Lighting a Room With a Tall Wood Ceiling

Ceiling Lighting

• Several options are available to add lighting to your ceiling. This includes recessed lighting, small lighting pockets that cover your ceiling, track lighting and light fixtures. However, before you install any of these ceiling lighting options, consider whether you want to saw holes or otherwise damage your ceiling. While the lighting will move the eye to the ceiling, you will also damage the wood ceiling with each light fixture you install. You may want to opt for only one large ceiling light fixture, such as a large pendant light or antler chandelier.

Wall Lighting

• Add lighting that draws attention to the ceiling by placing lighting high on the wall near the ceiling. A variety of sconces and wall-mounted fixtures are available from home improvement stores. Another option is to use a light fixture that looks like a traditional ceiling light fixture, but can be installed to a nearby wall. Use a fixture that is mounted to the wall but has an arm that extends out to hold the light fixture.

Natural Light

• Natural light helps make the space appear bigger and brighter and balances out the darker wooden ceiling. Leave windows bare so the natural light can flood the room. Hang mirrors strategically so they bounce the light around the room.

Candles

• Candles create a soft glow that will make your room with a wooden ceiling appear like a relaxing and intimate lodge. Place candles in groups, on top of the fireplace mantel and on top of shelves. If the light source is higher, this will help draw guests' eyes to it and the ceiling.

Lamps

• Use lamps to accentuate the wooden ceiling. Tall lamps can help elongate the room and will draw attention to the ceiling. Desk lamps perched on high shelves accomplish the same objective.

Indirect Lighting

• Another useful way to light your room is to use indirect lighting. This type of lighting allows you to direct the lighting in different directions to create balance in the room. Cove lighting allows you to place lights in a ledge or shelf and bounce the light to the ceiling. You can also use uplights behind a plant or furniture item to cast a glow toward the ceiling. Adding light to wash over a painting on the wall will also direct guests' attention to the area.