Low ceilings? Styling tips to maximise space and increase your property value
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 24 Mar 2025
Decorating a home with low ceilings presents a unique design challenge, but with the right approach, any space can feel open, airy and inviting.
Kellie Richardson, celebrity interior designer, founder of Kurved by Design, and creator of Australia's first online design academy, shares expert insights on how to transform a low-ceiling space into a stylish and spacious retreat.
"A lot of properties including apartments have relatively low ceilings. This can create a feeling of being hemmed in. There are ways from an interior design point of view to overcome this challenge with clever styling," Richardson said.
Strategic use of colour
"The key to creating a sense of height starts with colour selection. Light and neutral tones, such as soft whites, pale greys and pastels, reflect more light and make ceilings feel higher," Richardson said.
"Glossy or satin finishes can enhance this effect by bouncing natural and artificial light around the room, adding to the illusion of vertical expansion. Conversely, dark colours on the ceiling can make a room feel smaller and more enclosed, so they are best avoided in spaces with height constraints."
The power of lighting
"Strategic lighting plays an essential role in maximising space perception. Opting for recessed lighting instead of hanging fixtures keeps the ceiling uncluttered and avoids drawing attention to its low height," Richardson said.
"Vertical wall sconces and upward-facing floor lamps direct light upwards, making ceilings appear taller. Installing LED strip lighting along the edges of the ceiling creates an elegant floating effect, subtly enhancing the feeling of height."
Thoughtful furniture
"Selecting the right furniture and decor is crucial in optimising the sense of space. Low-profile furniture pieces that sit closer to the ground naturally create the illusion of taller walls," Richardson said.
"Sofas and chairs with exposed legs introduce visual openness by allowing more floor space to be visible. Tall, slender bookshelves and vertical decor elements, such as long curtains hung from ceiling to floor, draw the eye upward and elongate the room."
Mirrors and artwork
"Mirrors and reflective surfaces are powerful tools for amplifying space. Placing a large mirror opposite a window maximises natural light while also making a room feel more expansive," Richardson said.
"Glossy finishes on furniture and metallic accents can further enhance brightness and depth, creating a sophisticated and airy atmosphere.
"When hanging wall art, aim for wall art that fills the top half of the wall and hang the art as close to the ceiling as possible to draw the eye upwards."
Architectural tricks
"Architectural tricks can also be employed to enhance vertical perception. Incorporating vertical panelling, wallpaper with subtle vertical stripes or decorative mouldings that extend from the walls to the ceiling helps emphasise height," Richardson said.
"Doorways and windows can be framed with elongated trims to create a sense of grandeur. If possible, installing taller doors or arched entryways contributes to a more spacious ambiance."
Declutter
"Clutter minimisation is another essential aspect of making a space feel larger. Keeping surfaces clean and embracing a minimalist aesthetic prevents rooms from feeling cramped," Richardson said.
"Multi-functional furniture with built-in storage, such as ottomans with hidden compartments or beds with drawers, ensures that practical needs are met without overwhelming the space."
Richardson emphasised that by implementing these expert design strategies, any home with a low ceiling can be transformed into an elegant and inviting environment. With thoughtful colour choices, strategic lighting, smart furniture selection and architectural enhancements, it is possible to create a visually expansive and beautifully styled home that feels anything but confined.
About Kurved by Design
Since 2016, Kurved by Design, founded by Kellie Richardson, has provided Melbourne with a range of home design services. The company umbrella comprises five different companies: interior design, property staging, retail furniture and homewares, property maintenance and its interior design academy. Its vast reach has made it a 'truly one-of-a-kind company. In 2020, Richardson won the global CEO Excellence award in 2020 for 'Best Property Styling and Interior Design Business'.