How to Light Up Spaces With Low Ceilings
No room for a big chandelier? See how your overhead lighting can still make a statement
Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ
18 April 2018
One of the most common design dilemmas when selecting overhead lighting is finding the right fixture for your ceiling height. Lower ceilings, even when 8-feet high, can make it hard to find a fixture that creates a sense of style without looking utilitarian.
Here’s the design dilemma: The bottom of the light fixture should be hung no lower than 6’8” above the floor to avoid hitting your head when walking underneath. When you have an 8-foot high ceiling, that leaves you only 16” of height to play with for a dramatic light fixture.
Most gorgeous chandeliers and interesting light fixtures do not fit into the 16” high category, and if they do they’re only 16” wide which can make for a dinky light fixture in a larger room.
I’ve created a roundup of some eye-catching options for low ceilings that will solve your low-ceiling woes and won’t leave you longing for those large dramatic chandeliers.
Here’s the design dilemma: The bottom of the light fixture should be hung no lower than 6’8” above the floor to avoid hitting your head when walking underneath. When you have an 8-foot high ceiling, that leaves you only 16” of height to play with for a dramatic light fixture.
Most gorgeous chandeliers and interesting light fixtures do not fit into the 16” high category, and if they do they’re only 16” wide which can make for a dinky light fixture in a larger room.
I’ve created a roundup of some eye-catching options for low ceilings that will solve your low-ceiling woes and won’t leave you longing for those large dramatic chandeliers.
This living and play area is a great example of a ceiling height, that while not extraordinarily low, cannot house a large dramatic lighting fixture. The fixture they selected is low profile and still large in diameter to create drama without the risk of a bump on the noggin. The circles in the fixture play perfectly off of the circular holes in the architecture.
The designer of the living space here created drama on the ceiling with wallpaper and a ceiling mounted mirror, however, this same look can be achieved with a light fixture to illuminate the space.
Browse through images of low ceiling lighting
Browse through images of low ceiling lighting
The bedroom is a place where you want to create mood and style. Typically a great boudoir chandelier is a great way to do that, but when you have a lower ceiling you run the risk hitting your head on the chandelier getting in and out of bed. This bedroom is a great example of making use of a gorgeous fixture while still keeping the height constraints in mind.
A great way to address lighting in a hallway with a low ceiling is to create repetition using a flush-mounted ceiling light. This repetitive pattern can create interest and drama when you don’t have the space for a larger fixture.
Here’s how the get the lighting right in your home
Here’s how the get the lighting right in your home
Aside from decorative light fixtures, you can also create lighting for low-ceilings using architecture. This bedroom created a dramatic setting using an l-shaped soffit with soft recessed lighting on both the ceiling and wall.
In this living room, rather than using a decorative ceiling fixture, cove lighting was designed to create added interest to the room and illuminate the space.
Learn all about the elegance of recessed cove lighting
Learn all about the elegance of recessed cove lighting
A few guidelines to remember:
1. The bottom of your ceiling fixture should be no lower than 6’8” above the floor, unless it’s hung over a table or island, to avoid hitting your head.
2. To create an eye-catching look in a large space with low ceilings, search for a fixture that is large in width or diameter, but with a lower profile in height like the option shown in this bedroom.
3. For drama and style in a long hallway with low ceilings, try repetition with a stylised flush-mounted fixture.
4. You can also create a unique look with cove lighting and architectural features when there is not space for a large chandelier or decorative light fixture.
When you are dealing with lower ceilings that simply won’t accommodate a large dramatic light fixture, don’t fret! There are a few options out there to help you create a unique environment while still adhering to height restrictions.
Read more:
A Guide to Lighting Your Home
Tell us:
How have you lit-up your low ceilings? Share images and your ideas in the Comments below.
1. The bottom of your ceiling fixture should be no lower than 6’8” above the floor, unless it’s hung over a table or island, to avoid hitting your head.
2. To create an eye-catching look in a large space with low ceilings, search for a fixture that is large in width or diameter, but with a lower profile in height like the option shown in this bedroom.
3. For drama and style in a long hallway with low ceilings, try repetition with a stylised flush-mounted fixture.
4. You can also create a unique look with cove lighting and architectural features when there is not space for a large chandelier or decorative light fixture.
When you are dealing with lower ceilings that simply won’t accommodate a large dramatic light fixture, don’t fret! There are a few options out there to help you create a unique environment while still adhering to height restrictions.
Read more:
A Guide to Lighting Your Home
Tell us:
How have you lit-up your low ceilings? Share images and your ideas in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Kitchens
10 Smart Storage Tips for Your Kitchen Bins
Keep kitchen rubbish stylishly tucked away with these clever solutions
Full Story
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Gardens
How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
By Kate Burt
As summers heat up, plants that need less water are increasingly desirable. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful options
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Warm Tones and Luxurious Surfaces in a City Townhouse
An earthy colour palette, hidden storage and well-placed texture add character and practicality to this London home
Full Story
Gardens
5 Inspiring Before and After Garden Transformations
Check out what a difference designers have made to these once dull plots, visually expanding spaces and creating privacy
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Kitchen Tour: A Gorgeous Extension With a Leafy Glasshouse Feel
By Kate Burt
When the owners of this terraced house extended, they were keen to retain its period feel and highlight the garden
Full Story
Gardens
How to Disguise Rubbish and Recycling Bins Outside Your Home
Need to hide unsightly bins in your garden or driveway? Take a look at these clever ideas for inspiration
Full Story
Renovating
21 Ways Designers Are Incorporating Arches Into Homes
By Kate Burt
Everywhere we look on Houzz right now, a cheeky arch pops up. How would you add this timeless architectural feature?
Full Story
Lifestyle
How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Want to ensure your home environment is clean and healthy? Start by assessing the quality of your air
Full Story
Gardens
Garden Tour: A Bare Roof Terrace Becomes a Pretty, Sociable Space
By Kate Burt
A retired couple got help transforming their large rooftop into a gorgeous, welcoming, multi-functional retreat
Full Story
I just ran across this, thanks to Houzz poster, Sharon Levandowski. Talk about making a statement! I just love all the new lighting possibilities!