Bedrooms

Want to give your low bedroom ceiling a sense of height? Interior design experts have a range of clever tricks to achieve that airy feel.

While low ceilings can add a cozy vibe, enhancing the perception of space will make your bedroom feel more serene, less cluttered, and brighter. Here's how to do it.

1. Opt for a Bright Ceiling Color

If your bedroom is tucked under the eaves, it may feel snug yet suffer from low ceilings and little light. The key to making your ceiling appear taller is to paint it white—or as close to white as possible. A brilliant white will work wonders.

If you prefer a softer wall color, consider a muted shade like Jitney from Farrow & Ball. This will contrast beautifully with a white ceiling and add warmth.

If white isn't your style or your bedroom lacks natural light, choose a light neutral or a hue that harmonizes with your walls.

2. White Walls Enhance the Effect

For lovers of minimalism, an all-white palette in a low-ceiling bedroom can create an inviting light-filled atmosphere, making the room feel more spacious.

Incorporate color through soft furnishings like curtains, bedding, and rugs to add texture and prevent a sterile look.

3. Vertical Stripes to Trick the Eye

One effective method to create an illusion of height is using vertically striped wallpaper. It doesn't have to be a conventional stripe; contemporary florals or unique designs will also work.

Clara Ewart, Head of Design, notes, 'Vertical lines draw the eye upward, enhancing the perceived height—ideal for low-ceilinged rooms. Beautiful wallpaper paired with deep colors fosters a cozy atmosphere.' You don't need to cover every wall; wallpapering a feature wall can do the job.

4. Tall Table Lamps for Height

'Using vertical space is a common trick to make a room feel larger,' says Laura Hadad, Design Ambassador. In your bedroom, opt for tall bedside lamps to frame the bed. This not only leads the eye upward but also emphasizes vertical elements.

A white lampshade with a light or metallic base will stand out even more against darker decor.

5. Full-Length Drapes Add Vertical Flow

Full-length drapes, especially those with patterns that contrast gently with wall colors, encourage the eye to travel upward when gazing at the window.

Additionally, focusing on lower elements like patterned bedding or a window seat can keep attention away from the ceiling, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness above.

6. Layered Lighting for Depth

In low-ceiling bedrooms, overhead lighting can be tricky. A bulky fixture can make the ceiling feel lower. To remedy this, choose glass fixtures to minimize visual weight or layer your lighting with table lamps and wall sconces.

7. Use Color to Divide the Space

This clever painting technique draws the eye along the paneling and across the ceiling. Using a rich shade like Tuscan Red at headboard height grounds the scheme, while lighter tones above create an airy ambiance.

A subtle variation in shades, like a lighter hue on the ceiling compared to the lower paneling, can effectively enhance the sense of height.