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Dramatic Lighting for Low Ceilings
No room for a big chandelier? See how your overhead lighting can still make a statement
One of the most common design dilemmas when selecting overhead lighting is finding the right fixture for your ceiling height. Lower ceilings, even when 8-feet high, can make it hard to find a fixture that creates a sense of style without looking utilitarian.
Here's the design dilemma: The bottom of the light fixture should be hung no lower than 6'8" above the floor to avoid hitting your head when walking underneath. When you have an 8-foot high ceiling, that leaves you only 16" of height to play with for a dramatic light fixture.
Most gorgeous chandeliers and interesting light fixtures do not fit into the 16" high category, and if they do they're only 16" wide which can make for a dinky light fixture in a larger room.
I've created a roundup of some eye-catching options for low ceilings that will solve your low-ceiling woes and won't leave you longing for those large dramatic chandeliers.
Here's the design dilemma: The bottom of the light fixture should be hung no lower than 6'8" above the floor to avoid hitting your head when walking underneath. When you have an 8-foot high ceiling, that leaves you only 16" of height to play with for a dramatic light fixture.
Most gorgeous chandeliers and interesting light fixtures do not fit into the 16" high category, and if they do they're only 16" wide which can make for a dinky light fixture in a larger room.
I've created a roundup of some eye-catching options for low ceilings that will solve your low-ceiling woes and won't leave you longing for those large dramatic chandeliers.
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by CWB Architects
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| This living and play area is a great example of a ceiling height, that while not extraordinarily low, cannot house a large dramatic lighting fixture. The fixture they selected is low profile and still large in diameter to create drama without the risk of a bump on the noggin. The circles in the fixture play perfectly off of the circular holes in the architecture. |
by Lamps Plus
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The fixture by Robert Abbey used in the room above is almost 2 feet in diameter and less than 12 inches high. This fixture is perfect for a living space or entry where you aren't afforded the luxury of high-ceilings.
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The designer of the living space here created drama on the ceiling with wallpaper and a ceiling mounted mirror, however, this same look can be achieved with a light fixture to illuminate the space.
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This sunburst fixture can create the same drama as seen above. At only 4" deep, it can even be installed on a 7-foot high ceiling. This gorgeous sunburst fixture is almost 42" wide, making it perfect for large rooms with low ceilings.
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This gorgeous flame fixture is a little larger than the sunburst fixture above and has a bit more detail. This ceiling light will not only illuminate the room, but it will also serve as a statement piece.
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The bedroom is a place where you want to create mood and style. Typically a great boudoir chandelier is a great way to do that, but when you have a lower ceiling you run the risk hitting your head on the chandelier getting in and out of bed. This bedroom is a great example of making use of a gorgeous fixture while still keeping the height constraints in mind.
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by Oly Studio
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| This pieced resin bowl, pictured in the bedroom above, is only 14" high and almost 3 feet in diameter! It's the perfect scale for a low to medium ceiling. |
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A great way to address lighting in a hallway with a low ceiling is to create repetition using a flush-mounted ceiling light. This repetitive pattern can create interest and drama when you don't have the space for a larger fixture.
by Lamps Plus
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This flush-mounted fixture by Jonathan Adler is a great modern option for a hallway, small entry, small bathroom, or even laundry room. The nickel detailing creates interest to an otherwise mundane style fixture, and the pattern of light that will be reflected from this fixture will be an interesting touch to the space it's housed in. This fixture is a little over 7" high, which will fit in almost any space!
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| Aside from decorative light fixtures, you can also create lighting for low-ceilings using architecture. This bedroom created a dramatic setting using an l-shaped soffit with soft recessed lighting on both the ceiling and wall. |
| In this living room, rather than using a decorative ceiling fixture, cove lighting was designed to create added interest to the room and illuminate the space. |
| A few guidelines to remember:
1. The bottom of your ceiling fixture should be no lower than 6'8" above the floor, unless it's hung over a table or island, to avoid hitting your head. 2. To create an eye-catching look in a large space with low ceilings, search for a fixture that is large in width or diameter, but with a lower profile in height like the option shown in this bedroom. 3. For drama and style in a long hallway with low ceilings, try repetition with a stylized flush-mounted fixture. 4. You can also create a unique look with cove lighting and architectural features when there is not space for a large chandelier or decorative light fixture. When you are dealing with lower ceilings that simply won't accommodate a large dramatic light fixture, don't fret! There are a few options out there to help you create a unique environment while still adhering to height restrictions. More lighting ideas: 8 Ways to Design With Light The Sleeker Side of Pendant Lighting Get the Lighting Right: 8 Mistakes to Avoid |
Ideabook updated on Aug. 20, 2011.
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Wow, Callygirl...I missed the episode, but can't believe the decorator didn't like the anemone light! I'm with you...it's always been one of my all-time faves!
Super lighting ideas. Thanks for sharing!