5 mistakes in designing a room with low ceilings

Whether in panel houses or many new constructions, ceiling heights rarely exceed 2.7 meters. What should you absolutely avoid if you live in such an apartment and don't want the ceiling to feel like it's pressing down on your head?

Bright or dark colors

A ceiling painted in saturated tones will immediately seem much lower.

Exception: a black ceiling in small rooms (e.g., a bathroom) seems to dissolve into the air, making it impossible to determine its actual height. The same effect is achieved by painting the ceiling the same color as the walls – the boundaries become blurred.

Design: Natalia Ananina.

Horizontal lines

This includes not only wall patterns or textiles: beams, trim, long shelves, and niches also create unnecessary horizontal lines that visually lower the ceiling. In decor, use elements that appear to point upward: images of towers or trees.

Additional vertical elements will create curtains that reach the floor. Avoid short drapes – they visually lower the ceiling.

Design: Natalia Yanson.

Decorative moldings

They look disproportionate and often inappropriate. It's better to decorate the walls instead: for example, design vertical niches with lighting.

Exception: coffered ceilings, although they take up a few centimeters, visually raise the ceiling.

Design: Studio 3.14.

Ceilings

Heavy suspended ceilings

Voluminous, extravagant chandeliers are a poor choice for low ceilings. Replace them with minimalist wall sconces and table lamps; the most successful option is to use spotlights or perimeter lighting – they make the ceiling seem to float.

Design: CO:interior.

Clumsy furniture

Overly large or low-slung furniture items emphasize the incorrect geometry of the room.

For rooms with low ceilings, choose minimalist furniture that appears light and as if it's rising upward. Such an effect is created by glass and mirror surfaces, thin tall legs, and transparent elements.

It's very important to solve storage issues: instead of heavy wooden frame furniture, purchase glass and metal wardrobes and store everything you don't need inside to declutter the space.

Design: Antonina Kaplya.

Read also:

• What to do if your apartment has low ceilings: 8 simple ideas
  
• Save on renovation: how to install spotlights yourself
  
• Small forms: 10 tips for owners of tiny apartments