While high ceilings enhance the elegance and grandeur of a room, they require effective lighting to truly shine. These lofty spaces can absorb light much like a black hole, creating a challenge in home lighting. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid certain common pitfalls when selecting lighting for rooms with ceilings 10 feet or higher.
A frequent oversight by DIY enthusiasts is neglecting the rule of thirds in lighting design. Each section of the room should feature different lighting types to ensure comprehensive illumination. The lower third is ideal for floor lamps, the middle third for taller floor lamps, decorative table lamps on side tables, credenzas, or mantels, and wall sconces. The upper third should have ceiling fixtures such as chandeliers with extended chains.
Integrating this method with the concept of layering lighting will yield ambient, accent, and task lighting throughout the room. Proper use of these elements minimizes dark areas, ensuring some light reaches all spaces. Layering enhances room continuity, so incorporating high ceilings is essential.
Choosing the Right Fixture Size
Ceiling fixtures like chandeliers are excellent for rooms with high ceilings. Their long cords allow them to hang closer to the middle section of the room, following the rule of thirds. However, sleek, slender lights can appear undersized in such expansive spaces. To address this, opt for a larger, modern chandelier that spreads its arms widely, illuminating more of the area.
In particularly long rooms, installing two or three chandeliers might be necessary to achieve even lighting. This approach can also define different zones in an open-concept space without physical dividers. For instance, position one chandelier over the dining area, another over the living area, and a third over the kitchen. This method ensures comprehensive lighting throughout the room, countering the light-absorbing nature of high ceilings. The result is a functional, beautifully lit space that celebrates the room’s openness.
