A beautifully designed room goes beyond the choice of appealing furniture and colour palette; it’s also about using decor to master spatial perceptions. One common challenge in modern homes is low ceilings, which can make a space feel cramped and less inviting. However, with strategic decor choices, you can trick the eyes to view ceilings higher than they are without any structural changes. Read our top five decor tips to make the ceiling appear higher, where you’ll explore simple yet creative solutions that combine aesthetics with functionality. From window treatments to indoor plants, these strategies will explain how choosing common furnishings and decor elements thoughtfully can not only trick the eye into perceiving greater height but also enhance the look of your space. Whether you’re redesigning a maximalist living room or giving your rustic bedroom a makeover, these tips are versatile and practical for any room or decor style. Dive into these tips and get ready to elevate your interior style both literally and figuratively –
Tip 1: Install Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains
Floor-to-ceiling custom curtains are loved for their long, sumptuous flow of fabric that significantly adds to the grandeur of the decor and transforms even the most ordinary windows or walls into focal points. But, beyond their aesthetics, they also offer a transformative way to accentuate the sense of height in a room. With their vertical pleats or folds, these curtains draw the eye upward, making ceilings appear higher. For best results, install curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible and choose between “kiss length”, “puddle-length” or “puddle-graze length”. Further, choose the fabric material based on the visual and functional needs of the room – light, airy fabrics like sheer or linen are ideal for a bright and open atmosphere in high-utility rooms, while opulent materials like velvet or silk exude a luxurious elegance in formal spaces. With these considerations, floor-to-ceiling curtains blend practicality with style, transforming your space into one that feels both taller and gorgeous.
Tip 2: Opt for Low-Profile Furniture
Furniture holds a large visual real estate in your decor, therefore they have a role to play in determining how open or clutter your room feels. Steer clear of bulky, oversized furniture that can overwhelm the space and diminish the sense of height. Instead, opt for low-profile furniture that sits closer to the ground and opens up more visible wall space at a vantage height, making the room feel both taller and more spacious. This design choice seamlessly combines style with functionality, especially in compact spaces where maximizing openness is crucial. To implement this technique, select sofas, beds, and tables with low frames and clean, minimalist designs. For example, a low-platform bed or a mid-century modern sofa with a sleek profile are excellent choices that exude an understated elegance free from visual clutter. Complement these pieces with other elements such as sleek chairs, acrylic coffee tables or neutral-toned brown or deep beige curtains as a backdrop for an uncluttered, cohesive look. The result is a room that feels effortlessly airy and expansive, with a contemporary vibe that appeals to both form and function.
Tip 3: Incorporate Vertical Stripes & Mouldings
Adding vertical stripes and mouldings is a timeless design trick that can create the illusion of more height. By drawing the eye upward, vertical moulding visually elongates the walls and enhances the room’s overall proportions. This technique seamlessly combines aesthetic appeal with functional spatial enhancement, making it a popular choice among interior designers. They can be added as patterns or wall mouldings that run vertically from the floor to the ceiling. Styles like beadboard or wainscoting can add texture and depth, while vertical stripes, whether painted or on wallpapers, offer a contemporary twist. You can also consider adding vertical patterns through window treatments such as striped roman blinds or curtains to further emphasize height. To make a more striking effect, consider using contrasting colours alternatively on stripes, such as black and white to make the stripes more visible and further accentuate their impact.
Tip 4: Adorn with Tall Mirrors & Artwork
Tall wall hangings, such as mirrors and artwork, offer a stylish and effective way to make ceilings appear higher while creating an illusion of more space. These elements not only serve as eye-catching features but also draw the eye upward through the vertical lines of their frames, contributing to the room’s verticality. For mirrors, consider incorporating the ones with long and narrow frames, and either mount them on walls or lean them slightly against a wall. Mirrors also reflect light which can amplify the room’s brightness and create an airy, open atmosphere. Similarly, opt for vertically-oriented artwork that not only complements your decor but also guides the eyes upward through their frames. Further, hang these pieces slightly higher than eye level to encourage upward visual movement, reinforcing the perception of a taller ceiling.
Tip 5: Add Tall Indoor Plants
Adding tall indoor plants is another excellent trick to add natural charm to your decor while enhancing the verticality of a room. By blending greenery with functional design, tall plants strike a perfect balance between beauty and practicality in rooms. These plants not only purify the air inside your room but also guide the eye upward through their tall foliage and make your ceilings appear higher. Opt for plants known for their vertical growth, such as fiddle-leaf figs, rubber trees, or dracaenas. Place them thoughtfully in the often unused corners of the room or next to your furniture pieces, ensuring they accentuate the room’s height without overwhelming the space. You can also place them in slim, tall planters, which not only add elegance but also reinforce the upward visual flow. Their natural texture complements a wide range of interior styles, from modern minimalist to rustic decor. Whether it’s a lush, leafy fiddle-leaf fig or the deep-green foliage of rubber trees, these towering greens will accentuate the sense of your room’s height while creating a serene and fresh atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Creating a home that feels open, inviting, and thoughtfully designed is as much about perception as it is about the actual dimensions of your space. They invite you to think creatively, embracing the potential of your space rather than feeling constrained by it. When you take your time to consider how each design element interacts with your room’s proportions, you make the most of your decor. The beauty of these techniques lies in their ability to combine practicality with artistic expression. Each choice, whether adding tall mirrors or custom roman shades, contributes to a harmonious balance of form and function while visually pushing the ceiling further. As you experiment with these ideas, remember that the key to impactful design is intention – every element you incorporate should feel purposeful and work together for the same cause. With thoughtful planning and a touch of ingenuity, you can create a home that feels as spacious and elevated as your imagination allows!
