Room Decorating Ideas for a Low Pitched Ceiling

Paint Color

• Paint the walls in the room a light, pastel shade, so that the hue won't be the most overpowering feature in the space. Dark colors make a room feel smaller and more closed in, making the ceiling appear even lower than it actually is. Modest hues give the illusion of more space and should be used on all four walls, including paneling. If you want to include crown molding in the room, it's best to use a variety that is not particularly wide and to paint it the same color as the walls. Neutral shades like honey or walnut brown are fitting, as are cool-colored neutrals like slate or blue gray. Painting the ceiling even lighter than the walls will also give an open feel to the space.

Wall Art

• Hang portraits and photos as high on the wall as possible. This makes the walls look longer, which distracts the eye from the low ceiling. Choose frames that are long and rectangular, so they will take up the majority of the wall. Frames in toned-down metallic shades like gold, bronze or platinum will blend well with light brown or gray walls. Photos and art prints in a black and white or sepia finish will also add to the subdued color scheme and expansive feel you're trying to create in the room. Hanging large mirrors on a wall in the room will also give the space an expansive feel and divert the attention from the ceiling.

Drapery

• Install curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible. This elongates the walls once the curtains are hung. Choose drapes that aren't too overwhelming in color; for instance, a light pomegranate red shade is more fitting than a ruby red curtain for a living room with a low ceiling. Curtains made of thin material make it easier for the sun to shine into the room, and an abundance of natural light will make the room seem larger. Choose thin curtain ties, as wide ties may make the curtains look heavy, as if they are pulling the ceiling down.

Furniture Choices

• Shorter, stockier furniture in a room where the ceiling is low gives balance to the space, so that the ceiling isn't the most noticeable feature. For instance, a smaller love seat and sofa in the living room will make the ceiling appear at average height, particularly when the walls are near-white and the furniture isn't too dark in hue. Oversized throw pillows for floor seating are ideal for a bedroom, living room or den with low ceilings. Adorning the floor with large, colorful area rugs and coffee tables or ottomans that display rich color will distract from the room's lack of height, too.