part of the room, making the ceiling seem higher.
Lastly, experts advise keeping the space clutter-free and opting for minimalistic design. Bulky furniture or too many decorative items can make a room feel cramped and smaller, while a clean and streamlined look will create an open and airy feel.
In conclusion, there are several tricks that design experts use to make a bedroom ceiling seem higher. By employing clever lighting, strategically choosing colors and patterns, and using vertical elements, you can create a space that feels more expansive and open, even if the ceiling height remains the same. So why not try these tricks in your own bedroom and enjoy the benefits of a higher-looking ceiling?
1 Paint the ceiling white – or the palest of colors
One of the most obvious tricks design experts use to make a bedroom ceiling seem higher is to paint it white or the palest of colors. The color white is known to create a sense of openness and light, making the ceiling seem higher than it actually is. Pale colors, on the other hand, can give a similar effect, creating a soft and airy atmosphere in the room.
When painting the ceiling, it’s important to consider the overall color scheme of the room. If the walls are dark or bold, a white ceiling will create a stark contrast and draw the eye upwards, making the ceiling seem higher. On the other hand, if the walls are already light or neutral in shade, choosing a similar pale color for the ceiling will create a more cohesive and seamless look.
In terms of paint finishes, experts recommend choosing a matte or flat finish for the ceiling. This will help to eliminate any glare or reflection that might draw attention to the height of the ceiling. Instead, a soft and smooth finish will create a subtle and understated backdrop that visually lifts the space.
2 Paint your walls white too
If you want to create the illusion of higher ceilings, painting your walls white is one of the easiest and most effective tricks in the book. White walls have the ability to make a room look larger and more spacious, and the same holds true for making your ceilings seem higher. The light color creates an airy and open feel, drawing the eye upwards and giving the impression of added height.
When choosing a shade of white for your walls, opt for a bright and clean white rather than a cream or off-white. This will reflect natural and artificial light better, creating a brighter and more visually appealing space.
In addition to using white as the base color, consider incorporating a vertical pattern on your walls. Vertical stripes or a French window design can add visual interest and create the illusion of height. This clever trick draws the eye upwards, making the ceilings seem even higher.
In terms of design trends, the use of vertical patterns or stripes is a popular choice among interior designers. It adds a modern and stylish touch to any room, while also serving the practical purpose of making the ceilings seem higher.
3 Use vertical stripes to create a visual trick
Another trick that design experts often use to make a bedroom ceiling seem higher is by incorporating vertical stripes into the design.
When choosing a pattern, it’s important to consider the overall design scheme of the room. For example, if the room has a modern and minimalist feel, a simple vertical stripe pattern may work best. On the other hand, if the room has a more traditional or French-inspired design, a more ornate and detailed vertical stripe pattern may be a better choice.
Emma Johnson, a design expert from London, explains that the use of vertical stripes draws the eye upwards, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling. She suggests using paint or wallpaper to create the stripes, making sure to choose colors that complement the rest of the room.
When it comes to the actual painting process, Johnson advises using a shade lighter than the walls for the base layer, and then applying a darker shade vertically to create the stripes. This layering of colors helps to create depth and dimension, further enhancing the illusion of a higher ceiling.
It’s important to note that while the use of vertical stripes can make a ceiling seem higher, it’s also important to consider the lighting conditions in the room. Johnson recommends using lights that are positioned in such a way that they highlight the upper portion of the walls and ceiling, further emphasizing the illusion of height.
In terms of the actual design of the stripes, there are a few different options to consider. For example, you can choose to have thin and evenly spaced stripes for a more subtle and contemporary look, or you can opt for wider stripes that create a bolder and more dramatic effect.
When asked about the trend of using vertical stripes in bedroom design, Johnson says that it’s a popular choice among homeowners who want to make their ceilings look higher. She also notes that the use of vertical stripes can work well in both small and large bedrooms, as the visual trick can create the perception of more space.
So, if you’re looking to make your bedroom ceiling seem higher, consider incorporating vertical stripes into the design. Not only will it add a visually interesting pattern to your room, but it will also create the illusion of a more spacious and airy environment.
4 Create an impression of height with tall table lamps
One clever trick to make your bedroom ceiling seem higher is to use tall table lamps. These lights draw the eye upwards and create a sense of verticality in the room.
When choosing table lamps, look for ones that are taller and slimmer in design. Bulky lamps can make the ceiling feel lower, so opting for lamps that have a more streamlined and vertical shape will give the impression of higher ceilings.
Lamps with a tall base and a shade that extends upwards will help to create the illusion of added height. The light that is cast from these lamps also adds to the overall atmosphere of the room, making it feel more spacious and airy.
In terms of the lampshade, you can choose one that has a pattern or design that draws the eye upwards. Vertical stripes, for instance, can create a visual effect that makes the ceiling appear taller.
When it comes to the color of the lamp, consider choosing a light shade that matches the color of the walls. This will create a cohesive and continuous look, making the walls and ceilings appear seamless and uninterrupted.
