There's no escaping the fact that the proportions of a room have a huge effect on how it feels to spend time in, and the way in which you approach the design of it. Understanding how to address any constraints a room may throw up, be that awkward angles or changes in levels means you will not only be able to maximise the ways in which you use it, but also the overall ambience it gives off.
The types of ceiling you have in your home is definitely something you need to take into consideration when designing your interior scheme. While owners of period properties, such as those built during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras often enjoy lofty ceilings, deliberately constructed to be high to aid with the ventilation of open fires and cooking ranges, as well as allowing more natural light to flow into the central rooms, not all houses have the luxury of a tall fifth wall.
Whether you live in a cosy cottage or a new-build with low ceilings there are ways of designing the space to address this – in many cases these ceilings can even become features rather than something to be disguised. Here, designers debunk common myths about low-ceilinged spaces.
1. You don't have to paint the ceiling white
In my own house, an Edwardian property, there are a range of ceiling heights, spanning from a very generous 2.7m in the vaulted bedrooms, living room and kitchen, to what feels like a rather stingy 2.3m in the other reception rooms – which, interestingly, is the exact minimum ceiling height suggested by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for new homes.
We have recently been doing a spot of redecorating and, I have to admit, I had always thought that when it came to painting a ceiling, choosing anything but white paint (particularly for those on the lower side) would be a mistake. However, according to interior designer Holly Scott, I could be missing a trick.
"The instinct can be to immediately paint the ceiling white and try to make it disappear. I don’t think that always has to be the answer. For me, it’s much more about how you want the room to feel and working with its proportions, rather than fighting them.
"Using colour on a low ceiling can actually make a room feel much more considered," continues Holly. "When you take the colour up the walls and across the ceiling it blurs the boundary between wall and ceiling and makes the whole space seem really cocooning and intentional.
"In a room designed for relaxing, rather than trying to make it feel artificially tall and airy, embrace that cosier feeling," suggests Holly. "Colour drenching can work particularly well in snugs, bedrooms and sitting rooms for exactly this reason."
Holly goes on to point out that matching your wall colour to your painted ceiling ideas is not your only option, citing a recent bedroom scheme she worked on (below) as a good case in point.
"In one bedroom scheme, I used a beautiful blue on the ceiling with much lighter walls. The colour connects with the headboard, curtains and accessories and makes the ceiling feel like a deliberate part of the scheme rather than something we needed to hide."
That said, Holly does warn against using too much colour contrast when the ceiling is lower. "Lots of contrast between the walls and ceiling creates a very obvious line around the top of the room, which can draw attention to exactly where the ceiling starts, which you don't always want."
Holly Scott is an award-winning interior designer based in Oxfordshire and the founder of Holly Scott Interior Design. She has over 20 years of experience designing interiors and dressing spaces for leading luxury brands including Harrods, Ralph Lauren, Liberty, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. After years working in luxury retail and brand environments, Holly brought that expertise into residential interior design, where she now helps homeowners make confident decisions and create homes that feel both elegant and liveable.
2. Pendant lights aren't necessarily a no-go
Getting the lighting for low ceilings just right is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the success of how the space looks and feels.
Traditionally, the use of pendant lights is something we've all been led to believe we should avoid in rooms with lower ceilings but, according to Holly Scott, there is no need to shun them entirely.
"I wouldn’t necessarily rule out a statement pendant or chandelier. A decorative light can still work beautifully over a bed or dining table, where you’re not walking directly underneath. It’s about getting the scale and drop right, rather than assuming a low ceiling means everything has to sit flush to it."
Michael Jackson, head of design at Northern Lights, says it is best to take a layered approach to your lighting design rather than relying solely on overhead lighting. "While flush or semi-flush ceiling lights might be the obvious choice where head height is limited, I wouldn't rely on the ceiling fittings to do all the work.
"Up-and-down wall lights can be particularly effective in these spaces," continues Michael. "The upward light draws the eye towards the ceiling, while the downward light brings illumination back into the room, making more of the wall feel visible and helping the room feel taller.
"Floor lamps and other low-level light sources are useful for the same reason," adds Michael. "They bring light further down into the room, creating pools of light around furniture, artwork or architectural details."
