If you wish for extra space, but what you have is only vertical, it can create some unique decorating challenges.
Having high ceilings means a good amount of unused space over the 8-foot mark. It can make a room feel grand, but it can also make the space feel empty. In fact, it could actually look terrible, if not addressed correctly. What’s the solution? Blending the lower and upper areas of the room by drawing the eye upwards. And how exactly do you do that? Let’s get to the details.
Hang Artwork Up High
Artwork looks good, especially those luxe, oversized pieces that normally don’t fit everywhere. High ceilings make room for everything. Could be one statement piece, or a full gallery-style wall that runs the entire height. The key is to coordinate things with the overall decor, and, most importantly, try layouts that lead the eye upwards.
Extend the Window Treatments…
…up to the ceilings. It looks luxurious; that’s one benefit—but it also fills up the empty space. A bonus you’d definitely appreciate in a room with high ceilings. The best part? It works even if you’re living on rent. You don’t necessarily have to expand the window opening; hanging curtains from the ceiling to the floors will do the job, too. Yes, extra fabric is needed, but it’s going to be worth it. Remember, it’s always the details. Even a 5-inch gap between the drapery and the ceiling creates an isolated, empty corner up there 😣
Make a Statement with Chandeliers
Be creative. Choose smartly. Allow home decor essentials to double as hacks for tall ceilings.
A large statement fixture is a great way to connect the upper and lower parts of the room. Where it should be hung really depends on personal preference—but the center (or over the coffee table) is always a good bet. You would want to look for something large (not necessarily heavy in scale, though). A crystal chandelier, for example, or even a sleek pendant with cascading tiers.
Add Interest to the Ceiling
Take advantage of those soaring ceilings—they’re an amazing opportunity to add eye-catchy architectural details. Designers have predicted the trends of 2025 to feature more board and batten-style trim details on the ceiling. It changes the entire ambiance so effortlessly, and transforms that once-cold space into a true work of art ✨
If you’re not that “fancy,” a quick lick of paint on the ceiling (in a color that’s different from the walls) will do the trick. Or, you could opt for a bright hue to add a pop of color!
Or, Color Drench the Room
A different ceiling color might feel “too out-of-the-box” to some. You can color-drench the room, instead. Paint all walls and woodwork in the same hue. And it doesn’t always have to be a bold/bright shade. There are tons of neutral colors trending for the New Year. Pick your favorite—and start decorating.
You could also add wall paneling for added interest. Wainscotting. Shiplap. Picture frame molding. Flat panels. Slat walls. Herringbone panels. There’s so much to choose from.
Create a Feature Wall
An aesthetic idea to unite the two parts of a room. If you have a fireplace, try extending it upwards (with more tile, brick, or whatever the material used). A wood pallet wall is another great idea. But just make sure to hire a professional; DIY-ing a project at cathedral-ceiling heights would be way too dangerous. Our Arizona-based interior designers would love to help.
Choose the Right Furniture
Working on the walls (and the ceiling) is important, of course, but let’s not forget the furniture; it makes a big difference, really. Think of a low-slung sofa vs. a majestic, high-back one. Floating shelves vs. a tall bookshelf. A minimalist bench vs. a statement wingback chair. You see? The scale and proportion matter so much. Equally important is the placement; try strategic furniture arrangements to create spaces that feel intimate despite the tall ceilings.
Maximize Natural Light
Use natural light to your advantage, but it needs to be more than what peeks in from the windows—here’s what you can consider…
- Clerestory windows
- Skylights
- Glass-paneled doors
- Strategically-placed mirrors
- Light-colored flooring
No Need to Cover Every Inch
As much as we want to draw the eyes up, negative space is just as important. If there are 4+ canvases on a wall, you would want to leave the opposite wall empty—especially in living rooms, where one side is occupied by window treatments, and another by the TV/fireplace.
Embrace Layering
Warmth, something we all crave… but something that’s not the easiest to achieve in tall-ceiling rooms. Layering solves the problem. Supersize the drapery. Add more rugs. Toss in throw blankets (and oversized cushions). Include tall potted plants. Basically anything that softens the acoustics of a space—and makes it feel all the more warmer.
Consider Fewer, Bigger Pieces
Talking about shelves, particularly. You might think, “Oh, it’s bigger, I can squeeze in more shelves.” But that actually makes the room feel smaller. Keep in mind, the aim is to emphasize the height, and make it look appealing—not to size it down.
We’d recommend doing more with less, say fewer shelves that are much thicker (they create a statement & serve the purpose, without making it feel as if you’re looking at shutters).
The same applies to accessories. Eye-catchy objects d’art or plants that command attention. You want big things rather than trinkets. Everything will scale up.
Try a Log Fire with Flu
Make a feature out of a log fire (and its flu) to draw the eye upwards. It emphasizes the impressive expanse of the walls, of course, but also adds so much to the aesthetic—a design idea that blends contemporary with vintage. Bonus points if the ceiling has wooden detailing (we love the subtle touch of farmhouse style it adds) 🤍
Go For Bold Wallpaper
A foolproof way to celebrate the grandeur of high ceilings. All-white walls feel sterile in rooms with tall heights. Bold wallpaper fills the missing warmth. Make sure to choose one with big patterns, though. Smaller designs create a hodgepodge when used on high walls.
Use Stripes for Design Illusion
A great choice to either enhance the height, or distract from it. Cool, right?
To elongate the walls, paint a long, vertical stripe in a contrasting shade to the wall color.
To draw the eye downwards, paint a wide, horizontal stripe in a contrasting color.
FAQs
How to make a room with high ceilings cozy?
It’s not complicated, at all. Incorporate the ideas above, and don’t forget to…
- Install a fabric ceiling canopy (if it’s a bedroom)
- Use tiered lighting installation
- Create an indoor balcony effect
- Design a vertical garden
- Opt for draped ceiling lights
- Install a tall aquarium
Final Words
Tall ceilings are a challenge, but let’s not forget how luxurious they look when decorated properly—and if the process feels too overwhelming to you, our Scottsdale-based interior designers have got some secret tips awaiting 😉