In order to give low ceilings some height, we advise painting them in light shades. Radiant white, soft cream or delicate pastel hues are best suited for low ceilings, as they open up the room visually, reflect the light better, and make the ceiling appear further away.
2. Or, keep things light and bright. NYC-based interior designer, Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, says, 'in smaller spaces or rooms with low ceilings, painting the ceiling and walls the same color can create an illusion of height and openness.
Light Colors
As such, most people using paint to make the room feel bigger opt for brighter colors that will reflect light. White works well, but you could also use colors like beige, grey, or pastels like yellow or blush. Consider these popular options: 0021 Barely White, a cool off-white hue.
Low ceilings are almost always going to need a light hardwood floor to battle the natural constraints that a low ceiling creates. An open floor plan will often be complimented with darker hardwood floors.
Low ceilings help save on air conditioning and heating
This shouldn't be a surprise at all. Low ceilings mean a smaller space for heating, lighting or air conditioning. It can mean a whole lot more savings.
Three good material choices for crown molding for low ceilings include paint-grade wood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) moldings, and finger-jointed-pine or poplar. All come primed and ready to paint.
Generally, small rooms or rooms with low ceilings look more open and broader with light, natural beige-colored hardwood and ceiling, such as white oak or gray cedar. Open spaces with big-size windows are great ”candidates“ for dark wood flooring, such as walnut, or any other stained hardwood.
Drop ceilings, also known as suspended ceilings, are ideal for basements because they feature low panels or tiles that hide ducts, wiring and pipes. They can also be used to designate a special area of a single large space, like a dining alcove.
According to the National Building Code (NBC), the standard ceiling height is ninety-six inches, or eight feet; for suspended ceilings; the minimum height is ninety inches, or seven and a half feet. But nine- and ten-foot ceilings are now common, not only in living rooms and kitchens, but also in bedrooms.
Use Uplighting
Notice how the ceiling seems to float in this photo. Bouncing light off the ceiling creates visual height. Sconces, cove lighting and even affordable torchieres can deliver this effect. This is a great technique especially for basements.
If you want to add the illusion of height to a room, look up. In smaller rooms, painting the ceiling a light color can heighten the overall feel of the space. And it doesn't have to be a shade of white, either. Turn tradition on its head by using a crisp white on the walls and trim with a pop of color on the ceiling.
Gray can make a room look bigger. A light gray can be a great pick in place of white; it will reflect natural light, but it looks less architectural and cool than white, which you might prefer.
Another technique for making walls look taller is painting a border of at least one foot in the same colour as the ceiling. This way, the ceiling will take up more visual space, and your walls will look taller.
Although bright white is generally considered the safest choice for ceiling paint colors, it's not your only option. There's a whole kaleidoscope of colors that can work for your ceilings if you're willing to step outside the box. Of course, a refreshingly crisp white is sometimes the best solution.
Evidently, white ceiling paint is everyone's favorite, and for good reason. Certainly, it can illuminate any room. Further, matching your walls to the ceiling creates a cohesive and clean look. At the same time, it can double the size of a room visually.
Today standard ceilings are typically around 8' to 9' tall. Below 8' is considered low and above 9' is considered high.
For an 8 foot ceiling height the recommended crown size is 2-1/2″ to 6″ tall with no picture mold. Use the square footage and level of formality of the room to choose an appropriate crown size and style in that range.
Add reflective surfaces
Yes, you know that mirrors make a space appear larger. (“It's like doubling a room,” Curtis says.) But other reflective surfaces — high-gloss painted ceilings, lacquered furniture, shiny tile on a kitchen backsplash — have a similar effect, casting light and creating the illusion of volume.