Low Ceiling: What Kind of Lighting to Use

!±8± Low Ceiling: What Kind of Lighting to Use

Low ceilings present a unique challenge in terms of illumination and lighting installation. Typically, ceilings that are 8 feet/2.4 meters in height, or fewer, are defined as low ceilings. Such ceilings are not ideal for hanging fixtures such as chandeliers or pendant lights because the room's occupants are likely to bump into them. Flood lights, although they are located within the ceiling and thus are not as obtrusive, nevertheless also pose a problem because they create glare. As a consequence, when attempting to illuminate a room that contains a low ceiling, the selection of ceiling lights is limited.

What can one do in order to adequately illuminate a room that is limited in terms of ceiling lights? There are several options available, including the use of recessed lights, torchieres (floor lamps), sconces, and table lamps.

Recessed lights are probably the hardest lighting option to install, yet they provide the biggest payoff in terms of illumination. Also, such lights do not obstruct or otherwise clutter the living area. One can install recessed lighting around the perimeter of the room, utilizing fluorescent light bulbs that emit a high number of lumens per Watt of power. If only some wall space is used, then the use of decorative columns or plaster is advised for holding the light fixtures. Cornices may be installed for recessed lights that are set into corners. Alternately, crown molding can be installed at the top perimeter of the room and light bulbs set into it. Expertly executed, a crown molding installation can create the illusion of the room's ceiling actually being higher.

Sconces are another choice for illuminating a room without obstructing or cluttering it too much. Sconces can be installed evenly along the walls, or they can be grouped into clusters. If every wall of the room is not available (e.g., one wall is blocked by a hutch or armoire), sconces may still be installed; however, they will need to be positioned at opposite ends so as to avoid the creation of shadows. For a low ceiling room, vertical sconces may be installed in order to "extend" the height of the living space.

Both recessed lighting and sconces require electrical wiring and wall alterations. Such changes may not be possible for individuals who live in apartments or who have limited means for remodeling a living space. In such cases, torchieres are an alternate method by which a low ceiling room can be effectively illuminated. Placed in the corners of the room and equipped with compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, torchieres can create ample ambient lighting for even a large room. If the torchiere lamps sit atop slender poles, they can also help create the illusion of height.

Table lamps are also useful for lighting a low ceiling room. Unlike recessed, sconce, or torchiere-generated light, table lamps provide focused task lighting for areas such as desks, kitchen counters, and work benches. Their easy accessibility permits them to be turned on and off at will, or to be replaced or moved as a room's decor is updated.

In summary, while low ceiling room lighting can be a challenge, it can also be an opportunity to discover new and unique methods for lighting a living space. Such lighting is not hard to achieve, requiring just a little imagination and planning in order to be both unobtrusive and functional.