What Lighting Makes a Room Look Bigger?

Many customers who visit our showroom often ask, “What lighting makes a room look bigger?”

Lighting plays a crucial role in the overall appearance and feel of your home and is an effective design tool that can be used to create a sense of spaciousness, making a room appear larger than it actually is.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of Illumination available and how they can be used to make a room look bigger, as well as things to consider when choosing the right lighting for your spaces.

Using light fixtures to enhance your ceilings

Rooms with high ceilings can be a beautiful feature in a home, but they can also feel a bit overwhelming if not designed properly. They may appear higher and darker if you add too many lights at table level, or more like a school hall if you hang them too close to the ceiling. To fix this, it’s best to use a multi-levelled approach.

Chandeliers, for example, are large and ornate and usually direct light both upwards and downwards, enhancing your ceiling and everything below it.

Pendant lights, designed in a clustered format like the Bolle-Orizzontale by Gallotti & Radice, are also a great way to add visual interest. You can even use more than one if your ceiling is expansive.

Track and strip lighting are useful additions if you would like to highlight features like beams, and recessed lighting will add a softness to the room.

If you have a low ceiling and want it to look higher, make sure that you hang your chandelier or suspension as high as possible and don’t choose a fixture that is too big. Adding plenty of accent lighting will accentuate your walls and add depth to your lighting scheme without bulking up your ceiling. They will also help draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of space.

Choose bright white lights to make a room feel bigger

Bright white lights can make a room look bigger and more open than softer, warmer tones. This is because white light reflects off surfaces, creating a feeling of openness. Additionally, white light can help a room appear cleaner and more modern, as it is often associated with sleek, minimalist design.

On the other hand, warmer tones, such as yellow or orange, draw a room in and will make it seem smaller and more closed off. Although this is not ideal if your room isn’t spacious, they will help to create a cosy and inviting aesthetic, making it perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

It is important to remember that your choice of light colour is a matter of personal preference and will depend on the dimensions of your room and the desired atmosphere you’re looking for.

Wall sconces will help create the appearance of extra space

Wall sconces are a popular lighting option for many homes and businesses. They can be used to add a variety of different effects, depending on their design and placement.

One of the main advantages of wall sconces is that they can help to create the appearance of extra space by casting light up the walls instead of directly onto the floor. This will make a room feel larger and more open because as the light reflects off the walls and ceiling it will add depth and dimension to your aesthetics.

Wall sconces can be used to enhance specific focal points in a room like artwork or architectural features. They can also draw attention to a particular area of a room that you want to highlight. This will not only help to create a sense of drama and interest but will provide additional functionality to your overall lighting scheme.

Mirrors reflect light and make a room feel larger

Mirrors are a wonderful decorating tool that can be used in many different ways to enhance the look and feel of a room, make it appear larger and create interesting visual effects. You can also use them as a main focal point or to reflect key aspects of your décor.

There are several types of mirrors available:

• Wall mirrors: These are an ideal way to both create a focal point and help to make a room look larger. They can be elaborately framed or entirely frameless and come in a variety of styles and sizes.
• Overmantel mirrors: Usually hung above a fireplace, these are useful if you want to bounce natural light in order to create the illusion of extra space.
• Floor mirrors: Often found in bedrooms or dressing rooms, these are large and freestanding, allowing you to lean them against a wall at floor level.
• Vanity mirrors: Found on your vanity or dresser, these are both functional and will help to reflect the natural light coming in from your bedroom window.
• Mirrored furniture: Some furniture items like wardrobes and coffee tables come with mirrored finishes that are useful in reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space.

Whether you're looking to brighten up a small space or add a sense of elegance, mirrors are a great option and will help make your rooms look larger. Place them opposite windows or other light sources to optimise their effectiveness.

Use lamps as opposed to overhead lighting

Using a variety of lamps in your overall design is a great way to take up less visual space in a room.

Overhead lighting can often create a harsh and unflattering light that can be too bright or overwhelming and if your fixtures are too big, they can be obstructive and imposing. Lamps, on the other hand, provide a softer, more ambient tone that can be adjusted to suit the needs of the space.

Available in a wide variety of styles and sizes, both table and floor lamps are popular décor options amongst professional interior designers and help to add depth, height and visual interest to any room.

They can also be easily moved around as needed and have the added benefit of being able to provide task lighting, which can be useful for reading or working. Choose one with sculptural or decorative elements like the Blossom table lamp by Eichholtz to add artistic flair to your ensemble.

At FCI, we have curated a collection of luxury lamps from some of the most prestigious brands in the world, enabling you to choose one that matches your style beautifully.

Shop luxury lighting at FCI London

Lighting is a crucial aspect of design and plays a major role in setting the mood and atmosphere of a space. It can be used to highlight certain features, create a sense of depth, and make your rooms look bigger.

At FCI London, we have a wide range of lighting options available for different purposes and, if you’re in need of some help, our professional team will be able to give you top-notch advice and guide your choices. Get in touch with us today or pop into our showroom for a guided tour.

For more ideas, why not take a look at our spectacular project portfolio? We’ve designed some gorgeous spaces over the past 30 years and are experts in using innovative lighting solutions to enhance your décor choices.