What to Do If You Have Low Ceilings in Your Apartment

How to solve one of the main problems of typical apartments, designers from BeInDesign studio explain.

Light color palette

White color beautifully expands space and gives it a feeling of spaciousness and airiness. If you don't like classic white, choose pastel or light tones. Cold hues will work — light beige, blue, pink color or less common color solutions — pale lavender, soft mint, the lightest shades of gray, lemon or pistachio.

Important: the ceiling should always be lighter than the walls by several shades.

Glossy finish

A good solution is a glossy coating. It creates additional reflections and visually expands the space.

Decorative mirror or polished inserts in the center of the ceiling can also help increase height. However, such a solution is appropriate not for all styles — in some cases excessive shine can look cheap or inappropriate.

Multi-level ceiling

Additional height to ceilings can be achieved using suspended profiles along the perimeter of the room. If there are several levels with LED backlighting, it will "spread" the space and make the ceiling appear higher.

Design: BeInDesign

Photo wallpaper on the ceiling

There are examples of using photo wallpaper or ceiling painting that create a sense of additional volume. But it is important to integrate them properly into the interior.

Gradient

To "stretch" the space, you can use a gradient wall color transition from a darker tone to a lighter one and even more light on the ceiling.

Vertical lines

Vertical stripes on wallpaper compensate for low ceilings. If the room is small or you don't like many stripes, decorate just one wall — preferably the one opposite the entrance to the room. Stripes aren't the only option; you can also use wallpapers or wall art with upward direction: vines or ivy, flying birds, abstract or geometric figures with a non-aggressive rhythm.

Contrast, large, and horizontally oriented elements should be avoided. Refrain from zigzag or spiral prints.

Ceiling cornice

You might come across advice to apply wallpaper with an overhang onto the ceiling to visually increase height. Of course, it's up to you, but such a design looks quite strange, and there are almost no successful interiors where this idea has been implemented.

A more harmonious approach is a ceiling cornice in color, especially if it is slightly wider than usual but without ornamental details.

Design: BeInDesign

Tall doors

Interior doors should be made slightly taller than standard. They will have to be custom-made and will cost a bit more, but this is a very effective technique.

Proper furniture

Don't overload the room with bulky or whimsical furniture — choose elegant and light pieces. Wardrobes are best built-in up to the ceiling with no additional gaps.

Textile and decor

Purchase monochromatic textiles with minimal pattern or stripes. Minimize decor. A landscape with straight perspective or dynamic upward movement would look great. Mirrors and several accessories made of transparent glass or shiny chrome will fit well.

Thoughtful lighting

Let the chandelier frame be as close to the ceiling as possible, and the shades — small and pointing upwards. A minimalist torched with a clean design will come in handy.