One thing both Holly and Michael were keen to avoid was the over-use of recessed downlighters. "A grid of downlights puts all the emphasis overhead and can make a low ceiling feel even more noticeable," explains Michael.
Michael Jackson is Head of Design at Northern Lights, a British luxury lighting manufacturer specialising in bespoke and made-to-order decorative lighting for hospitality, residential, marine and commercial projects worldwide. With more than 35 years of experience spanning industrial design, product development and technical lighting, Michael leads the creative direction and design strategy behind Northern Lights' bespoke commissions and Signature Collection ranges.
3. Small furniture isn't always the best solution
While it makes sense to assume that choosing dainty, light-of-form pieces of furniture is the best course of action when dealing with low-ceilinged spaces, according to the designers I spoke to, you need not feel you have to swerve more substantial pieces altogether.
Holly Scott suggests taking a mix-and-match, space-tailored approach rather than restricting yourself to one particular style.
"It is true that tall, bulky furniture can emphasise a low ceiling, so I tend to look for pieces that sit comfortably within the proportions of the space. Within living room design particularly, lower-backed sofas and furniture with visible legs can create more breathing space.
"That doesn’t mean filling the room with lots of small furniture though," explains Holly. "Too many little pieces can make a space feel cluttered and even smaller. I’d rather use fewer, well-proportioned pieces and give them some space."
Mark Caulfield, director at Glass House Architecture , reveals the approach he takes towards choosing furniture for this kind of situation. "We use low furniture, such as sofas with small legs and low backs, unless it's tall storage, such as a bookcase, in which case it should go right to the ceiling."
Shop low-rise furniture
This velvet upholstered sofa bed comes in a range of rich colours and has a short back and small legs making it ideal for rooms with low ceilings – plus the click-clack mechanism makes converting it from seating to bed a cinch.
Featuring two sliding doors concealing useful storage to keep clutter under control, this modern coffee table measures 40cm high and has elegant, yet sturdy, pine legs. It makes a statement without overwhelming a room.
The combination of leather and solid oak make this pocket sprung armchair easy to pair with all kinds of interior schemes, plus its simple, beautifully-crafted design won't feel overly imposing in a room with restricted ceiling height.
Mark Caulfield is a director of Glass House Architecture in Surrey, which designs and builds bespoke hardwood orangeries, conservatories and glazed garden rooms. He has worked in glazed structures since 1981 and co-founded Oak Leaf Conservatories, which won a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in 1990. That company has since closed, and he is presently the director of Glass House Architecture.
4. Window treatments don't have to take a backstage role
In rooms with a lower profile, you should think twice before introducing too many contrasting details or filling them with excess 'stuff' – they can quickly look and feel overwhelming to spend time in. However, when it comes to window treatments, there is no need to skip them, or to choose designs that simply blend into the background.
According to Holly Scott, the way in which you choose to dress your windows can actually have a significant impact on the way a ceiling appears. "I like curtains to start high and fall all the way to the floor. That long vertical line naturally leads the eye upwards and can make the proportions of the room feel more generous.
"I’d definitely avoid positioning a curtain pole just above the window simply because that’s where the window finishes," adds Holly. "Look at the whole wall and decide where the treatment will give you the best proportions. I'd do the same with Roman blinds, with a low ceiling have them hang as high up as you can to make the room feel taller."
5. Pattern and dark colours needn't be totally discounted
Just as when dealing with the design of compact spaces, such as downstairs toilets, or those lacking natural light, it can feel wrong to bring dark colours or patterns into a room with low ceiling. However, rather than trying to ignore the proportions you are dealing with, sometimes it's a better idea to just accept and embrace them.
"I don’t think the aim should always be to trick the eye into believing a low-ceilinged room is taller than it is. Sometimes embracing those proportions and creating something warm, cosy and full of character gives you a far more successful room. It’s about making the architecture feel intentional rather than apologising for it," says Holly Scott.
Richard Skeoch, company director at Hyperion Tiles, agrees that leaning into the proportions of a low-ceilinged room, particularly when it comes to your kitchen and bathroom tiling ideas, can be a good thing.
