When choosing lighting for a large room with a high ceiling, there are key considerations.
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There is much to consider to successfully light a space that has height yet you want to retain the right mood and functionality for a variety of times and uses within the room.
Here are the 10 most important tips to use for a professional outcome:
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First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the function of the room and how the lighting will be used. Do you need task lighting for reading or working? Will the room be used for entertaining, in which case you might want softer, ambient lighting?
Consider the style of the room and choose lighting that complements the decor. If the room has been decorated in light colors, you might want to choose light-colored fixtures or fixtures with a reflective finish to help bounce light around the space.
It’s important to choose lighting that is appropriately sized for the room. In a large, high-ceilinged space, you’ll want to use larger fixtures to make a visual impact and provide enough light. The scale of a light should always be bigger than you probably imagine as the volume of a space will engulf and over power the fixture.
Consider where you will place the lighting in the room. For a high, vaulted ceiling, you might want to consider installing pendant lights or chandeliers to draw the eye up and add visual interest. You can also use wall sconces or floor lamps to add layers of light and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Think about how you will control the lighting in the room. Will you use switches, dimmers, or a smart home system? Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of the light, which can be especially useful in a large room where the lighting needs may vary.
To create a well-lit, inviting atmosphere, consider using multiple light sources rather than relying on just one overhead fixture. This could include a combination of pendant lights, wall sconces, and floor lamps.
The color temperature of the light can affect the overall look and feel of a room. Warm white light (2700-3000K) is softer and more welcoming, while cool white light (4000-4500K) is brighter and more clinical.
If you’re concerned about energy efficiency, consider using LED light bulbs, which are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs. This is particularly important for lower maintenance costs and to minimize the inconvenience of changing lamps at a height that may need a tower or scaffolding.
Layering your lighting can create a more cohesive and comfortable atmosphere. This could include using ambient lighting to create a general level of light in the room, task lighting for specific activities, and accent lighting to highlight specific features or areas.
In addition to artificial lighting, consider the natural light in the room and how you can make the most of it. This could include using sheer curtains or blinds to allow natural light to filter in, or installing skylights or windows to bring in more natural light.
Scale and layering are the two most important factors to remember when lighting high ceilings. Some lights will need to become a feature to fill the space well, whilst others play an essential supporting role to build a beautiful and functional lighting scheme to suit such a space’s variety of functions.