It’s a common saying that “the heart desires what it desires,” and in a similar vein, the eye too craves fascination and instinctively gravitates toward intriguing stimuli. In pursuit of this goal, we aim to offer a range of strategies and techniques to guide the eye along captivating journeys, steering it clear of mundane and uninspiring vistas, much like escaping the confines of low ceilings.
Structure
When the depth of a basement excavation falls short of expectations, the prospect of increasing its height may seem challenging, yet it remains within the realm of possibility. Here, we explore two effective methods for transforming those confining low ceilings into more spacious expanses.
- Air Conditioning Ducts: Among the primary culprits responsible for infringing on basement space are the air conditioning duct systems. Fortunately, in certain areas like the bonus room, these ducts can be strategically nestled between the rafters, nearly vanishing from view. From a structural standpoint, this arrangement effectively renders them inconspicuous, which is a favorable outcome;
- Metal Drywall Grid: Conversely, the television area presents a less favorable scenario, with the ducts running perpendicular to the rafters. This configuration is less than ideal and presents a substantial financial obstacle if one were to consider repositioning the ductwork, which would command a significant investment. To maximize the available ceiling height throughout the basement, we opted for a metal grid system instead of traditional wooden framing for the drywall.
This substitution resulted in a noteworthy gain in available headroom, typically ranging from 3 to 5 inches. The cost-effectiveness of using a metal grid over wood may vary depending on your choice of contractor. In our case, this alternative proved to be significantly more budget-friendly.
Ceiling Finishes
When it comes to low ceiling finishes, the ultimate aim is to visually diminish the prominence of the ceiling, almost making it disappear. Here, we’ll delve into some clever tricks and techniques to achieve this effect.
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Unified Paint Color | Select the same color for walls, ceiling, and woodwork for continuity and a seamless look. Add color accents along the walls for visual interest while diverting attention from the ceiling. Painting only the door near the ceiling if woodwork abuts it can balance the overall aesthetic. |
| Crown Molding Consideration | In the pursuit of a ceiling that appears to recede, it’s advisable to forgo the addition of crown molding. Crown molding typically accentuates the meeting point between the ceiling and the wall, which is contrary to our goal of creating a subtle and expansive ceiling appearance. |
| The Power of Semi-Gloss Paint | To enhance the effect of space expansion, opt for semi-gloss paint on various surfaces. This finish has the unique ability to reflect and bounce light, contributing to a brighter and airier ambiance within the room. |
Design Strategies for Enhancing the Perception of Space
When the objective is to divert attention away from a low ceiling, it becomes crucial to engage the eye and maintain its visual journey throughout the space. Here, we explore several effective techniques to achieve this goal while creating an appealing and dynamic atmosphere.
- Dynamic Wall Treatments: A key strategy involves orchestrating a captivating interplay of color and texture along the walls at various heights. By doing so, you create visual interest and intrigue that guides the eye’s movement. This dynamic wall treatment encourages viewers to explore the room in a way that distracts from the limitations of a low ceiling;
- Strategic Furniture Selection: Another valuable trick is to incorporate regular-to-large scale furniture pieces strategically. For instance, consider a commanding wall unit that extends across the room, effectively acting as a visual bridge to the adjacent space. Even if it’s not fully finished, such a piece can draw the eye, leading it seamlessly from one area to another;
- Flooring as a Pathway: Don’t underestimate the power of flooring in shaping the perception of space. Opt for a neutral flooring scheme that extends consistently across multiple rooms. This uniformity acts as a pathway, guiding the eye through the interconnected areas. By visually adjusting the room’s shape, this technique can make the space appear wider rather than longer, effectively diverting attention from the low ceiling.
Versatile Lighting Choices:
Incorporating three distinct fixed lighting fixtures also contributes to the visual elevation of the ceiling.
- Bonus Room: In the bonus room, our lighting fixture is designed to lie flush against the ceiling without any shades, extending gracefully across its expanse. This ingenious placement maximizes precious headspace while the open bulbs serve a dual purpose. They not only create a radiant ambiance but also facilitate light bouncing off the ample surface area covered in semi-gloss paint, almost resembling a mirror effect. This expansive fixture also directs light into the corners, ensuring a well-lit ceiling that further enhances the play of light. We reserve the use of this fixture primarily for nighttime, as its Edison bulbs emit a warm and cozy glow;
- Dining Room: Conversely, the dining room boasts a large, hanging fixture that descends gracefully from the ceiling. My preference leans toward volume and texture, provided that it doesn’t obstruct views or create visual dead spaces. This fixture offers adjustable height, allowing it to adapt effortlessly to the dining room’s layout. The fascinating texture it imparts becomes particularly captivating at night, akin to having captivating wallpaper adorning the walls;
- Recessed Lighting: Throughout the renovated space, we’ve strategically positioned recessed lights approximately every 3 to 4 feet. These versatile lights offer customizable color temperature settings, set at 5000k to emulate the natural daylight spectrum. During daytime hours, they infuse the space with a bright, sunlit atmosphere, almost mimicking the effect of sunshine streaming in. Notably, all the recessed lights are designed to cast their illumination downward, except for three strategically placed along a wall in the bonus room. These lights possess the ability to swivel 360 degrees, and their orientation washes light both up and down the wall. From a lighting perspective, this clever arrangement gives the illusion of windows on the wall, enhancing the room’s visual appeal.
Apologies for the absence of photos; we promise to unveil them in next week’s reveal for a comprehensive visual experience.
Conclusion
In our quest to create height in rooms with low ceilings, we’ve explored a range of strategies and techniques, from cleverly positioning air conditioning ducts to adopting cost-effective metal drywall grids. Our approach to ceiling finishes, including unified paint colors and the use of semi-gloss paint, has effectively minimized the prominence of low ceilings. Additionally, our design strategies, such as dynamic wall treatments, strategic furniture selection, and the use of flooring as a visual pathway, have all contributed to enhancing the perception of space. Versatile lighting choices, from flush fixtures in the bonus room to hanging fixtures in the dining room, have added to the appeal.
Our transformation has demonstrated that with creativity and thoughtful planning, rooms with low ceilings can be turned into captivating and spacious environments, fulfilling the eye’s desire for fascination. Certainly, the blog offers a multitude of ideas, and the suitability of each one for a particular room ultimately hinges on that room’s unique characteristics and intended purpose. The tips we’ve shared here are rooted in our firsthand experience with this specific space, so it’s important to consider this context as you explore the contents of this post.