"You don't have to stick to pale colours or avoid pattern. A deeper or richer tile colour can look really effective in a room with a low ceiling, especially if you carry the same or a similar shade onto another surface. This helps the different elements of the room feel connected rather than making the walls and ceiling feel more visually separate."
Richard goes on to reveal some tips for anyone wondering how to approach tiling a vertically-challenged space.
"The way you lay your tiles can make a real difference to how the proportions of the room feel. In a bathroom or kitchen, laying tiles vertically can draw the eye upwards and help to give the impression of more height, particularly when the tiles extend across a good portion of the wall. In a darker room, I would also consider a gloss finish, as the reflective surface can help to bounce light around and make the space feel brighter," he advises.
"Be careful about introducing too many different tile patterns or strong horizontal lines, as these can emphasise the width of the room and make the ceiling feel lower," adds Richard. "Instead, let one tile, colour or pattern be the main feature and keep the other elements relatively simple around it."
With more than three decades of experience in the tile and flooring industry, Richard has developed an expert eye for how tiles can transform a space. As Director, he personally curates distinctive brands and collections to bring to the company's portfolio. Richard is also on hand to offer his expertise to homeowners, interior designers and house builders, whether they need help selecting colour and pattern or guidance on material, scale and practical considerations.
6. Wide floorboards and parquet don't have to feel overwhelming
Just like your walls and ceilings, the floor forms an important backdrop and, as such, whatever type of flooring you choose needs to be carefully considered if you want it to work with your ceiling height in a way that benefits the space overall.
Adam Robertson, managing director at Urbane Living, suggests opting for generously proportioned floorboards in this type of situation.
"Longer, wider boards can help a room feel more spacious, particularly if the flooring continues through into adjoining areas. Lots of short boards or a particularly busy pattern can make the floor feel more broken up. That doesn’t mean parquet is off the table though – a well-proportioned parquet floor can bring character to a low-ceilinged room without making it feel too busy, particularly when paired with a natural finish and a simple scheme elsewhere."
Adam goes on to explain that the colour of the floor you choose matters too, as does taking a holistic approach to your overall design. "A lighter floor can help make the most of the available light and give the room a more open feel, while warmer mid-toned timber can make the space feel inviting and comfortable. The key is to think about how all three surfaces work together, rather than creating a strong contrast between the floor, walls and ceiling."
Adam Robertson is the co-founder and managing director of Urbane Living, a specialist flooring company recognised for its expertise in parquet, bespoke carpets and runners. With a background in design and a strong eye for detail, Adam is passionate about all things related to quality timber, from floorboards to wall panels.
FAQs
What is the best way to use wall panelling in a room with low ceilings?
The popularity of wall panelling just seems to keep on rising. It's a great way to add character to both old and new properties, and a fantastic way of navigating less-than-perfect plasterwork too.
Ian Tomlinson, managing director at Chaunceys Timber Flooring, agrees that timber wall cladding is a brilliant way to turn a lower ceiling into a talking point.
"Rather than trying to disguise the proportions of the space, it can be used to make the ceiling or walls feel like a deliberate architectural feature and, on walls, vertical timber boards can help draw the eye upwards and give the impression of greater height.
"If you are cladding the ceiling itself, I would keep the rest of the room relatively simple and consider a lighter timber tone so that the overhead surface doesn’t feel too heavy," he shares.
"The direction of the boards is also worth considering, as vertical wall cladding can emphasise the height of a room, while timber on the ceiling can bring warmth and make the space feel more enveloping," adds Ian.
"It is also worth thinking about how the timber cladding relates to the flooring. The two don’t need to match exactly, but choosing complementary tones will help the finishes sit comfortably together and prevent the room from feeling as though it has too many competing elements, which can be particularly noticeable when the ceiling is low."
Chaunceys Timber Flooring is a family-run company based in Bristol with Ian becoming the Managing Director in 2012. They have been supplying sustainable, high-quality timber flooring to homeowners, award-winning architects, design and build companies, and renowned interior designers since 1988.
Certain types of spaces, like those with low ceilings, need extra consideration when it comes to their design. For example, when it comes to how to design a north-facing room, it really pays off to think about alternatives to traditional windows as well as the wall colours you use. And of course, there are also spaces where you might find yourself needing to know how to lower a ceiling, instead of understanding how to work with one.
