Recessed or downlight lamps are so low-profile they don't even trespass into the vertical space of a room. This lack of intrusion makes them ideal for small spaces, just make sure you include other sources of light as well. If downlight lamps are your only source of lighting, they can create unflattering shadows.
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.
It is important to consider the right paint finishes when choosing colors to make a small room look bigger as Helen Shaw, director of Benjamin Moore highlights. 'Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.
By fitting flush with the ceiling, recessed lighting lends a clean, streamlined look to a room. It can increase the amount of light in a room, highlight artwork or other special features, or open up spaces so they look and feel bigger.
Recessed lighting is not great in large rooms where you'll need to install a lot of them or where you want your light to achieve an aesthetic effect.
Con: Recessed Lights Can Leak Air
Since recessed lighting goes right into the ceiling, this can leave small gaps around each light. The gaps allow air to pass through, which can create drafts and affect the comfort of your home.
Stark White
Naturally, white is an obvious choice for making a room feel bigger. It's no secret that light colors make a room look larger, especially if the space is bathed in natural light. Eggshell or satin finishes will help reflect the light, creating the appearance of even more space.
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.
You can add bold and bright accessories like cushions, lamps and trimmings to add character and style. It's an old trick, but one that does work. Using large mirrors across wall surfaces helps to reflect light, especially when angled towards focal points or near a window to generate more natural light.
Well, red promotes energy, and interaction and can even raise our blood pressure, making sleep difficult; yellow is great for pops of color but not on every wall of a bedroom as it can over-stimulate the nervous system; and grey, although initially calming, will eventually sap energy. '
White furniture and white walls both make your room appear larger. Although too much white without adding other colors can make the general aesthetic appear stale, the importance of the color white in expanding the feel of the room is undeniable.
Start With the Light Bulbs
She suggested bulbs in the 50-watt range with frosted glass. In bedrooms and living rooms, you want Soft White (2,700 to 3,000 Kelvins, a measure of color temperature); in kitchens and bathrooms and brighter spaces, Warm White (4,000K to 5,000K).
The best night light colors for sleep are red and amber, as they are warm and soothing colors that promote a good night's sleep. It's thought that colors close to red on the light spectrum stimulate melatonin production. Red light has a lower color temperature than regular sunlight, making it ideal for sleep.
How to Choose Ceiling Paint Colors. As a general rule, ceilings that are lighter in tone than the walls feel higher, while darker colors will make the ceiling feel lower. That doesn't necessarily mean the room will feel claustrophobic, however. Visually lowered ceilings can evoke a cozy, intimate feeling.
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.
Stay Light and Bright
The best small kitchen ideas use materials to an advantage. Reflective surfaces, such as ceramic tile, marble countertops, or stainless steel, subtly amplify the effects of natural and artificial light, thereby making small kitchens seem larger.
Style Notes: Cream and ecru tones have the power to make every outfit look significantly more expensive, but paired with navy, even for casual looks, this is a combination that always looks so high-end.
Red is the color of power. It gets people's attention and holds it. It is the most popular color for marketing. The color red tends to increase the heart rate and create a sense of urgency.
Use dark colors strategically
'Dark colors, such as charcoal gray, navy blue, forest green or black, can make your space look bigger if used wisely,' says Artem Kropovinsky. 'They can create contrast and depth that make your walls recede and your ceiling appears higher.
Recessed lights are perfect for providing ambient or general lighting, giving your bedroom the feel of being bathed in sunlight. They can also be strategically placed to accent specific areas or features of your bedroom.
Disc Lights: They fall into the category of LED flush ceiling lights, making for an excellent alternative to recessed light. They also save time, effort, and space.
Recessed lighting works and looks best in smaller rooms and rooms with low ceilings as the lights don't take up much space. If your decor is minimalist, recessed lighting is a good choice as it's sleek, and you don't really see much of the actual light.