How to visually expand the space just by using light fixtures?

Whether you live in a smaller apartment or a house with small rooms, you probably understand the need to make the most of the space you have. Low ceilings and limited square footage can make rooms feel cramped and stuffy. Not to mention, people with claustrophobia what they experience when they get into such a room. A room should be pleasant for the people who are in it, whether that's you, your guests or your clients. 

While we unfortunately can't physically enlarge your rooms, we can provide some tips on lighting, fixture selection, and an overall idea of how to use light. Following some simple rules will provide you with a feeling of wide space, freedom and tranquility. Let's get started.

What light fixtures are right for a low ceiling?

There are not a few apartments and houses that were built with low ceilings. If your place is one too, don't despair. It's important not to choose a large hanging chandelier for it because it will give the feeling of an even lower ceiling. It will also take up space. The standard ceiling height is around 2.60 metres. Whatever ceiling you have, if you decide to hang a chandelier it should not go below 1.90 metres, otherwise tall people will lean.

If your ceiling is extremely low consider recessed downlights. This way the light will fall down, the room will be lit sufficiently and they won't take up space because most of it is hidden in the ceiling itself. Another option is to put in a flat ceiling that is almost to the ceiling. If you want attractiveness go for a large diameter ceiling.

Use lots of luminaires

Filling your room with light will make it look bigger. You'll remove shadows and create visually different spaces. Not only should the light fixtures be many in number, they should also be different and unobtrusive. Be sure to have one main light and additional accent lights. In other words, use additional light fixtures other than your standard ceiling light. You might put a reading lamp near your favorite armchair. You might fix fixtures under or above pictures hung from the ceiling. Or, if you're furnishing a kitchen, then hanging an LED strip on the countertop will help tremendously with food preparation.

Illuminate walls well

You can do this in a few different ways, one of the most popular is to use a directional light on the wall. This will extend the boundaries of the room and at the same time draw attention to the positive aspects of the room - pictures, windows, decorations, etc.

Use upward pointing light fixtures

When the beams of light are directed in an upward direction, it inevitably draws the eyes of those present. You can direct light towards the ceiling in several ways. LED bulbs with a silver coating on the bulb half are a perfect choice for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use a table lamp that you rotate in an upward direction. If you're ready to make a dramatic change, consider installing light fixtures in the floor rather than on the walls. Ask an electrician or lighting designer if this is possible in your space.

Types of backlights

Placing a light behind an object can create the illusion of depth and character. Some of the best places to use backlighting include niches, cabinets and furniture, as well as screens and displays. LED strips are also very useful lighting fixtures when you want backlighting, so don't dismiss them as an option.

Use mirrors

Mirrors will reflect light and convey a huge amount of volume to even the smallest of spaces. Large wall mirrors not only make rooms feel bigger, but they also duplicate the light. However, be careful when placing the mirror not to position it in a place where the harsh glare will get in the way. The main goal is to bring in more light, so try to stick with it. If you own a room with large windows or perhaps a window in the ceiling, then you must consider adding large mirrored surfaces as well.

Overall, there are many ways that lighting can be used to visually expand a space. Directing the light, using small sized light fixtures, choosing freckles instead of chandeliers, etc. Ultimately, whatever lighting fixtures you like and put in your home or office, try to enhance the style of the room rather than disguise it. This is the only way to get a comfortable and stylish place to spend your time.