Another option is to choose a lamp that stands out from the rest of the room. For example, if the walls are painted in a soft shade, opt for a lamp with a bolder color or design. This will create a focal point and draw attention towards the upper part of the room, making the ceiling seem higher.
By using tall table lamps in your bedroom, you can create a modern and visually appealing look while also making the ceiling appear higher. This trick is not only visually effective, but also functional, as the lighting conditions in the room will be improved.
5 Hang full-length drapes
If you want to create the illusion of higher ceilings, hanging full-length drapes is a simple and effective trick. By extending the length of the curtains from the top of the window all the way to the floor, you draw the eye upwards and create the visual perception of taller ceilings.
When choosing the right curtains, consider using fabrics that are light in color and have a soft, flowing texture. Lighter colors will reflect more natural and artificial lighting, making the room feel brighter and more spacious. Additionally, the softness of the fabric will add a touch of elegance to the room’s design.
In terms of design, you can choose either solid-colored curtains or ones with a subtle pattern. Solid colors create a clean and modern look, while patterns can add visual interest and draw attention upwards. Just make sure to avoid heavy patterns or bulky fabrics, as they can overwhelm the space and make the ceilings appear lower.
For a more dramatic effect, consider hanging the curtains slightly above the top of the window frame. This will create the illusion of taller windows and draw the eye upwards towards the ceiling. Additionally, hanging the curtains high will make the room feel more grand and luxurious.
In terms of installation, you can choose between hanging the drapes directly on the wall or using a ceiling-mounted curtain track. Both options will work, but a ceiling-mounted track will create a sleeker look and emphasize the height of the ceilings. Just make sure to measure the length of the curtains correctly to ensure they are long enough to reach the floor.
In summary, hanging full-length drapes is a clever trick used by design experts to make bedroom ceilings seem higher. By drawing the eye upwards and utilizing light-colored, soft-textured fabrics, you can create the illusion of taller ceilings. Whether you choose solid-colored curtains or ones with a subtle pattern, make sure to avoid heavy patterns or bulky fabrics. Consider also hanging the curtains slightly above the window frame or using a ceiling-mounted track for a more dramatic effect.
6 Layer lighting
In addition to creating the illusion of higher ceilings, lighting also plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambience of a bedroom. By implementing a layering lighting strategy, you can enhance the visual appeal of your space and make it feel more spacious.
Here are six layer lighting tricks that will make your bedroom ceiling seem higher:
- Task lighting: Install wall-mounted or pendant lights that direct light downwards. This not only provides focused lighting for reading or working, but also draws the eye upward, giving the impression of a higher ceiling.
- Ambient lighting: Use soft, indirect lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the room. This could include hidden LED strips, recessed ceiling lights, or floor lamps with upward-shining shades.
- Accent lighting: Highlight architectural features, artwork, or design elements on the walls to divert attention from the ceiling. This can be achieved with wall sconces, track lights, or picture lights.
- Natural lighting: Make the most of any natural light coming in through windows or skylights. Avoid heavy curtains or blinds that block light, and opt for sheer or light-colored window treatments instead.
- Layered colors: Choose a paint color for your room that complements the colors on the ceiling. This will create a cohesive look and make the space feel more open and airy. Additionally, consider adding vertical stripes or patterns to draw the eye upwards.
- Dimmers: Install dimmer switches to control the intensity of your lighting. This allows you to create different moods and adjust the lighting according to the time of day or your preferences.
By incorporating these layer lighting tricks into your bedroom design, you can create the illusion of higher ceilings and make your room feel more spacious and inviting.
7 Divide the room horizontally with color
If your bedroom has low ceilings, try using a clever painting trick to create the illusion of a higher ceiling. By painting the upper half or third of the walls a lighter color and the lower half or two-thirds a darker color, you can visually divide the room and make the ceiling appear higher than it actually is.
This trick works by drawing the eye upwards and creating the illusion of height. The contrast between the lighter and darker colors creates a horizontal division that tricks the brain into perceiving the walls as taller than they actually are.
When choosing colors for this technique, it’s best to opt for soft, light shades for the upper part of the walls and darker, richer hues for the lower part. Soft pastels or neutral tones work well for the upper half, while deep blues or greens can create a sense of depth and add drama to the lower half.
In terms of paint finish, opting for a matte or satin finish can help minimize reflections and make the color division less obvious. This will create a more seamless transition between the upper and lower parts, further enhancing the illusion of space.
If you want to take this trick to the next level, you can also add a horizontal pattern or stripe where the two colors meet. This will further enhance the visual division and create a sense of separation between the upper and lower parts of the walls.
Dividing the room horizontally with color is a popular trend in interior design, and it can instantly make a small bedroom with low ceilings feel larger and more spacious. By using this clever trick, you can draw the eye up, making the ceilings seem higher and creating a more open and airy feel in your space.