I have been thinking a lot about that "fifth wall" that people often neglect: the ceiling. Lower ceiling heights are particularly on my mind since it surrounds me. With the exception of our family room, the ceiling height in our home is just under 9 feet - typical of the mid-50's era in which our home was built.
For those of you with similar lower ceiling heights, here are some examples of how you can make them a feature:
Keep it smooth and install recessed lighting. It helps to have this view though, right?! The furnishings also have a "shorter" profile to visually help elongate the ceiling height.
Paint the ceiling black to "recede" behind white battens. Great design trick, especially in light-filled spaces!
Install shallow depth trim (1") to create an architectural tray ceiling.
Install wood on the ceiling to add texture and depth. Combined with beams, the ceiling also has a "recessed" appearance.
Beadboard on the ceiling adds instant charm and character.
Use a different paint color to highlight the beadboard.
Princeton Design Collaborative
via
Corrugated panels were used on the ceiling of this height-challenged lower living space. It adds an industrial touch against all the wood tones.
via
Simply add an interesting design to the ceiling surface via paint or wallpaper, and showcase it with beautiful lighting!
Sharing with:
Great inspiration and tips. I despise low ceilings.
ReplyDeleteI would add something about the beams: in order to give the illusion of height, they should follow the lines of the furniture under them like in the 4th photo from the top.
Inversely, the 5th photo has done it wrong and the beams criss cross the bed, making the room look - even - shorter.