Lighting for Low Ceilings

Tall Floor Lamps

• Avoid downward facing lighting; choose lighting that reflects on the ceiling, drawing the eye upward. Tall floor lamps will focus the direction of the light closer to the ceiling. Bright painted ceilings will help in distributing the light.

Recessed Lighting

• Recessed lighting is an excellent choice for ceilings; this opens the room up instead of closing it off with low hanging lights. While these require more installation, they offer the biggest payoff, and the slim design prevents the room from appearing cluttered.

Wall-Mounted Sconces

• Install sconces along the wall, evenly spaced or in groups. Sconces provide up-lighting, giving the impression of a higher ceiling. Sconces should be placed slightly higher than would seem normal to achieve the best effect.