How to Create an Illusion of Height on the Walls

Use light colors on the walls to make the ceiling, and therefore the walls, seem taller than they actually are. Paint a paler shade of the color used for the walls on the ceiling to further add to the illusion of height, but do not use white paint on the ceiling as this can make the ceiling appear lower when combined with colored walls. If you are painting designs or stripes on the walls, use vertical stripes rather than horizontal ones to give the illusion of height.

Hang curtains higher than you normally would so they cover a portion of the wall as well as the windows. Place the curtain rods as close to the ceiling as you can and use long curtains or drapes that touch or almost touch the floor. This tricks your eyes into thinking the walls are taller than they are.

Hang pictures, photos and other wall decor 2 or 3 inches higher than eye level to give the appearance of height to your walls as it will draw the eyes upward. Use large mirrors on the walls as well to give the appearance of space and height. Vertical arrangements of flowers and other decor also bring up the eyes, giving the walls the illusion of more height.

Use indirect lighting directed toward the ceiling to make the walls seem taller and the ceilings higher than they are. Lamps with heads that can be turned upward to allow the light to hit the ceiling and bounce off give the illusion of more space in the room. Avoid hanging light fixtures as they can make the ceiling closer and therefore make the walls appear smaller.