Low ceilings weighing you down like a heavy blanket? You can "raise" them by 20 cm without breaking the walls.
All that is needed is to deceive the eye into seeing something that is not there.
These tricks work even in Khrushchev-era buildings, turning the cage into an air space.
Start with vertical lines. Wallpaper with upward stripes, tall cabinets, narrow paintings - all this pulls the ceiling with it.
But avoid contrasting colours: dark stripes on a light background will reduce the height.
Choose soft tones with a subtle pattern. For example, light gray vertical lines on beige walls.
Curtains are your secret tool. Hang the curtain rod 15-20 cm above the window, and choose curtains that reach the floor. Fabric flowing from the ceiling to the floor creates the illusion of infinity. Light materials are best: linen, chiffon, silk. And never divide the window in half with short curtains - this will "cut off" the wall.
The ceiling color is not necessarily white. If you paint it a shade lighter than the walls, the border between them will be blurred. For example, the walls are soft gray, the ceiling is almost white with a gray undertone.
The second option is glossy paint. It reflects light, making the ceiling higher. But be careful: gloss will highlight unevenness.
Mirrors are another way to double the height. A long floor-to-ceiling mirror in the entryway or a vertical mirror panel in the living room will create a deceptive perspective. Avoid small mirrors, as they will fragment the space.
Furniture on legs frees up the floor, opening it to the view. A sofa with high thin legs seems lighter than a massive cabinet one. The same with beds and tables: the more air under them, the higher the ceiling.
Lighting fixtures should "grow" upwards. Spotlights along the walls, hidden lighting along the perimeter of the ceiling, sconces with light directed upwards - all this distracts from the real height. Avoid chandeliers hanging at eye level: they "ground" the space.
The final trick is decor near the ceiling. Cornices, moldings, or even a shelf under the ceiling filled with books or plants direct the eye upward. But don’t overload this area – one element is enough.
Now you know that ceiling height is not a death sentence. These tricks are like heels for your apartment: they add what nature did not give. Try it – and the room will breathe deeply.
Author: Kurchev Anton