You can make almost anything in your home, including low ceilings, appear larger with the right tips and tricks. Low ceilings can often make your space feel cramped and confined. Fortunately, you can make your home feel more spacious and open with the right design tricks and optical illusions.

Here are some effective tips for helping your low ceilings appear higher in your home:

Use Vertical Stripes

Vertical stripes have the power to draw the eye upward. You can get this look in your space with striped wallpaper, vertical paneling, or tall vertical artwork. The vertical lines create the illusion of height, making your ceiling appear taller.

Use Light Colors

If you want your room to appear more spacious, paint your ceiling and walls in light, neutral colors. Light hues reflect more light and create an airy and open feel. Avoid using dark or heavy colors on the walls as this makes your room feel more closed in. You can still add pops of color with artwork, accessories, and furniture.

Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains

To make your space look larger, hang curtains close to the ceiling and let them drape all the way down to the floor. This vertical line will draw your eye upward, making your room appear larger. Choose lightweight and sheer fabrics for your curtains to allow natural light into the space.

Install High-Mounted Mirrors

Mirrors are great for reflecting light and creating the illusion of higher ceilings and more space in your home. Place high mirrors on the walls to make your room feel brighter and more open. Mirrors with decorative frames add elegance and style to your space.

Keep It Simple

Opt for minimalistic decor and keep your space clutter-free to make your ceilings appear higher. Having too many objects or patterns in your home can emphasize low ceilings. Choose furniture and accessories with clean lines and a streamlined aesthetic.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is great for low ceilings as it’s minimalist and provides illumination in your space. Recessing lights into the ceiling creates an unobtrusive look that draws less attention to the height of the ceiling.

Hang Artwork Higher

Hanging artwork higher than eye level creates the illusion of higher ceilings and walls. Your gaze will be directed upward and the artwork will add visual interest to the upper portion of your walls. Avoid hanging artwork low as this can make your ceiling appear lower than usual.

Use Low-Profile Furniture

Choose furniture pieces that sit closer to the ground. Furniture with a lower profile or higher legs creates a sense of openness and helps create the illusion of more vertical space.

Vertical Shelving

Use a vertical shelving unit or bookcase to maximize storage space without taking up too much floor space. This draws the eye upwards, emphasizing the size of the room.

Avoid Large Light Fixtures

Having large or bulky light fixtures that hang too low can make your ceiling appear lower. Select fixtures that are sleek and flush-mounted to allow more headspace and make your room appear larger.

Highlight Architectural Features

Paint architectural features like moldings on the wall or ceilings in contrasting colors. This takes the attention away from the height of the ceiling and adds visual interest to your space.