Hey there, my fellow homeowners and design enthusiasts! I've got some super cool tricks to share with you that will make your house feel much more spacious and open up the space. If you've ever felt like your ceilings are too low or wished for a bit more breathing room, I've got your back! In this blog post, I'll tell you all about some simple visual tricks that will work wonders in raising the perceived height of your ceiling. So, let's jump right in and discover the secret to banishing claustrophobia from your home.
1. The Magic of Light Ceilings
When it comes to painting your ceiling, consider opting for a colour that is lighter than the walls, with white being a popular choice. There are differing opinions on the type of paint finish that works best. Some suggest using high-gloss paint as it reflects light and gives the ceiling a dynamic appearance, making it appear less rigid. On the other hand, proponents of a matte finish argue that it helps the ceiling blend in with the surroundings, creating a harmonious look.
2. Vertical Lines: The Height-Boosting Illusionists
Vertical lines are like little magicians that can create the illusion of height. Here are a few ways to incorporate them into your design:
Striped Wallpaper: Give your walls a makeover with wallpaper or wall coverings that have vertical stripes. Whether they're thin or wide, those vertical lines will make your eyes travel upwards, fooling you into thinking the ceiling is higher than it actually is. Make no mistake, these stripes don't have to be solid, straight lines they just need to feed your eye up to the ceiling
Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains: Hang long curtains that stretch from the floor all the way up to the ceiling. The beauty of this trick is that it guides your gaze upwards, making the ceiling seem taller and more impressive.
Tall Bookshelves: Want to give your space a luxe vibe? Install tall bookshelves or floor-to-ceiling shelving units. These vertical elements instantly add a sense of height to your room, making it feel more airy and open, where as low bookshelves cut the height and make the ceiling feel even lower.
3. Lighting: Shedding Light on the Illusion
Lighting is a key player when it comes to visual tricks. By playing with light, you can create an atmosphere that makes your ceiling appear higher:
Embrace Natural Light: Let the sunshine in! Keep your windows clear of any obstructions and opt for sheer curtains or blinds that allow plenty of natural light to flood your space. Trust me, natural light not only brightens up the room but also makes the ceiling feel loftier.
Pendant Lights: Hang pendant lights or chandeliers closer to the ceiling. This clever move draws the eye upwards, giving the illusion of a higher ceiling. Also, consider using upward-facing wall sconces or recessed lighting to cast light onto the ceiling, adding to the illusion of height. In saying that, please note there are right ways and wrong ways to a pendant light which should be taken into consideration.
Mirrors: Ah, mirrors, the masters of reflection! Strategically place mirrors on the walls opposite the windows. They reflect both natural and artificial light, bouncing it back into the room and creating a sense of depth. And guess what? This reflection also makes your ceiling look taller and the space more expansive.
4. Artful Wall Decor: Raising the Style Bar
Don't forget to add some artful touches to your walls to enhance the illusion of a higher ceiling:
Vertical Artwork: Hang vertical artworks or photographs on your walls or art pieces with vertical lines. These pieces will draw the eye upwards, giving the impression of a higher ceiling. As I mentioned in the wallpaper section, the art doesn't have to be solid vertical lines to create the illusion of a higher ceiling, the design just needs to take your upwards like in the example in the middle, below.
High Shelves with Decorative Items: Spruce up your space by displaying decorative items or artwork on high shelves near the ceiling. By diverting attention upwards, you take the focus away from the actual height of the ceiling.
Accent Wall: Want to make a statement? Create an accent wall with vertical patterns, textures, or designs. It adds a touch of visual interest and tricks the eye into perceiving a longer space and higher ceiling. VJ Boards is definitely a great way to achieve height.
There you have it! You now know the secret to raising your ceiling and hope that this will help you to create a beautiful home that feel spacious and open. By playing around with colours, incorporating vertical lines, getting creative with lighting, and adding some artful touches, you can create the illusion of a higher ceiling and a more open living space.
So, go ahead and give these tricks a try! Let your imagination run wild and transform your home into a cosy sanctuary that defies the limits of space. Get ready to enjoy a roomier and more welcoming atmosphere in no time.
Happy experimenting and here's to ceilings that seem to stretch into the sky!
I live on the beautiful Sunny Coast, and service clients from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast. If you need help with your home styling, I would love to hear from you!
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Best wishes
Maryna
PS: If you have any questions feel free to send me a message on https://www.instagram.com/my_interior_stylist/ or email me on Maryna@myinteriorstylist.com.au