HOW TO LIGHT A SMALL SPACE

Quirky architectural features like low ceilings, sloping eaves, wide chimney breasts, ancient beams and awkward nooks, make our homes wonderfully attractive, adding character and interest but they can also make a room feel smaller and darker than we’d like. Creating the illusion of space in a small room is a challenge, especially when it comes to lighting, so here are our top tips for turning a ‘snug’ space into an open and airy one.

MAXIMISE NATURAL LIGHT

First off, make the most of any available daylight. Unless you want the intimacy of a dark space, decorate your room in light-reflecting off whites, naturals or pastel colours that will help to open it out. Light colours reflect more light than dark ones that absorb it so can make a room feel smaller.

Keep window dressings light by using sheer fabrics and voiles, cottons and linens in natural or pastel colours to let in as much light as possible. If you match the colour of curtains and blinds to paintwork on window frames and walls, it will open out the room making it feel lighter and larger.

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Consider using glass shades as glass is naturally reflective and will bounch light around the room without incroaching on the sense of space.

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USE MIRRORS

Place a large mirror opposite a window as this will significantly increase the amount of natural light in a room and almost double the sense of space. Mirrors reflect light everywhere making a space feel brighter and create the illusion of depth that enhances the feeling of space.

INCORPORATE GLOSSY FINISHES

Using semi-gloss or satin finishes on walls, ceilings woodwork and furniture can help reflect light and increase the sense of space. Glossy surfaces like glass, mirrors and metallic finishes also contribute to a brighter, more open feel.

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CREATE AN EVEN SPREAD OF LIGHT

The key to good lighting, especially in a smaller room, is to create an even spread of light throughout the area. Dark corners and shadows will encroach on a space, making it feel cramped. Banish them and you will open the room up making it feel more accessible and airier.

Even lighting requires a mix of light sources rather than a single central one. Don’t be tempted to use a single ceiling light as this has the effect of creating an ‘island’ of bright light in the middle of the room that makes shadeows seem darker.

Instead, opt for two or three ceiling lights, combined with wall lights and a scattering of table or floor lamps for those harder to reach spots. Place them throughout the room to create layers of light so that light floods through.

AVOID OVERHEAD DOWNLIGHTERS

Downlighters can create harsh shadows that make a room feel smaller. Instead, consider diffused light sources such lights with frosted or opal glass and fabric lampshades that will diffuse the light making it feel softer.

MAKE THE MOST OF HIGH CEILINGS

If your small room has a high ceiling, consider hanging pendant lights as this will emphasize the vertical space, drawing your attention upwards and away from a narrow or tight floor space.

Pendant lights and chandeliers should be chosen carefully; in small rooms, simpler designs that don’t overwhelm the space work best.

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OPT FOR SPOTLIGHTS

If you have a low or sloping ceiling that doesn’t lend itself to pendant lighting, consider spotlights that can fitted to walls, wooden beams and ceilings without intruding.

Spots are ideal for smaller spaces as hey can be angled to shine into dark eaves, alcoves or corners and used as uplighters to get rid of shadows and illuminate even the darkest of spots.

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CREATE DEPTH WITH BACK LIGHTING

Dark corners are not only found at the meeting of walls but are produced by furniture, shelving units, cabinets and wardrobes. An excellent way to combat this is to use LED strip lighting stuck to the underside or edges of furniture. This create a sense of depth that opens up a space.

Consider adding backlights behind TV screens, mirrors, wardrobes, headboards and sofas.

FREE UP FLOOR SPACE WITH WALL LIGHTS

If you room will allow it, wall mounted lights are a fabulous way to maximise your space, as they free up the floor and direct light upwards towards the ceiling. This creates a soft, indirect glow that spreads evenly and enhances the perception of height or depth in a room.

Consider fitting flush fitting wall lights that don't project too far into the room and fit them at eye level or higher to make the room feel larger.

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PLUG-INS FOR AWKWARD SPOTS

Designed to give you instant lighting wherever you need it, without the need for an electrician, our plug-in wall lights are perfect for older homes with quirky wiring schemes or awkwad areas where a floor lamp won't work. All you need is a plug socket nearby to plug it in and off you go.

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TABLE & FLOOR LAMPS ARE A MUST!

If you live in an older home where wiring is an issue, or don't have wall lights, use floor and table lamps placed into corners, or next to furniture around the room to ensure light flows evenly throughout and create a feeling of expansiveness.

Floor and table lamps are brilliant for adding layers of light without cluttering the space. Slim, sleek designs are ideal for small rooms.

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CONSIDER THE BRIGHTNESS & COLOUR OF BULBS

The colour of light bulbs can greatly affect the perception of space. Warm white light (2700K-3000K) creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere, while natural white light (3500K-4100K) feels brighter and more open.

For small rooms, a neutral white light is generally preferable as it mimics daylight and can make the space feel larger.

Try using consistent colour temperatures throughout the room to ensure it looks harmonious look as different colours produce visual breaks that make the space feel disjointed and smaller.

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