How Light Can Be Used to Make Rooms Appear Bigger.
The more light there is in a space the airier and larger it looks and feels. Here are four ways light can be used to make rooms feel bigger.
1. Add Skylights:
Adding skylights to any roof greatly amplifies the amount of natural light in the room below. Windows are not as effective at bringing in the light as they are on a lower level and often have structures obstructing the light they can let in. Skylights can be extremely effective at lifting a ceiling visually. They are especially effective in opening up the sense of space in attic rooms with lower sloped ceilings.
2. Build Light Into Cabinets:
Use light built into the bottom of cabinetry in open display areas to make them appear lighter and feel like they float. The lighter look also has them seem like they occupy less volume in the space.
3. Use torchiere style floor lights, or wall mounted”up” lighting in a room.
Use torchiere or floor lamps that put a light source higher up than usual and “wash” the ceiling with light. This will visually lift the ceiling and make a room feel brighter and taller.
Wall mounted light fixtures (sconces) located high on a wall, that focus light upwards has the same effect. Light that is bounced off the ceiling is a softer illumination than light coming directly down on us.
4. “Wash” walls with the light from track heads or pot lights.
We associate a feeling of openness and spaciousness with the volume of light that we see in a space. Creatively used light can visually”lift” elements and “move” walls apart changing our impression of the shape and size of a room.
If you have questions about light visit/join our forum on Facebook and we are happy to answer them. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1626607167600918/
Hi Sheila,
All great suggestions on how to bring light into the home! My fav is skylights. I have skylights installed in hallways that tend to get little natural light and are dark. It always made a big impact and a wow!
Thanks,
Penny