Avoid Breaking This High Ceilings Rule When Choosing Lighting For A Room

In interior design, high ceilings are almost synonymous with sophistication. They give any room an unparalleled sense of spaciousness, transforming homes that might feel cramped into spaces that ooze grandeur. But for all their aesthetic benefits, high ceilings come with a few challenges, like settling on a lighting scheme that will do them justice. If you don't make the right choice, your room with high ceilings could come off as cold and uninviting instead of impressive and welcoming. To avoid this scenario, make sure not to break one rule when lighting a room with high ceilings: Always choose light fixtures large enough to draw attention and make a statement.

The higher your ceilings are, the bigger the fixture you need to create flattering lighting. Still, this doesn't mean you should choose the biggest light you can find and call it a day. If the fixture turns out to be too large, it could dominate the space in the wrong way, making it feel cramped. Instead, make sure the fixture you end up choosing corresponds to your room's proportions, helping create a harmonious look.

How to choose the right light size for high ceilings

To choose the right light fixture to boost your living room (or any other room in your home boasting high ceilings), measure the space first. Using a tape measure, determine the room width and length in feet. Then, add your measurements together and convert that sum into inches to get the ideal fixture diameter. For example, if your room is 15 feet by 20 feet, look for a fixture diameter of about 35 inches. To really nail the appropriate light fixture size, don't be afraid to add a couple of inches. When it comes to high ceilings, it's better to go bigger if you're unsure.

For the size to achieve its intended effect, it's important to hang your lights at the right height. The general rule of thumb here is to hang the light fixture at least 7 feet above the floor. At this height, your light fixture won't be an obstacle in your room's flow and traffic while still being low enough to catch the eye effectively. If you're hanging the light in your dining room, aim for a 30 to 36-inch distance from the table surface for a well-lit yet uninterrupted dining experience. As for the fixture type, a dramatic chandelier choice or some sculptural pendant lights typically work best to maintain visual interest with high ceilings.

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